Raccoon Removal Near Me — New York
Raccoons in your attic, chimney, or under your deck? Wildlife NY's NYS DEC licensed technicians remove them humanely and seal every entry point. Serving all NY regions.
New York's Most Common Wildlife Complaint
Raccoon removal is the single most requested wildlife service in New York. The New York City metro area — including the five boroughs, Long Island, and the Westchester/Rockland suburbs — has one of the densest urban raccoon populations in North America. These highly adaptable animals have learned to exploit residential structures for shelter, using attics, chimneys, and crawlspaces as denning sites year-round.
Every year, thousands of New York homeowners discover raccoons in their attics — often after hearing heavy thumping sounds at night, finding torn soffits or fascia boards, or noticing a strong musky odor from upper floors. The damage raccoons cause is significant, and their presence creates genuine health risks through rabies exposure and raccoon roundworm contamination.
Wildlife NY specializes in raccoon removal across all major New York regions. Our NYS DEC licensed technicians use humane, effective methods that comply with New York State wildlife regulations and get the job done permanently.
Signs You Have Raccoons
Heavy thumping, rolling, or shuffling sounds at night — especially overhead
Raccoon droppings (latrines) near your roof, chimney, or in your attic
Torn soffit boards, bent roof vents, or damaged fascia around the roofline
Persistent musky or ammonia odor from upper floors or attic
Raccoons seen climbing your roof or entering your eaves
Repeatedly overturned or damaged trash cans overnight
Raccoon vs. Bat Sounds in Your Attic
Many homeowners are unsure whether the sounds they hear are raccoons or bats. Here's how to tell the difference:
🦝 Raccoon Sounds
- • Heavy thumping and rolling — clearly large animal weight
- • Shuffling and dragging sounds
- • Chattering, churring, or purring calls
- • Baby raccoon crying sounds (March–June)
- • Most active from dusk through early morning
🦇 Bat Sounds
- • Light scratching or rustling — very small animal
- • High-pitched squeaking or chirping
- • Concentrated near the roofline or behind shutters
- • Chattering sounds from a colony
- • Most active at dusk (emerging) and dawn (returning)
Not sure which animal you have? Call Wildlife NY — we identify the species during our free inspection. Learn about our bat removal service →
Raccoon Removal Across New York
Nassau & Suffolk County
Long Island raccoon pressure is intense year-round. Nassau County sees a massive spike in attic raccoon calls every March through May when pregnant females seek enclosed nesting sites. Suffolk County raccoon populations are expanding into newer suburban developments. Both counties require NYSDEC-permitted removal — we serve all Long Island towns and villages.
Westchester & Rockland County
Westchester County homes — particularly older homes with wood-frame soffits in towns like Scarsdale, Bronxville, White Plains, and Yonkers — experience high rates of raccoon entry. Rockland County sees significant raccoon pressure in Clarkstown, Ramapo, and riverside communities. Rabies in raccoons is actively monitored in both counties.
NYC Boroughs
Urban raccoons in the five boroughs have adapted completely to city life. In The Bronx and Queens, raccoons commonly enter homes through chimneys and damaged roof vents. Brooklyn rowhouses and brownstones are frequent targets. Manhattan raccoons concentrate in neighborhoods bordering Inwood Hill Park, Fort Tryon, and Riverside Park. We serve all five boroughs.
Rabies Risk in New York Raccoons
New York State raccoons carry the most significant rabies risk of any wildlife species in the state. The raccoon rabies variant has been established in New York since the 1990s and is actively monitored by the NYS Department of Health. Key facts for New York homeowners:
- •A raccoon active during daylight hours may not be rabid — but unusual daytime activity combined with disorientation or aggression is a serious warning sign.
- •Any raccoon scratch or bite requires immediate medical evaluation. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is highly effective if started promptly.
- •Pets that have been in contact with a raccoon should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Keep pet vaccinations current.
- •Never attempt to handle a raccoon yourself. Call Wildlife NY — our technicians are trained in safe, licensed raccoon capture.
Raccoon Attic Damage Guide
Raccoons in an attic create a cascade of damage that compounds the longer they remain. Understanding what you're dealing with helps you act quickly:
- •Insulation destruction: Raccoons flatten blown insulation, shred batt insulation for nesting, and saturate everything with urine. Contaminated insulation must be completely removed and replaced — it cannot be cleaned.
- •Electrical wiring: Raccoons routinely chew through plastic wire sheathing. Damaged wiring in attics is a leading cause of house fires — and may not be discovered until significant damage occurs.
- •HVAC ductwork: Flexible ductwork in attics is easily torn open by raccoons. This compromises your home's heating and cooling efficiency and creates entry points for other pests.
- •Raccoon latrines: Raccoons establish communal defecation sites (latrines) in attics. These contain raccoon roundworm eggs that are dangerous to humans. Cleanup requires proper PPE and professional decontamination.
- •Structural damage: Entry points become enlarged over time. Raccoons may damage soffit boards, roof decking, and chimney caps to maintain and expand their access.
Our Raccoon Removal Process
Free Inspection
Full exterior and attic inspection. We confirm raccoon presence, locate all entry points, and assess damage.
Humane Removal
Live trapping or one-way exclusion. During March–May, babies are carefully handled and reunited with mother.
Entry Sealing
Every entry point permanently sealed with heavy-gauge steel and chew-resistant materials. Guaranteed.
Restoration
Contaminated insulation removed, attic decontaminated, fresh insulation installed, wiring assessed.
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Raccoon Removal Near Me — FAQ
Raccoons Near You? We're Near You Too.
NYS DEC licensed raccoon removal across all of New York. Same-day inspections available. Guaranteed entry point sealing.