Raccoons may look cute from a distance, but when they invade your Chicago home, the situation becomes anything but adorable. Many homeowners consider tackling the problem themselves—but DIY raccoon removal often leads to bigger dangers, costly damages, and legal complications. Understanding the risks can help you make a safe, informed decision when dealing with these clever, persistent animals.

1. Raccoons Are Strong, Aggressive, and Unpredictable

A raccoon cornered in an attic, garage, or crawlspace will defend itself. These animals are surprisingly strong, fast, and capable of causing serious injuries.

Main Risks:

• Bites and scratches that can lead to infection
• Aggressive behavior when protecting their nest or babies
• Unpredictable reactions when frightened or cornered

Attempting DIY raccoon control without proper equipment or training puts you in direct danger.

2. Raccoons Can Transmit Serious Diseases

Raccoons are a major carrier of dangerous pathogens that pose real health risks.

Common diseases include:

• Rabies
• Leptospirosis
• Roundworm (Baylisascaris)
• Salmonella
  

Contaminated droppings, urine, and nesting materials can remain hazardous long after the animal is gone. Safe cleanup requires proper sanitation methods used by licensed wildlife removal professionals.

3. DIY Attempts Often Lead to Property Damage

Raccoons are incredibly strong for their size and can tear through:

• Roof shingles
• Soffits and vents
• Insulation
• Ductwork
• Electrical wiring

Improper DIY removal attempts may:

• Trap babies inside (creating odor and pest problems)
• Force the mother to rip open new entry points
• Push raccoons deeper into walls or crawlspaces

Professional raccoon removal ensures no structural damage gets worse and no animals are left behind.

4. It’s Easy to Violate Illinois Wildlife Laws

Illinois and Chicago both have specific regulations around handling, trapping, relocating, or killing raccoons.

You may unintentionally break the law by:

• Using unapproved traps
• Relocating raccoons without a permit
• Separating a mother from her babies
• Trapping an animal unlawfully

Licensed wildlife specialists understand local guidelines and ensure all handling and raccoon control methods are legal and humane.

5. DIY Methods Rarely Fix the Root Cause

Even if a homeowner manages to chase a raccoon away, they almost always return if the entry point isn’t sealed correctly. Chicago homes—especially older ones—often have:

• Gaps in the roofline
• Loose soffits
• Weak vents
• Chimney access points

A professional inspection identifies not just the raccoon but why it got in, preventing future infestations.

When to Call a Professional

Call a licensed team if you notice:

• Noises in the attic at night
• Torn shingles or damaged vents
• Raccoon footprints near entry points
• Strong odors or droppings
• Tipped-over trash bins repeatedly

Raccoons are persistent animals, and DIY solutions often make the situation more dangerous.

Need Safe Raccoon Removal in Chicago?

For safe, humane, and effective raccoon removal, raccoon control, and full-service wildlife removal, trust the experts. Contact Chicago’s Green Trappers for fast professional help and long-term prevention.