Raccoons are common pests in Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

Common complaints include raccoons raiding garbage cans, damaging bird feeders, raccoons in chimneys, damaging roofs and soffits, injuring pets, and raccoons in attics. Raccoon damage to homes can include chewed wires, damaged soffits, chewed and torn open holes in roofs, and attic insulation contaminated with urine and feces.

Raccoon biology and behavior.

Raccoons average life span is 5-6 years in the wild. Raccoons mate in the winter and give birth in the spring. A typical litter is 3-5 young. Raccoons adapt well to city life. They will eat almost anything. They love to forage. Raccoons commonly den in trees, but in the city they often enter attics to live or raise their young. Raccoon diseases can include rabies, which is fatal unless treated, canine distemper which is harmful to pets, and their feces contains raccoon roundworm which can infect humans if ingested or breathed in.

Common raccoon problems.
Common raccoon problems include raccoons living in chimneys, raccoons living in attics, raccoons pulling down soffits to access your home, destroying shingles, raccoons raiding garbage cans, and raccoons damaging bird feeders.

What do you do if you have a raccoon problem?

Call Advantage Animal Control today. We can trap and remove the raccoons. If they are living in the attic or chimney we will inspect the attic and chimney for a litter and remove the young. We can also repair any damage caused by the raccoons.

Can I trap raccoons myself?

Yes you can. To trap them yourself you will need a cage trap and a license, even if it is on your own property. If you catch a female, you will also have to search the attic and find the litter. Also note that the state of Michigan does not allow raccoons to be relocated unless you have a wildlife permit. Relocating  them by the homeowner is illegal.  If raccoons are in your chimney.  Please do not use moth balls or bleach!  This is cruel and ineffective.  Call a professional.