Raccoon Removal
Raccoon Removal in Savannah, GA
Raccoons are one of the most common nuisance wildlife problems in Savannah. They're strong, clever, and well adapted to living near people — which means they can find their way into attics, chimneys and crawl spaces in older homes throughout Coastal Georgia.
If you're hearing heavy thumping at night, noticing torn shingles or soffit damage, or finding droppings near the roofline, raccoons may be the reason. Removal is the first step — but understanding how they got in matters just as much.
What Homeowners Notice
Raccoons are most active at night, so the signs often show up after dark. The sounds tend to be heavier and slower than what you'd hear from squirrels or rodents.
- Heavy thumping or walking sounds in the attic at night
- Torn or damaged shingles, soffits or roof vents
- Droppings on the roof or near entry points
- Nesting material pulled into the attic
- Visible raccoon activity on the roof at dusk or dawn
Where Raccoons Are Found
- Attics — especially in older Savannah homes with accessible rooflines
- Chimneys — uncapped or damaged chimneys are a common entry
- Crawl spaces — particularly homes with open or damaged venting
- Behind walls or in ceiling voids
How Raccoons Get In
Raccoons are strong enough to pull apart soffits, bend vents, and tear shingles. In Savannah's older housing stock, roof intersections and vent openings can give them more than one way in.
- Torn or lifted soffit panels
- Damaged or uncapped roof vents and gable vents
- Gaps at roof intersections or where additions meet the main structure
- Uncapped chimneys
- Damaged crawl space vents or access doors
What Damage Can Occur
Raccoons don't just take up space — they can damage insulation, ductwork, and wiring. Their droppings can accumulate and create odor and sanitation concerns in the attic.
- Compressed and soiled insulation
- Chewed or damaged ductwork
- Gnawed wiring, which can create fire concerns
- Accumulated droppings and urine in the attic
What Removal May Involve
Raccoon removal often involves trapping or one-way doors that let the animal leave but not return. The right approach depends on the situation — whether young are present, how many entry points there are, and how the property is structured.
After the raccoon is removed, the entry points need to be addressed. Otherwise, another raccoon — or a different animal — may find the same opening.
What Not to Do
- Don't seal a raccoon inside the structure — it can cause more damage trying to get out, and young may be trapped.
- Don't attempt to handle a raccoon directly. They can be defensive, especially if young are nearby.
- Don't assume the problem is solved once the animal is out. If the entry point isn't addressed, it can happen again.
Savannah & Coastal Georgia Context
Savannah's wooded residential neighborhoods, mature live oaks, and older housing stock make raccoon problems common throughout Chatham County. Homes near marshland or with overhanging branches can be especially vulnerable, since raccoons can climb from trees directly onto the roof.
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