Raccoons in the Crawlspace – A Common Problem in Truckee & South Lake Tahoe
Do you hear an animal under the house? Raccoons are a well-known nuisance for homeowners, but in Truckee, Tahoma and South Lake Tahoe, they have a particular habit that sets them apart—they prefer crawlspaces over attics. If you've been hearing scratching, thumping, or growling sounds coming from beneath your home, there's a good chance you have a raccoon problem.
How Do Raccoons Get Into Crawlspaces?
Raccoons are strong and highly intelligent animals capable of finding weak points in your home's structure. They typically gain access to crawlspaces through:
Damaged or missing crawlspace vents – Standard vents can be easily pried open by raccoons looking for shelter.
Broken siding – Gaps and weak spots in siding provide an easy entry point.
Unsecured foundations – Any space or opening at the base of your home can become a raccoon entryway.
Once inside, raccoons will tear apart insulation, leave behind feces and urine, and create a hazardous environment. If they give birth, the problem can escalate quickly, with the mother raccoon becoming aggressive if she feels her young are threatened.
The Risks of Raccoons in Your Crawlspace
Having raccoons in your crawlspace isn't just a nuisance—it’s a serious health and structural risk. Some of the biggest concerns include:
Feces and urine contamination – Raccoon feces can carry harmful parasites, including roundworms, which pose health risks to humans and pets.
Insulation destruction – Raccoons will shred insulation to make a nest, reducing your home’s energy efficiency and increasing heating costs.
Structural damage – They may tear apart ducts, pipes, and wiring, leading to costly repairs.
Odor problems – The smell of feces, urine, and a potential raccoon carcass can create an unbearable stench inside your home.
Professional Raccoon Removal and Cleanup
At Gold Country Wildlife Control, we provide comprehensive raccoon removal services in Truckee and South Lake Tahoe. Our process includes:
1. Raccoon Removal Services
We use humane trapping and exclusion techniques to remove raccoons without harm. If babies are present, we ensure they are safely removed with the mother.
2. Entry Point Sealing and Prevention
We don’t just remove raccoons—we make sure they can’t return. Our prevention methods include:
Raccoon-proof crawlspace vents – Durable, reinforced vents that prevent future break-ins.
Dig-proof barriers – We install underground barriers that keep raccoons from burrowing under your home.
Siding repair – If raccoons have broken through damaged siding, we fix it to restore your home’s integrity.
3. Cleanup and Sanitation
After removal, we restore your crawlspace by:
Removing raccoon feces – Thoroughly clearing out all droppings to prevent disease transmission.
Replacing soiled insulation – Removing and replacing destroyed insulation to restore energy efficiency.
Enzyme treatment – Fogging the area with enzyme-based solutions to eliminate odors and harmful bacteria.
Don’t Let Raccoons Take Over Your Crawlspace
If you suspect raccoons have invaded your crawlspace in Truckee or South Lake Tahoe, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Gold Country Wildlife Control specializes in humane raccoon removal and full restoration services to ensure your home is safe, clean, and raccoon-free.
Contact us today for a professional inspection and removal plan!
