Raccoons in Indiana can look cute until they start causing chaos, and I’ve had my fair share of those surprise backyard encounters. It’s easy to think removing one is simple, but there’s a lot more to it than grabbing a trap.
A little prep can save you stress, money, and a big legal headache. Here are a few things you’ll want to know before you make a move.
1. Indiana Law Requires Proper Licensing
Wildlife removal in Indiana isn’t something just anyone can do legally. State regulations require specific permits and licenses for trapping and relocating raccoons.
If you’re caught removing wildlife without proper authorization, you could face hefty fines. Professional wildlife control operators have the necessary credentials to handle raccoons legally in Indiana.
Always verify that anyone you hire holds valid state licenses before they start work on your property.
2. Rabies Is A Real Danger
Raccoons rank among the top carriers of rabies in the United States, and Indiana sees cases every year. Direct contact with an infected animal can be fatal if treatment isn’t received quickly.
Even a small scratch or bite requires immediate medical attention. Rabies affects the nervous system and shows no symptoms until it’s too late to treat effectively.
Never approach or handle a raccoon in Indiana, especially if it’s acting strangely or appears sick during daytime hours.
3. Raccoons Often Have Babies Hidden Nearby
During spring and early summer, mother raccoons in Indiana are raising their young. Removing an adult without checking for babies can leave orphaned kits to starve.
Baby raccoons can’t survive on their own and will suffer without their mother’s care. Professional removers know how to locate nests and reunite families or remove them together humanely.
Timing matters greatly when dealing with raccoon families in residential areas throughout the state.
4. DIY Removal Often Makes Things Worse
Homeowners who try trapping raccoons themselves frequently create bigger problems. Improper trap placement can injure the animal or catch pets and other wildlife instead.
Raccoons are incredibly smart and can figure out amateur trapping attempts quickly. They may become trap-shy or more aggressive after a failed capture effort.
Many Indiana residents end up calling professionals anyway after wasting time and money on unsuccessful DIY methods that backfire completely.
5. Property Damage Can Be Extensive
Raccoons cause thousands of dollars in damage when they invade Indiana homes. Their strong paws tear through roof shingles, siding, and insulation with surprising ease.
Once inside attics or crawl spaces, they destroy wiring, contaminate areas with droppings, and create fire hazards. Insurance doesn’t always cover wildlife damage, leaving homeowners to pay repair costs out of pocket.
Quick professional removal minimizes the destruction and prevents ongoing structural problems throughout your property.
6. Roundworm Poses Hidden Health Risks
Raccoon feces contains a dangerous parasite called Baylisascaris, which causes severe neurological damage in humans. Cleaning up droppings without proper protective equipment puts your family at serious risk.
The microscopic eggs remain infectious in soil for years throughout Indiana yards. Children playing in contaminated areas can accidentally ingest the parasite, leading to blindness or brain damage.
Professional cleanup services use specialized techniques to safely remove and decontaminate affected areas completely.
7. Prevention Beats Removal Every Time
Stopping raccoons from entering your Indiana property costs far less than removing them after they’ve moved in. Simple steps like securing trash cans and sealing entry points work wonders.
Trim tree branches away from your roof and install chimney caps to block access routes. Remove outdoor pet food and fix broken vents before raccoons discover these easy entry points.
Regular property inspections help identify vulnerabilities before they become expensive wildlife problems requiring professional intervention.
8. Professional Help Saves Money Long-Term
Hiring licensed wildlife experts might seem expensive initially, but it’s cheaper than repeated DIY failures. Professionals in Indiana complete the job correctly the first time with guaranteed results.
They provide warranties, handle cleanup, repair entry points, and prevent future invasions. Medical bills from bites or disease exposure far exceed professional removal costs.
Quality wildlife services include inspection, removal, exclusion, and sanitation—comprehensive solutions that protect your investment and family health effectively.