In the Know: Colorado Raccoon Insights

Raccoon Removal and Prevention in Colorado

Raccoons are clever, resourceful creatures that can become serious nuisances when they invade homes around Durango. These nocturnal mammals are often drawn to properties with accessible food, shelter, and minimal human activity—making them a frequent concern in both rural and suburban areas.

What Attracts Raccoons to Your Property?

• Unsecured garbage bins or compost piles
• Pet food left outdoors overnight
• Bird seed and fallen fruit
• Overgrown vegetation or woodpiles near the home
• Open chimneys, attic vents, or gaps in soffits

Signs of a Raccoon Problem

• Loud thumping or chittering at night
• Shredded insulation, ducts, or roofing materials
• Muddy footprints or scratch marks on siding and rooflines
• Feces with undigested food near attics or crawlspaces
• A strong musky odor or ammonia smell

Is DIY Raccoon Removal Dangerous?

Attempting to remove a raccoon on your own can result in serious injury. Raccoons may become aggressive if cornered—especially if protecting young—and they can carry dangerous diseases including rabies and leptospirosis. Their droppings may also transmit raccoon roundworm, a parasite that can be harmful if accidentally ingested or inhaled during cleanup.

In Colorado, trapping and relocating raccoons is highly regulated. Improper handling can result in legal consequences and harm to the animal.

Understanding Raccoon Behavior and Trapping Techniques

Raccoons are incredibly intelligent and can adapt quickly to avoid detection or traps. They typically prefer attics, chimneys, and crawlspaces for nesting and will often return to a location they've used before if it remains accessible. Mothers with babies can be particularly aggressive if they feel threatened, so professional handling is strongly advised during spring and early summer months.

Effective raccoon trapping involves the use of live traps baited with foods like marshmallows, canned tuna, or cat food. Placement is crucial—traps must be set along travel paths, near entry points, or in concealed areas. Colorado regulations require traps to be checked at least once every 24 hours, and only licensed professionals can relocate or euthanize wildlife.

At Durango Pest Removal, we use durable cage traps designed for humane capture. Once raccoons are removed, we don’t stop there—we identify the entry points, clean the area, and install prevention measures that keep raccoons from coming back. Timing and strategy are everything when dealing with intelligent wildlife like raccoons.

Why Hire Durango Pest Removal

• We perform thorough inspections of attic spaces, vents, and rooflines
• We use humane, live-capture trapping techniques with daily monitoring
• We follow Colorado Parks & Wildlife regulations for all wildlife handling
• We clean and disinfect contaminated areas using safe, effective enzyme products
• We install exclusion materials to seal all known and potential entry points

Prevention Tips to Keep Raccoons Away

• Use raccoon-proof trash containers with secure lids
• Trim overhanging branches that allow roof access
• Install chimney caps and screen attic vents
• Feed pets indoors and store food securely
• Remove water sources like birdbaths at night

Raccoons are smart, persistent animals. The best way to ensure they're gone—and stay gone—is to combine humane removal with professional-grade prevention. Contact Durango Pest Removal today for a full raccoon inspection and removal plan.