Are raccoons dangerous to have in my home?

Yes. While raccoons are not naturally aggressive, they become unpredictable when nesting inside homes. They can carry rabies, roundworm, and other diseases, cause significant structural damage, and pose serious risks if cornered—especially mothers protecting young.

Why do raccoons choose attics and homes?

Homes provide warmth, safety from predators, and ideal nesting locations. Attics closely mimic hollow trees, making them especially attractive for raising young, particularly during spring and early summer.

Can raccoons cause structural damage?

Absolutely. Raccoons commonly tear shingles, soffits, vents, roof decking, insulation, and wiring. Their weight and strength often result in costly damage that worsens the longer they remain inside.

Is raccoon removal regulated or illegal?

In many states, raccoon removal is regulated by wildlife laws. Improper handling, relocation, or removal methods can violate regulations and lead to fines or legal issues. Professional removal ensures compliance with all local wildlife laws.

Why shouldn’t I remove raccoons myself?

DIY attempts often fail and can make the situation worse. Raccoons are intelligent, persistent, and capable of re-entering homes if exclusion is done incorrectly. Improper removal frequently leads to repeat infestations or injured animals trapped inside.

What happens if baby raccoons are present?

If young are inside, removal must be done carefully and humanely. Removing adults without addressing babies can result in trapped young, strong odors, property damage, and aggressive behavior from returning mothers.

How do professionals remove raccoons safely?

Professionals use a structured exclusion process: identifying all entry points, safely removing animals, installing one-way exit systems when appropriate, and permanently sealing vulnerabilities to prevent re-entry.

Will raccoons come back after removal?

They will if entry points are not properly sealed. Effective removal isn’t just about getting animals out—it’s about preventing future access through reinforced, wildlife-grade repairs.

Do raccoons leave health risks behind?

Yes. Raccoon droppings, urine, and nesting materials can contaminate insulation and surfaces, introducing parasites and airborne pathogens. Professional remediation helps reduce long-term health risks inside the home.

When should I call a professional for raccoon removal?

As soon as signs appear noises, damage, droppings, or sightings. Early intervention limits damage, reduces risk, and prevents the infestation from escalating into a more expensive problem.

ChatGPT Image Jan 7, 2026, 10_42_53 AM_edited.jpg

RACCOON REMOVAL SIMPLIFIED.

Permanent Wildlife Solutions — Humane, Ethical, Effective

CALL TODAY

Trusted by Hundreds of Pennsylvania Homeowners

Google Rated

4.9 Stars

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

SHIELDS GUARANTEE

LICENSED & INSURED

Premium work, with permanent solutions. Work that matters.

Permanent solutions backed by workmanship you can trust.

Local experts delivering permanent wildlife solutions with care.

Trusted by homeowners across Pennsylvania. Proven results that last.

Permanent Wildlife Solutions — Humane, Ethical, Effective

Trust by Hundreds of Pennsylvania Homeowners

Google Rated

4.9 Stars

SHIELDS GUARANTEE

LICENSED & INSURED

Premium work, with permanent solutions. Work that matters.

Permanent solutions backed by workmanship you can trust.

Local experts delivering permanent wildlife solutions with care.

Trusted by homeowners across Pennsylvania. Proven results that last.

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Questions Homeowners Ask About Raccoons

Raccoon Removal FAQs

WHY CHOOSE US?

REQUEST SERVICE

Shields Guarantee

Locally Owned & Opperated

Licensed & Insured

We’re Like a Superhero Shield — But for Your House.

4.9 Stars. Hundreds of Homes Protected. One Trusted Name.

Certified Experts. Fully Insured. Protection You Can Trust.

Speaking of a Shield for your house, our guarantee means you’re covered.

Born Here. Built Here. Protecting What’s Here.

Google Rated

4.9 Stars

RACCOON REMOVAL WHAT YOU MUST KNOW

Why Professional Exclusion Matters

ChatGPT Image Dec 27, 2025, 06_23_49 PM.png

Raccoon Removal:

What Homeowners Must Know.

Before taking action, it’s important to understand raccoon behavior, why infestations happen, and what protects your home long-term.

Are Raccoons Dangerous?

Why Raccoon Removal Is Specialized

Why DIY Raccoon Removal Fails

Raccoons can pose serious risks when living in or around homes. They are one of the primary carriers of rabies in the U.S. and frequently carry raccoon roundworm, which can be transmitted to humans through contaminated insulation, attic surfaces, or droppings. Raccoons cause significant structural damage by tearing soffits, roof returns, vents, and insulation. When trapped or protecting young, they can become aggressive and bite or scratch. Left untreated, raccoon activity escalates quickly and creates major health and property concerns.

Every raccoon situation is different. Proper removal requires identifying entry points, assessing damage, and implementing a long-term exclusion plan.

Schedule a Raccoon Inspection

Raccoon removal is regulated because improper handling can cause unnecessary suffering, violate wildlife laws, and create dangerous outcomes for homeowners. Many states regulate trapping methods, relocation practices, and humane handling requirements. Removing raccoons without addressing entry points often leads to orphaned young, aggressive behavior, or repeat infestations. Legal removal focuses on humane eviction, proper exclusion timing, and preventing re-entry. Incorrect removal methods can result in fines, and property damage.

DIY raccoon removal frequently fails because raccoons are intelligent, persistent, and extremely destructive when stressed. Blocking entry points without removing animals traps them inside, leading to severe interior damage, odors, and emergency situations. Store-bought traps and repellents rarely solve the problem and often cause raccoons to relocate within the structure. DIY attempts also fail to identify all access points, allowing new raccoons to re-enter. These mistakes typically make the problem more expensive and difficult to correct later.

Legal, humane raccoon exclusion

Permanent entry-point sealing

Attic remediation options avaliable

Protection From Health Risks

CALL TODAY

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY.

Trusted, Proven, Permanent Results

ChatGPT Image Jul 29, 2025, 03_13_10 PM.png

ChatGPT Image Jul 29, 2025, 03_25_22 PM.png

Jim came to our house as scheduled. Prompt, courteous, clean cut, very business oriented. Respectful when discussing our concerns. He explained the steps he would be taking to resolve our issues. Went about his business. Came to door upon completion. Yard and drive were clean upon completion of the job. We are extremely pleased we hired this company to address our concerns. We will definitely look to them again in the future for any work they can do for us. I would give them a 10. You can't find a better company to help you and at a great price. Thank you.

I had a fantastic experience with Shields! They were fast to answer my initial call and maintained excellent communication throughout the time I worked with them. Jim was very knowledgeable — he diagnosed and resolved my squirrel problem quickly and efficiently, and for a reasonable price. The whole team was both professional and friendly. Couldn’t ask for anything more and highly recommend working with Shields for any wildlife removal needs!

We called Shields Wildlife Removal for a quote for bee removal and replacement of siding on a 3 story apartment building. We okayed the contract on a Thursday and the job was complete within one week. Jim Martin and Colton Pasquale worked from early morning till the sun went down every day. They were very courteous with us and our tenants. We have already had people saying what a difference it made to the building before they were even finished. Jim and Colton did great work. Thank you very much.

SEE GALLERY

Let us earn your trust.

- Michelle D.
Pittsburgh, Pa

- Stephen S.
Greensburg, Pa

- Brenda S.
Latrobe, Pa

GOOGLE REVIEWS

5 STAR

INSPECTION TO PROTECTION.

SCHEDULE MY INSPECTION

EXPERIENCE THE SHIELD

Permanent wildlife exclusion. Built to protect your home with unmatched craftsmanship - and backed by the Shields Guarrantee.

Licensed & Insured

Shields Guarantee

Locally Owned & Operated

Google Rated

4.9 Stars

HOW IT WORKS.

From Inspection to Protection. We Make it Simple, Just Like We Promised.

EXCLUSION & REPAIR

WILDLIFE REMOVAL

We seal entry points, secure your home and give it back to you

HOME INSPECTION

FOLLOW-UP CALL

Wildlife removal professional humane, ethical, effective

Careful Inspection, so we can craft a custom Shield

Our Shield's Guarantee, is your piece of mind

REQUEST SERVICE

SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE A RACCOON PROBLEM

Speak With a Raccoon Specialist

Think You Have Raccoons?

Here's what to know.

Odors & Smell

Large droppings, torn insulation, scattered debris, or damaged attic materials.

Urine or musky odors caused by accumulated waste and nesting in materials.

Soft Ball sized holes, in fascia, soffit, and rooflines caused by raccoon entry.

Seeing raccoons climbing roofs, entering the home at dusk repeatedly.

Chewed wood, bent vents, torn roof returns, damaged soffits, or entry points.

Dark rub marks around rooflines, vents, or entry points from repeated use.

Raccoons are highly destructive and must be handled through proper removal and full exclusion, not quick fixes or patchwork repairs. Mistakes can lead to repeat infestations, structural damage, health risks, and costly repairs to your home.

Licensed & Insured

Humane Raccoon Exclusion

Long-term Exclusion

Why Raccoons Choose Your Home

Warm, Stable Temperture

Easy Roof Access

Weak Points In Soffits & Vents

Food Availability Nearby

Visual Sightings

Scratching & Damage

Staining & Marks

Exterior Entry Points

Droppings & Debris