News stories tend to focus on the horrors of bedbugs and termites, telling us our homes are filled with bugs. But countless homeowners deal with house pests of the furry variety. And while we can treat ants with special sprays and get our homes fumigated to kill termites, the furry pests can be tricky.

Raccoons, for example, can have homeowners feeling panicked and helpless. Whether you’re dealing with a raccoon intruder now, have in the past, or think it may happen soon, you know how overwhelming it can be. To learn more about how to handle the situation, read on for our tips on what to do when there is a raccoon in a house.

How to Get Rid of a Raccoon in a House That Entered by Accident

If you think the raccoon has recently wandered into your home by mistake, it should be simple to get them out. Open the door to the space where they are – like the basement or attic – and a door to the outside, and herd them outside. The raccoon will likely want to escape and will be afraid of you, so they should run out.

If the raccoon ends up hiding behind a toilet, in a closet, or somewhere else like this, you may have to call a wildlife removal company. You don’t want to risk harassing or antagonizing the raccoon. A professional with a special license can come to trap and release the animal.

What to Do When There’s Raccoon Living Inside the Walls, Roof, or Attic

These types of situations can be especially frustrating. You may hear the raccoon scratching at night or hear it scurrying across your attic. You’re not sure how it got in, but you know you want it out.

This definitely requires professional rodent trapping and removal services. A wildlife removal expert will know how to get the raccoon out and make sure that any young they may have had are out, too. Raccoons looking to invade a home usually enter through torn open soffit, vent holes, open walls, or even pet doors, so you may also need some home repairs.

How to React If You Come Face to Face with a Raccoon in Your Home

This situation is rarer, but you should know how to react. First, immediately remove any pets and children from the area. While raccoons aren’t known to attack unprovoked, they may lash out in fear.

Next, be sure to contain the animal to an area until you’re ready to get it out. Create an open pathway out, and turn off the lights and try to shoo the raccoon out. A trail of food may help, but if you can’t get the raccoon out on your own or you don’t feel safe trying, go ahead and call an animal removal specialist.

Learn More About Rodent Removal and Get a Free Estimate

Knowing how to get rid of a raccoon in a house is helpful, but in most cases, you’ll need professional help. Contact us today for a free estimate for our expert raccoon removal solutions. We also offer professional services for getting rid of rats, bees, and other rodents and pests.