How much does raccoon removal cost?
How much does raccoon removal cost?
$200 – $300 average cost to remove one raccoon
$300 – $750 average cost to remove a raccoon nest
Raccoon removal cost
Raccoon removal costs $200 to $300 to remove one raccoon, depending on the location and removal method. Manual raccoon nest removal prices are $300 to $750. A raccoon inspection costs $80 to $150. Removal of raccoons in an attic costs $1,000 to $3,500 for trapping, sealing, and disinfecting.
| National average cost | $250 |
| Minimum cost | $150 |
| Maximum cost | $3,500 |
| Average range | $200 to $300 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Raccoons in attic removal cost
Removing raccoons from the attic $1,000 to $3,500, including a week of trap monitoring, sealing up all entry points, and disinfecting the attic afterward. This fee includes multiple exclusion barriers around vents and chimneys, important to stop animals from returning later.
Removing a raccoon from your yard is easier and cheaper, costing costs $200 to $300. Removing a single raccoon in the attic that hasn't done much damage costs $350 to $500 for trapping it.
| Location | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Yard | $200 – $300 |
| Attic | $350 – $3,500 |
| Roof | $350 – $700 |
| Chimney | $900 – $1,200 |
Raccoon removal costs by method
Prices for raccoon removal vary according to the method and how many animals the specialist must handle. All the fees below apply to humane removals as poisoning raccoons is illegal in many states and has health risks for pets and homeowners.
| Removal method | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Trap and release | $200 – $300 |
| Manual removal of 1 animal | $150 – $250 |
| Manual removal of raccoon nest | $300 – $750 |
Cost to trap raccoons and relocate
The cost to trap a raccoon and relocate it into the wild is $200 to $300 on average. Each additional raccoon trapped and released will add $100 to $150 to the total fee. This live-trap method is the most humane and easiest way to catch raccoons.
Prices are cheapest for trapping raccoons outside the home and increase for catching them inside a house due to extra fees for cleanup and repairs.
Manual raccoon removal method
Manually removing raccoons will cost $150 to $250 for one raccoon caught using a snare-catch pole and netting inside the home. Manual removal of a raccoon mother and her nest of offspring costs $300 to $750 for the extra labor and sealing off exits.
This method is the least common approach that typically only applies to catching young raccoons who are too dependent on their mother to go after bait inside a trap.
Raccoon exterminator cost factors
Cost factors for raccoon removal may include the following:
Inspection – An initial inspection by a raccoon exterminator costs $80 to $150, and some companies offer a free inspection if you hire them for the removal. An expert finds all points of entry used by the raccoons to plan the most effective removal method.
Animal-proof vents – Installation of a pest-proof vent costs $300 to $450 each.
Infestation size – The cost of removing a single raccoon is cheaper than removing an entire group, which is more complex and requires multiple visits.
Location – Moving raccoons from hard-to-reach areas like upper stories increase labor costs.
Service area – Most pest removal companies offer flat rates for work within their county, and driving longer distances will have extra fees.
Frequency of live removals – Most live removals cost $85 to $125 per animal to release them 10+ miles away, depending on if you bought the trap or rented it. Continual or large raccoon infestations that demand ongoing monitoring with multiple traps will increase expenses.
Raccoon species – Certain species like the Northern raccoon often require more comprehensive efforts since they are larger, increasing overall costs.
Disposal of dead raccoons – Dead raccoon removal costs $150 to $350, depending on the accessibility of the body and the level of cleanup required.
Cleanup – Raccoon cleanup costs $300 to $500 for sanitizing an area of 100 square feet by removing nests, damaged insulation, debris, and raccoon feces.
Exclusion Barriers – Installing exclusion barriers costs $10 to $25 per linear foot or $20 to $60 per opening to prevent future infestations with a one-way exit of metal mesh. The total cost depends on the property size and barrier complexity.
Emergency service – Weekend, holiday, and after-hours services cost $150 to $250 extra or up to twice the standard minimum fees.
Raccoon damage repairs
Raccoons often cause significant damage resulting in expensive repair costs. These animals tear up roofing materials, attic insulation, and wiring. Prices vary based on the extent of the damage and local contractor rates.
Removing and replacing attic insulation costs $2 to $6 per square foot.
New electrical wiring costs $4 to $9 per square foot.
Chimney repair costs $200 to $700.
Ceiling repair costs $200 to $500.
Roof repair costs $150 to $1,000 for minor repairs.
Drywall repair costs of $200 to $750.
Replacing the drip edge costs $5 to $9 per linear foot.
Replacing ductwork costs $25 to $55 per linear foot.
Crawl space cleaning and repair costs $1,500 to $15,000.
Siding repair costs $2 to $14 per square foot.
Soffit and fascia replacement costs $9 to $34 per linear foot after raccoons chew holes in them or break in through any rotted boards.
Related services
Wildlife removal costs $200 to $600 for most jobs, depending on the animal species, how large it is, the location of the infestation, and the number of creatures there.
Common services and removal tips include:
Groundhog removal costs $150 to $300. Use the same live traps up to 32" long to catch both groundhogs and raccoons. Place traps near the same underground holes since both raccoons and groundhogs like burrows.
Squirrel removal costs $300 to $600. Squirrels like to store nuts in old raccoon nests, so be sure to completely eliminate all home entry points to block them out.
Bat removal costs $250 to $600. Bats can also infest an attic or chimney right after a raccoon removal if you don't install exclusion doors or screens.
Raccoon removal FAQs
How do I know if I have raccoons?
You'll know that you have a raccoon infestation if you see these signs:
Small hand-like paw prints
Raccoon fur around holes leading into your home
Holes in the yards where they dig for insects and damage gardens
Overturned trash
Night noises in the attic
Raccoon feces near food sources
Flattened or shredded insulation in the attic
Why do I need to remove raccoons?
You need to remove raccoons because they create safety risks like property damage to electrical lines, ceilings, and insulation. Raccoons also transmit many diseases like rabies to humans and pets if they bite you.
How do I remove raccoons?
The most common way to remove raccoons is by buying a trap for around $50 to $100, setting it with bait inside, and releasing the animal several miles away. Hiring a professional is the safest way to handle them.
Alternatively, DIY ways to make raccoons leave include:
Use bicycle strobe lights, flood lights, and continuous sounds like a radio to disrupt their ability to sleep and nest.
Spread garlic, cayenne chili pepper powder, or vinegar around their burrow to create a homemade repellent.
Apply natural pest repellants like coyote urine from gardening stores around their burrow to scare them away.
Plant cucumbers and peppermint to keep them out of your garden.
Seal off all entry points into your home.
Block their access to water sources and trash cans.
How long does it take to get rid of raccoons?
Getting rid of raccoons takes 1 to 3 days per animal or one week for removing a nest with many animals. The time depends on the number of raccoons and where they hide. Professionals can trap a single male overnight, but catching a mother with four babies takes longer.
Using multiple traps with one-way exclusion doors will expedite the process.
Does homeowners insurance cover raccoon removal?
Homeowners insurance typically does not cover raccoon removal in cases where the damage was preventable. A raccoon infestation in your home typically occurs because of a lack of home maintenance to keep the building sealed.
However, insurance can help cover some of the repair costs for a new roof or attic repairs if you have additional dwelling or attached structures coverage. Ask your insurance agent for full coverage details.
Who do I call for raccoon removal?
Call the following people for raccoon removal:
Professional trappers
Exterminators
Getting raccoon removal service estimates
Before hiring a raccoon or raccoon removal service near you, be sure to:
Get price lists from 3 people who've done this job for 5 years or more.
Check their reviews on Google and here on HomeGuide.
Verify their pest control or wildlife management license and liability insurance.
Beware of the lowest prices that are often for poor-quality services.
Keep a copy of their terms of service, warranties, and the estimate.
Don't make a final payment until after the job is complete.
Questions to ask
Ask these questions when hiring a raccoon removal service:
How many years of experience do you have in raccoon removal?
What's the best way to remove my raccoons and stop them from returning?
Do you check my entire property for raccoon nests?
Will you handle the removal humanely, or does the state require lethal disposal?
Do you offer any guarantees or warranties?
Can you provide me with a copy of your price list with various removal options?
How long does it take to completely evict a raccoon family?
When can you begin, and how frequently will you inspect the traps?
Can you provide references from previous clients?
What are the potential risks involved in this process?
Do you offer cleanup services after the removal?
What options do you provide to secure entry points to prevent future invasions?
How will you safeguard my property during this process?
Are there any additional services included in the quoted fee?