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If you’re hearing heavy thumping in the attic, finding toppled trash cans, or smelling a strong odor near the chimney or crawlspace, a raccoon may have moved in. Raccoons are smart, strong, and persistent—so DIY attempts often make the problem worse.
We provide statewide raccoon removal in Virginia, including attic raccoon removal, chimney raccoon removal, baby raccoon removal, cleanup, and exclusion repairs so they don’t come back.
Why Raccoon Calls Have Changed (And Why People Still Need Help)
Many homeowners now search for symptoms instead of the word “raccoon,” like:
- “Thumping in attic at night”
- “Raccoon in chimney”
- “Scratching in ceiling”
- “Animal droppings in attic”
- “Trash can keeps getting knocked over”
If you found this page because of noises or damage, you’re in the right place—we handle the full process: remove → clean → repair → prevent. You can also contact us for help.
Signs You May Have a Raccoon in the Attic, Chimney, or Crawlspace
Common signs include:
- Loud “walking” or thumping (often at night)
- Scratching and movement near soffits, vents, or rooflines
- Damage around attic vents, gable vents, or roof returns
- Chimney noises (especially in spring—often a mother with babies)
- Tipped trash cans or scattered garbage
- Strong odor, stained insulation, or droppings in attic/crawlspace
If you are dealing with a raccoon overhead right now, read our Raccoon in the Attic in Virginia: What to Do (and What NOT to Do) post.
The Biggest Problems Raccoons Cause
Attic and structural damage
Raccoons can:
- Tear and crush insulation
- Damage ductwork and HVAC flex lines
- Pull apart vents and weak roofline areas
- Create stains on ceilings from urine/soiled insulation
If attic materials are badly damaged, you may also need attic insulation removal and replacement after the raccoons are removed.
Health and contamination concerns
Raccoon droppings can contain parasites (including raccoon roundworm) and should be handled carefully—especially in attics, crawlspaces, and near living areas. If cleanup is needed, we can advise on safe next steps or provide cleanup service.
Repeat infestations
If entry points aren’t repaired correctly, raccoons often return—especially if a den site is established. Long-term prevention usually requires animal exclusion and repair work.
Raccoon Babies in the Attic or Chimney
A very common scenario is a mother raccoon choosing an attic or chimney as a nursery site. In these cases:
- Babies often must be located and removed carefully
- The mother must be removed and prevented from re-entering
- The entry point must be repaired and reinforced
This is one of the top reasons DIY removal fails—people seal too early, leaving animals trapped inside.
Our Raccoon Removal Process
1) Inspection and identification
We confirm the animal, locate entry points, and identify den/nursery areas.
2) Safe removal and trapping
We use professional, humane methods to remove the raccoon(s) safely.
3) Cleanup guidance and options
If droppings, nesting, or contaminated insulation are present, we provide cleanup guidance and can discuss restoration and attic cleanup options. In some cases, that may include attic insulation removal and replacement.
4) Exclusion and repairs (the long-term fix)
We seal and reinforce entry points using animal-resistant materials to prevent repeat problems. This is often part of a larger Virginia animal exclusion service plan.
DIY Trapping Warning (Common Mistakes)
We understand the temptation to buy a cage trap—especially when you just want the problem gone. But with raccoons, DIY often leads to:
- Injuries (raccoons can be aggressive when cornered)
- Trapping the wrong animal
- Separating a mother from babies (creating odor/cleanup problems)
- Repeat entry because the structure wasn’t sealed correctly
Also, Virginia regulations can restrict what a homeowner can do with captured wildlife. If you’re unsure, call us first.
How to Reduce Raccoon Activity Around Your Home
These steps can help reduce attractants:
- Secure trash can lids (locking lids or straps)
- Don’t leave pet food outside overnight
- Remove fallen fruit and clean grill grease
- Bring bird feeders in if raccoons are visiting
- Trim branches away from roof access points
- Repair vent screens and weak soffit areas early
For attic-specific homeowner guidance, see our How To Get Raccoons Out of Your Attic in Virginia page.
FAQ: Raccoon Removal in Virginia
Many homeowners describe it as heavy walking, loud thumps, or “someone moving around up there,” usually at night.
Not always. While unusual behavior can be a warning sign, daytime sightings alone aren’t proof of rabies. If an animal is stumbling, unusually aggressive, or acting disoriented, keep distance and call for help.
The right approach depends on whether babies are present, where entry points are, and how the attic is being used. Removal plus exclusion repairs is the long-term solution.
Yes. We can provide safe cleanup options or guidance depending on the situation.
Yes. We provide raccoon removal and control statewide in Virginia.
Service Area: Statewide Virginia
We provide raccoon trapping, removal, cleanup guidance, and exclusion across the Central Virginia, Northern Virginia, Tidewater / Hampton Roads, and the Shenandoah Valley / Southwest Virginia regions.
For the full list of the cities, counties and towns where we provide service, visit:
If you don’t see your city listed, contact us—we often serve nearby areas and can confirm availability quickly.
Contact Us for Raccoon Removal in Virginia
Please complete our simple contact form below:
Call (804) 729-0046 or toll-free (888) 824-7383