What does raccoon removal cost?
Raccoon removal typically costs $400–$1,500 depending on whether you need trapping only, full exclusion (sealing entry points), or attic cleanup after the animal has been living there. Trapping alone without exclusion is a waste of money — another raccoon will find the same opening within weeks.
Spring jobs with a nursing female are harder: juveniles have to be removed by hand before the mother is trapped, which adds time and cost. Tell the company upfront if it's likely a female with young — it changes the approach.
What drives the price
Inspection
$150–$350How to tellRequired before any work starts — tech locates entry points, checks attic for damage and nesting, confirms species
The fixOne-time visit; cost typically credited toward the job if you hire
Trapping + removal only
$300–$600How to tellSingle raccoon, no confirmed attic access, outdoor nuisance (garden, garbage, deck)
The fixLive trap set, checked daily, animal removed and relocated per state law
Trapping + exclusion
$600–$1,200How to tellRaccoon has confirmed entry into attic, crawl space, or soffit — the typical full-service job
The fixTrapping first, then all entry points sealed with heavy-gauge wire mesh or sheet metal after animal is out
Nursing female with young (spring)
$800–$1,500How to tellThumping/churring sounds in attic in March–June; female rarely leaves during daylight
The fixJuveniles must be located and hand-removed first, then female trapped — more labor, no shortcuts
Attic cleanup and insulation restoration
$1,000–$5,000+How to tellRaccoon has been in attic for weeks or months — droppings, urine saturation, torn insulation
The fixContaminated insulation removed, attic disinfected (Baylisascaris roundworm risk), insulation replaced
Before you call anyone
- Walk your roofline from the ground with binoculars at dusk — raccoons almost always enter through a specific damaged soffit, rotted fascia board, or uncapped chimney. Knowing the entry point helps you get an accurate quote faster.
- Check your attic with a flashlight for fresh droppings (dark, tubular, 2–3 inches long) and matted insulation — this tells you whether it's a day-old problem or a weeks-long occupation.
- Do NOT seal the entry point yourself before the animal is out. A raccoon sealed inside will destroy far more of your attic trying to escape, and a nursing female separated from her young will cause extreme damage.
- Note whether sounds are louder at night or during the day — raccoons are nocturnal. Daytime thumping usually means a female with young who is staying put.
Unlock the hiring checklist
Use this before you call a wildlife control, so you know what to ask and what to avoid.
Call a pro when…
- You can hear movement in the attic, walls, or soffit — confirmed interior access means exclusion is required, not just trapping
- It's spring and the sounds suggest a female with young — this requires a licensed wildlife tech, not a DIY trap
- You see raccoon droppings in the attic — Baylisascaris roundworm in raccoon feces is a serious health hazard; don't disturb it without proper PPE
- The raccoon has been inside more than a few days — the longer it stays, the more attic remediation you'll need
- Your homeowner's insurance adjuster asks for documentation — a licensed wildlife company provides this; unlicensed trappers don't
Trapping only vs. full exclusion
A trap-only service ($300–$600) removes the animal but leaves the entry point open. A new raccoon — or the same one if relocation distance is too short — can return within days. Full trapping + exclusion ($600–$1,200) is the permanent fix. If the raccoon has been in the attic long enough to contaminate insulation, budget for remediation on top of exclusion — damaged insulation loses R-value and the biological contamination is a real health risk. Wildlife damage is typically not covered by homeowners insurance, though some policies cover secondary damage (roof structure, wiring). Worth a call to your insurer before you pay out of pocket.
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Related questions
How much does raccoon removal cost on average?
Most homeowners pay $400–$900 for a standard job: inspection, trapping, and sealing the entry point. Jobs involving a nursing female with young, multiple entry points, or attic remediation run $1,000–$1,500 or more.
Does homeowners insurance cover raccoon removal?
Rarely. Most policies exclude pest and wildlife removal as a maintenance issue. However, if a raccoon caused structural damage (chewed wiring, damaged roof decking), that secondary damage may be covered under your dwelling coverage. Call your insurer before paying for remediation.
Can I trap a raccoon myself?
In most states, you can trap a nuisance raccoon on your own property with a live trap, but relocation rules vary — many states require a licensed wildlife rehabilitator to accept the animal, and releasing it more than a mile away is often illegal. More importantly, if the raccoon has accessed your attic, DIY trapping without professional exclusion almost guarantees the problem returns.
How do I know if a raccoon has been in my attic long enough to need cleanup?
Any visible accumulation of droppings, urine staining on insulation, or a strong ammonia smell means cleanup is warranted. Raccoon latrines (they tend to use one spot repeatedly) concentrate Baylisascaris roundworm eggs, which are not killed by typical disinfectants — professional remediation with HEPA vacuuming and enzyme treatment is the right call.