Raccoons are highly intelligent and adaptable animals, which is why they often find their way into attics, crawl spaces, and garages. While they may seem harmless from a distance, raccoons inside your home can cause extensive damage and pose serious health risks. Understanding the dangers of a raccoon infestation can help you take action before the problem worsens.

How Raccoons Get Inside Your Home

Raccoons are strong climbers and skilled problem solvers. They commonly enter homes through damaged roof vents, loose soffits, chimneys, or small gaps near the roofline. Once inside, they often tear insulation apart to create nesting areas, especially during colder months when they are seeking warmth and shelter.

Signs You May Have a Raccoon Problem

Raccoon activity is usually noticeable due to their size and behavior. Common warning signs include:

• Loud thumping or heavy footsteps in the attic, especially at night
• Torn insulation or scattered debris
• Strong odors caused by urine or droppings
• Visible damage to vents, shingles, or fascia boards

If these signs are ignored, raccoons may continue to return and expand their nesting areas.

Health and Safety Risks Associated with Raccoons

Raccoons can carry a number of diseases that pose risks to humans and pets. Raccoon roundworm, leptospirosis, and rabies are among the most concerning. Their droppings and urine can contaminate insulation and air quality, creating unsafe living conditions inside your home.

In addition to health risks, raccoons often cause structural damage by ripping apart wood, chewing wiring, and enlarging entry points. This damage can lead to costly repairs if not addressed quickly.

Why DIY Raccoon Removal Often Makes Things Worse

Attempting to remove raccoons on your own can be dangerous. Trapping or blocking access points without proper knowledge may trap young raccoons inside, leading to odor problems and further damage. Raccoons may also become aggressive when cornered, increasing the risk of injury.

Professional wildlife removal ensures that raccoons are removed humanely and that all entry points are properly repaired and secured to prevent future infestations.

Professional Raccoon Removal in South Carolina and North Carolina

At Palmetto Wildlife Extractors, we specialize in safe and effective raccoon removal throughout South Carolina and North Carolina. Our process includes a thorough inspection, humane trapping and removal, cleanup of contaminated areas, and exclusion services to keep wildlife from returning.

If you suspect raccoons have entered your home, contact Palmetto Wildlife Extractors today at 855-465-1088 or email office@palmettowildlife.com to schedule an inspection.

For additional information on raccoon-related health risks, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.