Why Raccoons Are a Problem in Chicago Apartments
From Uptown to Edgewater, raccoons are a common nuisance in many of Chicago’s older multi-unit buildings. Drawn to accessible rooftops, unsealed garbage bins, and warm attics, raccoons can quickly turn a quiet apartment complex into a breeding ground for wildlife issues. For landlords and property managers, ignoring the problem isn’t just a tenant complaint waiting to happen—it could lead to property damage, health hazards, and potential legal liabilities.
How Raccoons Access Apartment Buildings
Raccoons are agile climbers and problem-solvers. In dense urban areas like Chicago, they often enter apartment buildings through:
- Uncapped chimneys or roof vents
- Gaps under soffits or eaves
- Damaged roofing and attic vents
- Unsecured basement windows or crawl spaces
- Overgrown trees or vines near the building’s exterior
Once inside, raccoons may nest in attics, storage areas, or even behind walls. In shared spaces, like laundry rooms or basements, they pose safety concerns for tenants and can contaminate areas with urine, feces, and parasites.
Legal Responsibilities for Landlords
Under Chicago’s municipal code, landlords are required to maintain safe and sanitary living conditions. This includes addressing pest or wildlife issues promptly. If tenants report raccoon activity and the landlord fails to act, they could be held liable for tenant health complaints or code violations.
Ignoring the issue may also lead to more costly repairs down the line—from insulation damage to chewed wires, torn ducts, and contaminated HVAC systems.
The Importance of Professional Raccoon Removal
While DIY traps may seem like a quick fix, raccoon removal from apartment buildings should always be handled by licensed professionals. Here’s why:
- Safety: Raccoons can become aggressive if cornered and may carry diseases such as rabies or leptospirosis.
- Legality: Illinois law prohibits relocating certain wildlife without proper permits. Professional services ensure compliance.
- Effectiveness: Professionals assess all access points and provide full exclusion services to prevent reentry.
Raccoon Control Services for Apartment Buildings
Professional raccoon control services in Chicago typically include:
- Thorough inspection of the building’s roofline, basements, and shared areas
- Humane trapping and removal using state-approved methods
- Exclusion and sealing of entry points (vents, rooflines, soffits, crawlspaces)
- Cleanup and sanitization of contaminated areas
- Ongoing monitoring to prevent future infestations
Tenant Communication and Prevention Tips
As a landlord, keeping tenants informed can help manage expectations and prevent panic. Let them know when removal is scheduled, and provide these prevention tips:
- Don’t leave pet food or garbage outside
- Report strange noises in walls or ceilings
- Keep windows and balcony doors closed
- Avoid feeding any wildlife on the property
When to Call for Help
If your tenants report scratching in the walls, overturned trash bins, or visible raccoon activity on rooftops or balconies, don’t delay. Raccoons are persistent once they’ve found a cozy spot to nest—and a single female can give birth to multiple kits, multiplying your problem.
Trusted Raccoon Removal for Chicago Apartments
For reliable raccoon removal in Chicago apartments, turn to a licensed wildlife control team that understands the challenges of multi-unit buildings. Whether you’re dealing with raccoons in the attic, basement, or rooftop, professional raccoon pest control ensures safe removal and lasting protection.
Contact Chicago’s Green Trapper today for expert raccoon control services designed for apartment buildings and commercial properties.