Raccoons in the Attic on Long Island: Humane Removal Guide
Raccoons love Long Island attics — they're warm, dry, predator-free, and perfect for raising kits. Here's how to know if you have them, why DIY usually fails, and how humane removal works.
Signs of Raccoons in the Attic
- Heavy thumping or scratching at night, especially at dawn and dusk
- Vocalizations from kits (chittering, growling)
- Damaged soffit edges or torn shingles near the eaves
- Tracks or droppings near roof edges
- Strong urine or musk odor
Why DIY Removal Usually Fails
- Mother raccoons defend their kits aggressively
- Separating mother and kits is illegal in New York and inhumane
- Trapping without a plan leaves kits to die in the attic
- Most homeowners can't safely access the entry point
How Professional Removal Works
- Inspection: Locate the entry point, the den, and any kits
- Humane removal: One-way exclusion device or hand removal of kits with reunion to mother where possible
- Exclusion: Seal the entry point with chew-resistant materials
- Cleanup: Remove contaminated insulation and sanitize
Read our raccoon removal service page for details.
Prevention
- Cap chimneys with raccoon-rated caps
- Inspect soffits and eaves annually
- Trim tree branches away from the roof
- Secure trash bins
Need help in person? Our Long Island team handles wildlife removal across Nassau and Suffolk. Call (877) 600-3497 for same-day service.