How do you get rid of raccoons fast?

You hear a thump in the attic or find your trash bins knocked over—classic signs a raccoon has moved in. These clever, curious critters are experts at sneaking into attics, crawlspaces, and sheds in search of food and shelter. Once they’ve made themselves at home, they’re not likely to leave on their own. That’s why it’s important to act quickly and use the right methods to remove them before they cause damage or spread disease.

At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we specialize in fast, humane raccoon removal that gets results. Whether you’re dealing with a single nuisance or a whole family nesting in your attic, our team can identify entry points, safely evict the animals, and seal up your home to keep them from coming back. In this guide, we’ll share expert-backed tips for getting rid of raccoons fast—plus explain when it’s time to call in the pros.

1. Remove What’s Attracting Them

Raccoons are resourceful animals that won’t stick around unless they find something they need. That usually means easy access to food, water, or a cozy place to nest. The fastest way to send them packing is to make your property less appealing. Start by removing or securing anything that might be drawing them in.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common raccoon attractants:

• Unsecured trash bins: Raccoons are notorious for rummaging through garbage. If your trash cans don’t have tight-fitting or locking lids, raccoons will pry them open in search of leftovers, scraps, or even food wrappers.
• Pet food left outside: Feeding dogs or cats on the porch might seem harmless, but raccoons see it as a free dinner invitation. Always bring pet bowls indoors after feeding and avoid leaving any kibble outside overnight.
• Bird seed and suet feeders: Bird feeders often spill seed onto the ground, creating an irresistible snack pile for raccoons. Consider using baffles or placing feeders where raccoons can’t easily access them.
• Fallen fruit and compost piles: If you have fruit trees or an open compost bin, you’ve got a buffet in your backyard. Rake up fallen fruit daily and use a sealed compost container to keep raccoons from digging in.
• Accessible water sources: Raccoons need fresh water just like any other animal. Birdbaths, pet water bowls, kiddie pools, and even leaky outdoor faucets can all attract them. Drain or remove these when not in use.
• Unprotected vegetable gardens: Gardens full of tomatoes, corn, or melons are a raccoon favorite. Without fencing, netting, or protective covers, your garden could become their new feeding ground.
• Open chimneys, attic vents, and crawlspaces: Raccoons don’t just want food—they also want shelter. If your home has open access points, they may move in and start nesting. Secure these areas with hardware cloth or professional-grade barriers.

Need help identifying hidden attractants? AAAC Wildlife Removal can perform a full inspection and give you a clear plan to raccoon-proof your property fast.

2. Scare Them Off With Lights, Sounds, and Motion

Raccoons are nocturnal and skittish by nature, so anything that disrupts their sense of safety can push them to leave quickly. Bright lights, sudden noises, and unexpected movement are all great ways to make your property feel hostile to these unwanted guests. Installing motion-activated floodlights near trash bins, attics, or crawlspaces can be incredibly effective—raccoons don’t like being in the spotlight. Ultrasonic repellents are another solid option, emitting high-pitched frequencies that irritate raccoons without bothering humans or pets.

You can also use radios or noise machines in suspected nesting spots like attics or sheds. Human voices or constant sound can make the area feel too busy for a raccoon to settle in. If you’re dealing with outdoor raccoons, motion-sensing sprinklers work like a charm—nothing ruins a midnight snack run like a surprise spray to the face. Using a mix of these tactics will keep them on edge and less likely to adapt. And if these efforts don’t work fast enough, AAAC Wildlife Removal has the tools and training to safely remove even the most stubborn raccoons.

3. Seal Entry Points to Keep Them Out

Even if you manage to scare raccoons off, they’ll come right back if they’ve already found a cozy spot to hide. That’s why sealing up their access points is one of the most important steps in getting rid of them for good. Start by inspecting your home at dusk or dawn—times when raccoons are most active. Look for signs like bent vents, loose siding, damaged soffits, or holes around your roofline and foundation.

Once you find their potential entryways, seal them up using durable materials like hardware cloth, steel mesh, or sheet metal. Pay special attention to attics, chimneys, crawlspaces, and vents. You’ll also want to install chimney caps and vent covers to prevent future intrusions. Just be sure no animals are trapped inside before closing off these spaces. If you’re not sure, AAAC Wildlife Removal can perform a full home exclusion service, ensuring raccoons are safely removed and all openings are professionally sealed to prevent them from returning.

4. Use Strong Smells to Drive Them Away

Raccoons rely heavily on their sense of smell, which makes strong odors a useful tool for encouraging them to leave. When used strategically near dens or entry points, certain scents can make an area feel unsafe or unpleasant. This method works best when paired with other deterrents, especially if you’re not able to seal up the area right away.

Here are some strong smells that can help repel raccoons:

• Ammonia: Soak old rags or cotton balls in ammonia and place them near suspected raccoon dens or access points. The harsh chemical scent mimics urine and signals danger.
• Vinegar: White vinegar has a sharp, sour odor that raccoons find irritating. Spray it directly around garbage bins, decks, or entry holes.
• Predator urine: Coyote or fox urine (available online or at outdoor stores) can make raccoons think a predator is nearby. Apply it around the perimeter of your yard or known raccoon paths.
• Peppermint oil: The strong minty scent overwhelms their senses. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and leave them in attics, sheds, or near trash bins.
• Garlic and chili pepper spray: A homemade mix of crushed garlic, chili powder, and water can be sprayed around garden beds or decks to deter curious raccoons.

Keep in mind, these smells fade over time—especially after rain—so reapplying every few days is important. If raccoons are still hanging around despite your efforts, AAAC Wildlife Removal can step in with professional-grade solutions that go beyond temporary fixes.

5. Call AAAC Wildlife Removal for Fast, Humane Help

If raccoons aren’t leaving or you’re dealing with a nest full of babies, it’s time to bring in the experts. DIY methods can work for mild cases, but when raccoons get comfortable in attics, chimneys, or crawlspaces, removal becomes trickier—and riskier. These animals can become aggressive when cornered, and handling them without training puts your safety (and theirs) at risk.

At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we specialize in fast, humane raccoon removal tailored to your unique situation. Our team will inspect your property, locate all entry points, and safely remove any raccoons using proven techniques that follow local wildlife laws. We also offer full exclusion services to seal your home and keep them from coming back. If you want lasting peace of mind, let our professionals handle the mess while you relax knowing the job’s done right.

Conclusion

Getting rid of raccoons fast requires more than just a quick fix—it’s about removing what attracts them, making your property uncomfortable, and sealing off every possible entry point. These animals are incredibly smart and adaptable, so if you leave even one weak spot open, they’ll find it. That’s why taking a multi-step approach is the most effective way to protect your home. By combining deterrents, habitat changes, and expert support, you can stop raccoons in their tracks before they become a bigger problem.

While some raccoons may leave on their own once conditions change, others may dig in and cause serious damage to your insulation, wiring, or roofing. The longer they stay, the harder they are to remove. If you’re tired of dealing with noise in the attic or a mess in your yard, it’s time to take action. AAAC Wildlife Removal is equipped with the experience, tools, and humane techniques to handle raccoon issues quickly and permanently, so you can get back to enjoying your home without surprise visitors.

Need Raccoons Gone? Let’s Get to Work

Don’t wait for raccoons to ruin your attic or threaten your pets. Contact AAAC Wildlife Removal today for expert raccoon removal and prevention services you can trust.
📞 Call us now or 📍Schedule your inspection online to take back your home—fast and stress-free.