Raccoon removal by exclusion and repair

Weight and timing. Raccoons sound heavy, thumping and walking rather than scurrying, and they are most active just after dark and before dawn. You may also find torn roof vents, lifted shingles or flashing, or a damaged soffit where they forced their way in.

Yes. In Southern California, females look for denning sites in late winter and spring and raise kits in attics and chimneys through early summer. Removing the mother without the kits leaves young that die in the attic or a frantic mother tearing back in, so every spring job starts by checking for a litter.

They can be. Raccoons use the same spots as latrines, and their droppings can carry roundworm eggs that are harmful to people if disturbed and inhaled or ingested. Latrines in attics, on roofs or decks should be cleaned with protective equipment, not swept up by hand.

They are digging for grubs and other insects in the turf, usually at night. Treating the lawn for grubs takes away the food, and securing trash, pet food and koi ponds removes the other reasons they visit.

California rules generally do not allow trapped wildlife to be moved and released elsewhere, which is why exclusion, letting the animal leave on its own and closing the way back in, is the standard approach around homes. One-way doors let the raccoon leave on its own, then the entry is sealed so it cannot return.