+1 888 546 7983
R
Raccoon Exterminator
Masked Bandits Beware.
Call
Home/Raccoon Control/Colorado

Complete Guide to Raccoon Control in Colorado

Colorado raccoons come indoors twice a year. The first wave hits in November, when nights across the 19 cities in our data drop toward a median low of 18F and an adult decides your chimney or attic beats a hollow cottonwood. The second wave is April, when females give birth and a Denver, Aurora or Fort Collins attic becomes a nursery until August. Between those two seasons, a dry climate with about 16 inches of rain and 50 percent humidity means the evidence they leave behind crusts over and gets missed. This page walks through both waves, what Colorado's place outside the rabies zone means for removal, and how to read a quote.

Request Provider Matching+1 888 546 7983

Request Provider Contact

Send your request to the provider-matching network. Response times vary.

Raccoon removal is routed under “Small animals” in the provider network’s categories. Change it only if your issue is something else.

Quick answer

Raccoon control in Colorado means a licensed wildlife operator trapping or evicting the animal, sealing the chimney, vent or garage gap it used, and removing the latrine. Colorado gets two waves of attic calls: November, when median lows near 18F push adults indoors, and April, when kits arrive. The state is outside the CDC's raccoon rabies range, so handling follows Colorado furbearer and nuisance-wildlife rules.

Key Takeaways

  • →Raccoons are a primary rabies vector in the eastern US and carry roundworm in their feces, posing serious health risks.
  • →Spring (March–June) is peak season for conflicts as females seek den sites for litters.
  • →Professional removal and exclusion in Colorado typically costs $300–$1,500, with inspection and quote terms vary by provider from many companies.
  • →Most Colorado counties require permits for trapping and relocation; always hire a licensed professional.
  • →Prevention through sealing entry points and removing attractants is the most cost-effective long-term strategy.
  • →Research: If you are a property manager, expect almost no tenant to argue for more raccoons: 1% of metro-area residents reporting raccoons nearby wanted a large increase, per Puri and colleagues' 2022 survey (published 2024), a neighborhood-attitude finding rather than an infestation rate.
Raccoon, Procyon lotor, with black facial mask and ringed tail
Raccoon paw prints in mud

Who This Is For

This is for anyone along the Front Range or on the Western Slope hearing heavy steps overhead on a cold night, finding a chimney damper that will not close in Colorado Springs, or smelling something sour from a Lakewood garage. It also fits landlords in Boulder or Greeley with a tenant report and anyone wondering whether a hardware store cage is legal here.

44.6%
Wildlife-affected NE Illinois households: landscaping damage (INHS, 2013)
Source: Illinois Natural History Survey: homeowners and wildlife
$400
Typical raccoon-removal project (HomeAdvisor estimate, June 2026)
Source: HomeAdvisor raccoon removal costs
30%
Pest-control payers who spent $1,001–$5,000 (ConsumerAffairs, 2024)
Source: ConsumerAffairs household infestation survey
29%
Share of U.S. rabid animals that are raccoons, nearly all in the East
Source: CDC
About 6.5 million
Oral rabies vaccine baits USDA drops each year along the eastern line
Source: USDA APHIS
2 to 4 weeks
Time for roundworm eggs in droppings to become infectious
Source: CDC
Nearly 100,000 at more than 130 labs
Animals tested for rabies each year in the U.S.
Source: CDC

The Problem

Cold is what makes Colorado different. With median winter lows near 18F and real snow along the Front Range, a raccoon that would happily winter in a culvert in Texas needs something warmer here, and a chimney above a fireplace or an attic over a heated house is the obvious answer. November entries in Denver, Colorado Springs and Aurora are usually a single adult looking for warmth, not a family. The family comes in spring. Kits are born around April and stay in the den until August, and a one-way door set in May without a kit check strands them. Summer highs near 88F are mild enough that Colorado attics stay usable all season, unlike the desert Southwest, so the nursery does not move to the ground. The dry air hides the mess. At roughly 50 percent humidity and 16 inches of rain, a latrine in a Colorado attic crusts over within days and can sit unnoticed for months. That does not make it safe: the CDC notes roundworm eggs mature in two to four weeks and survive drying. On rules, Colorado is outside the raccoon rabies zone, so wildlife law governs what happens to a trapped animal.

Warning Signs

  • •Scratching, thumping, or chattering sounds in the attic or walls, especially at night.
  • •Raccoon tracks (five toes, long fingers) on siding, roofs, or around garbage cans.
  • •Dark, tubular droppings (often containing undigested seeds or berries) in latrine areas, such as roofs, decks, or attics.
  • •Damage to roof vents, soffits, or fascia boards; shingles peeled back or chimney caps displaced.
  • •A strong, musky odor from urine and feces in the attic or crawlspace.
  • •Garbage cans repeatedly tipped over, lids removed, or scattered trash.
  • •Visual sightings of raccoons entering or exiting your home at dawn or dusk.

Risks of Waiting

  • ⚠Health hazards from raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris) spores that can remain infectious in attics for years.
  • ⚠Structural damage worsens: torn insulation, chewed wires, and water damage from roof breaches.
  • ⚠Females may give birth in your home, resulting in multiple raccoons that are harder to remove.
  • ⚠Increased risk of rabies exposure if a raccoon becomes aggressive or sick.
  • ⚠Secondary pests (flies, beetles) attracted to decaying feces and debris.
✅

Do you have a raccoon problem?

Treatment Options

Live Trapping and Removal

$300–$600

A licensed professional sets humane traps near entry points or travel routes, baits them (e.g., with marshmallows or cat food), and relocates or euthanizes the raccoon per state regulations.

1–3 days per animalBest: Removing individual raccoons when exclusion is not immediately possible.

Exclusion and Repair

$400–$1,200

After removal, all entry points are sealed with heavy-gauge steel mesh or metal flashing, chimney caps installed, and damaged vents replaced. This prevents re-entry.

1–2 daysBest: Long-term prevention after removal or as a proactive measure.

Full Cleanup and Decontamination

$500–$1,500

Includes removal of contaminated insulation, HEPA vacuuming of droppings and nesting material, and application of an enzyme cleaner to neutralize pathogens.

1–3 daysBest: Attics or crawlspaces with heavy fecal accumulation or after a prolonged infestation.
Raccoon inside an attic space
Metal chimney cap installed on a chimney

Understanding Raccoon Behavior and Biology

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are highly adaptable omnivores native to North America. Their front paws contain four to five times more sensory receptors than human hands, allowing them to identify objects by touch—even underwater. This dexterity enables them to open latches, twist doorknobs, and manipulate garbage can lids. Raccoons are primarily nocturnal and have excellent night vision, aided by their dark facial mask that reduces glare. They are solitary except during breeding season (January–March in Colorado), with males roaming widely. Females give birth to 3–5 kits in April–May after a 63-day gestation. Kits remain with the mother until fall, which is why spring denning is so problematic for homeowners. Raccoons have exceptional memory: they can recall solutions to tasks for up to three years, making them persistent once they learn a food source or entry point.

Health Hazards: Raccoon Roundworm and Rabies

The most significant health risk from raccoons is Baylisascaris procyonis, a roundworm that lives in the raccoon's intestines and sheds eggs in feces. The eggs are microscopic, resistant to environmental extremes, and can remain infectious in attics for years. If accidentally ingested (e.g., via contaminated hands or dust), the larvae can migrate to the brain, causing severe neurological damage or death. Children are at higher risk due to hand-to-mouth behavior. According to the CDC, raccoon roundworm is considered an emerging zoonotic disease. Rabies is another concern: while raccoons are a primary rabies vector in the eastern U.S., cases in Colorado are more commonly associated with skunks and bats. However, raccoons in urban areas like Denver can still carry the virus. Avoid contact with raccoons, especially those acting unusually tame or aggressive. Always use professional cleanup services for feces removal.

Legal Regulations for Raccoon Control in Colorado

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) classifies raccoons as furbearers, which means they are protected but can be trapped under specific regulations. Homeowners may trap raccoons on their property without a license if they use a live trap and release the animal on-site (not allowed in many municipalities) or euthanize it humanely. However, relocation is heavily restricted: a permit from CPW is required to transport raccoons more than 10 miles, and many counties prohibit relocation entirely due to disease spread and high mortality. In practice, most professional pest control companies in Colorado hold the necessary permits to trap and remove raccoons. The best approach is always to hire a licensed professional who understands local ordinances. In Denver, for example, trapping requires a permit from Denver Animal Protection. Other cities like Colorado Springs and Fort Collins have similar rules.

The Raccoon Lifecycle and Seasonal Patterns in Colorado

In Colorado, raccoon breeding season peaks in February, with most births occurring in April and May. This timing coincides with spring snowmelt and warmer weather, making attics and chimneys attractive den sites for females seeking shelter. By June, kits are mobile but remain dependent on the mother until fall. Conflicts rise again in October–November as raccoons fatten up for winter and seek secure winter dens. During mild winters, raccoons remain active year-round, but in harsh mountain conditions, they may den for extended periods. Understanding this cycle is crucial for timing exclusion work: never seal a den site between April and August without first ensuring no kits are trapped inside. Professional removal during this period often involves a two-step process—eviction followed by delayed sealing.

What surveys and cost guides say about raccoon problems

Before you compare providers, it helps to know what independent surveys and published cost guides actually report about raccoon problems in U.S. homes. None of the figures below come from this site's own customers; each carries its source, date and population so you can weigh it yourself. Just 7.4% of residents who reported raccoons in their neighborhood wanted a small increase in their numbers, according to Puri and colleagues' 2022 survey of 1,006 people in one southeastern U.S. metro area (published 2024); the question was about neighborhood wildlife, not homes. Puri and colleagues' 2022 survey of 1,006 residents of one southeastern U.S. metro area, published in 2024, found that among people with raccoons nearby, 22% preferred a large decrease in the raccoon population; the figure describes attitudes, not raccoons in buildings. In the 2022 wildlife-perceptions survey by Puri and colleagues (1,006 respondents in a southeastern U.S. metro area, published in People and Nature in 2024), 23.4% of those with raccoons nearby preferred a small decrease, an opinion measure and not an infestation rate. When Puri and colleagues surveyed 1,006 residents of one southeastern U.S. metro area in 2022, publishing the results in People and Nature in 2024, 51% reported raccoons nearby; presence here means neighborhood sightings rather than infestation. In ConsumerAffairs' February 2024 survey of 2,000 U.S. respondents about home infestations (self-reported, pests and mold combined), 7% said they had moved out of a home for good because of pests, alongside 12% who relocated temporarily, general consumer figures rather than per-pest statistics. Because every figure above has a stated population and date, you can cite it when comparing providers. What none of them can tell you is what your specific property needs; that still takes an on-site inspection.

DIY vs. Professional Raccoon Control

FactorDIYProfessional
Cost$50–$200 (supplies only)$300–$1,500
EffectivenessLow to moderate; often failsHigh; includes warranty
Legal complianceMay violate local lawsFully permitted and insured
Health safetyHigh risk of roundworm exposureProper PPE and decontamination
Time requiredDays to weeks1–3 days
Long-term preventionLimitedExclusion and repairs included

What Affects Cost

  • ✓Number of raccoons (single vs. family with kits).
  • ✓Accessibility of the den site (attic vs. chimney vs. crawlspace).
  • ✓Extent of damage and cleanup required (insulation removal, structural repair).
  • ✓Local labor rates (Denver metro area tends to be higher than rural areas).
  • ✓Need for permits or inspections (some counties charge fees).
  • ✓Urgency (emergency after-hours calls cost more).
  • ✓Additional services like roof repair or pest-proofing for other animals.
📊

What is the biggest challenge you face with raccoons in your area?

When to Call a Professional

Call a licensed Colorado wildlife operator when you hear the first heavy steps or flue scratching, and call the same week in November, because a single adult is the cheapest job you will ever have with a raccoon. From April through August, tell them you suspect kits. If anyone was bitten or scratched, see a doctor first; Colorado sits outside the raccoon rabies range, but the CDC counts raccoons at 29 percent of rabid animals nationally, and any biting wild mammal is tested rather than released. A homeowner with a cage still has no cap on the chimney and no way to handle the latrine.

DIY vs Professional

You can do the two most useful things yourself before winter: have a steel wildlife cap put on the chimney, and screen the gable vents with hardware cloth. Add a locking trash bin, bring pet food in at dusk, and cut the limb that hangs over the roof. On the dry Western Slope around Grand Junction, cover the pond and water in the morning, since water is the draw there. Trapping and cleanup belong to a licensed operator. Trapping for pay needs a state permit, and Colorado's furbearer rules decide what a homeowner may do with a trapped raccoon, so check before you buy a cage. The physical work is the bigger issue: a flue eviction on an icy December roof and a dried latrine that turns to dust when touched are not weekend projects. Roundworm eggs in that dust survive disinfectant, which is why the crew wets it down and removes it in respirators.

Local Context

Colorado's raccoon year is set by cold and dryness. Across the 19 cities in our data, median winter lows sit near 18F, summer highs around 88F, humidity about 50 percent, and rainfall roughly 16 inches. The cold drives a November wave of chimney and attic entries in Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins and Lakewood; the dryness means the latrine those animals leave crusts over and hides. The arid Western Slope around Grand Junction adds a water angle, with ponds and irrigation drawing raccoons the way pools do in the desert. On disease, Colorado is far from the eastern raccoon rabies zone. The CDC maps that strain from Canada to Florida and west to the Appalachians, and USDA holds the line with about 6.5 million vaccine baits a year. Colorado manages raccoons under furbearer and nuisance-wildlife rules, and the operator you hire works under those. With median home values near 530,000 dollars, most owners find the chimney cap and vent screening a small price against the alternative.

Prevention Tips

  • ✓Seal all potential entry points with 1/4-inch steel mesh or metal flashing—raccoons can rip through wood or vinyl.
  • ✓Install a heavy-duty chimney cap with mesh sides to prevent denning.
  • ✓Keep garbage cans in a shed or garage until pick-up day, or use bungee cords to secure lids.
  • ✓Remove bird feeders at night and clean up fallen seed to avoid attracting raccoons.
  • ✓Trim tree branches that overhang your roof to eliminate easy access.
  • ✓Close pet doors at night and never leave pet food outdoors.
  • ✓Inspect your roof and attic twice a year (spring and fall) for signs of damage or entry.

💡 Did You Know?

  • ★Raccoons can remember solutions to tasks for up to three years—so a raccoon that learned to open your trash can last year may return to try again.
  • ★Their mask isn't just for looks: it reduces glare and may enhance night vision, helping them see in the dark.
  • ★Raccoon front paws have four to five times more sensory receptors than human hands, allowing them to identify objects by touch alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have raccoons in my attic?
Listen for loud scratching, thumping, or chattering at night. Look for dark, tubular droppings (often in piles), torn insulation, and damage to vents or roof edges. Raccoon tracks on siding or dust may also be visible.
Can I trap a raccoon myself in Colorado?
Yes, you can trap a raccoon on your property without a license if you release it on-site or euthanize it humanely. However, relocation requires a permit from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and many counties prohibit it. Trapping without proper training can harm non-target animals or expose you to diseases.
What is raccoon roundworm and why is it dangerous?
Raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) is a parasite that lives in raccoon intestines. Its eggs are shed in feces and can survive for years. If accidentally ingested, the larvae can migrate to the brain, causing severe neurological damage or death. Children are at highest risk.
How much does raccoon removal cost in Colorado?
Removal typically costs $300–$600 for trapping and exclusion. Full cleanup and insulation replacement can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on damage. Most companies offer inspection terms that vary by provider.
When is raccoon season in Colorado?
Conflicts peak in spring (March–June) when females seek dens for their litters, and again in fall (October–November) as raccoons prepare for winter. However, problems can occur year-round.
Will my homeowner's insurance cover raccoon damage?
Most standard policies do not cover damage from pests or wildlife, including raccoons. However, some may cover structural damage if caused by a covered peril (like fire from chewed wires). Check with your insurer.
How do I prevent raccoons from coming back?
Seal all entry points with steel mesh, install chimney caps, secure garbage cans, remove bird feeders at night, and trim tree branches away from the roof. Professional exclusion services provide a long-term solution.
What should I do if I find a baby raccoon?
Leave it alone and monitor from a distance. The mother will likely return at night. If the kit appears injured or orphaned, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Do not handle it—rabies and roundworm are risks.
Do most people want fewer raccoons in their neighborhood?
Opinion is split, and the largest group wants no change. In Puri and colleagues' 2022 survey of 1,006 residents of a southeastern U.S. metro area, published in 2024, 46.2% of people who reported raccoons nearby preferred that the population stay the same, 22% wanted a large decrease and 23.4% a small one. These are attitudes about neighborhood wildlife, not about raccoons inside homes. A raccoon in your attic is a different matter; a licensed wildlife-control provider can remove it and seal the entry point.

Related Pages

Raccoon Control: The Complete Guide for HomeownersRaccoon Control Aberdeen: Reliable Extermination ServicesTrusted Raccoon Removal in Abilene, TXExpert Raccoon Extermination in Aiken, SCTrusted Raccoon Removal in Akron, OHExpert Raccoon Extermination in Alabaster, ALComplete Guide to Raccoon Control in ConnecticutRaccoon Control in Centennial, CORaccoon Control in Parker, CORaccoon Control in Castle Rock, CODenver raccoon exterminatorsColorado Springs raccoon exterminatorsAurora raccoon exterminatorsFort Collins raccoon control guideLakewood raccoon control guideThornton raccoon control guideRaccoons in Arvada, CORaccoons in Westminster, CORaccoons in Pueblo, CORaccoon control in GreeleyRaccoons in Boulder, COLongmont raccoon exterminatorsRaccoons in Loveland, CORaccoon control in Broomfield

📚 Sources & Further Reading

Content provenance and service transparency

Statistics on this page come from named public surveys, studies and published cost guides, cited inline with their dates and populations; they are not this site's own customer data and do not describe any specific property. Content was drafted with an editorial pipeline and reviewed on September 11, 2026 for source fidelity, claim wording and local relevance. Provider availability, pricing, credentials and service terms must be confirmed directly.

Published by Raccoon Exterminator · No named licensed-professional review is claimed · Updated 2026-09-11T20:15:28.566Z

How this content is produced and corrected

Tell us where in Colorado you are and what you're hearing, and we'll match you with a licensed raccoon removal company nearby.

Call +1 888 546 7983 to schedule your inspection and get a same-day estimate. All work comes with a service guarantee.

Request Provider MatchingCall +1 888 546 7983
Provider RequestCall Now

Ready to Get Rid of Raccoons?

Fill out the form below to send your request to our provider-matching network.

Raccoon removal is routed under “Small animals” in the provider network’s categories. Change it only if your issue is something else.

Or call +1 888 546 7983 to reach the provider-matching line.