Raccoons in Brooklyn
In Brooklyn, raccoons are common around Prospect Park, Green-Wood Cemetery, and Marine Park, and they frequently den in the chimneys, roof cornices, and rear extensions of brownstones and rowhouses in Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, and Kensington. Connected rooftops let raccoons travel along an entire block, and backyard trash, compost, and pet food are common attractants.
The fastest results come from pairing targeted treatment with exclusion and sanitation fixes. A Brooklyn exterminator will explain what’s attracting raccoons, what they’ll treat, and what you can do between visits.
Raccoons have adapted remarkably well to life in New York City. They den in attics, chimneys, garages, and under decks, raid trash cans, and can do real damage to roofs, soffits, and insulation. Beyond property damage, raccoons are a primary rabies carrier in New York State, so they should never be handled or approached. NYC Pest Control Pros is a free referral service that connects residents with independent, licensed wildlife control professionals who safely and humanely remove raccoons and prevent them from returning.
Signs of Raccoons in Your Brooklyn Home
- Loud thumping, walking, or chattering noises in the attic, walls, or chimney, especially at dusk, overnight, or early morning.
- Torn or displaced roof shingles, soffits, or fascia boards, or damaged roof vents and chimney caps.
- Tipped or ransacked trash cans and scattered garbage, often with lids pried open, near the side or back of the house.
- Large droppings similar to a small dog's, often concentrated in one spot, called a latrine, on roofs, in attics, or on decks.
- Muddy five-toed paw prints resembling small human hands on siding, gutters, decks, or near entry points.
How Raccoon Removal Works in Brooklyn
- 1
Inspection
A licensed wildlife pro inspects the attic, roofline, chimney, soffits, vents, and ground-level areas to find the entry point, den location, and any secondary openings. In spring and summer, they also check carefully for kits, since separating a mother from her young creates bigger problems.
- 2
Humane Removal Plan
The pro explains the options allowed under New York wildlife regulations, such as one-way exclusion doors that let raccoons leave but not return, or live trapping where appropriate. If young are present, removal is timed or coordinated so the mother and kits are handled together.
- 3
Removal & Exclusion
The raccoon is removed or excluded using humane methods and handled according to NYS DEC rules, which restrict relocation of rabies-vector species. Once the animal is confirmed out, entry points are sealed with heavy-gauge materials such as steel mesh, reinforced vent covers, and chimney caps.
- 4
Cleanup & Sanitation
Raccoon latrines, soiled insulation, and nesting debris can harbor roundworm eggs and other pathogens. Pros use protective equipment to remove contaminated material and may recommend disinfection and insulation replacement. Homeowners should not attempt this cleanup without proper protection.
- 5
Prevention & Follow-Up
The technician recommends steps to make your property less attractive, such as securing trash, removing food sources, and trimming overhanging branches. A follow-up check confirms no animals remain inside and that repairs are holding, since raccoons often test sealed areas repeatedly.
Seasonal Activity in Brooklyn
Raccoons are active year-round in NYC, though they may hole up during the coldest stretches of winter. Late winter is mating season, and from roughly March through June females look for secure denning sites in attics and chimneys to give birth. Kits stay with their mothers through summer, and fall brings heavy foraging as raccoons fatten up, often increasing trash raids around homes.
In Brooklyn, spring brings termite swarms, ant activity, and busier rat populations as backyards come back to life. Summer heat drives cockroach and waterbug sightings, and damp basements attract centipedes and silverfish. Fall is peak season for mice moving indoors and for raccoons and squirrels looking for winter dens in attics and chimneys. Winter slows outdoor activity, but heated row houses and apartment buildings keep rodents and roaches active indoors until spring returns.
Want the full guide? Read our citywide page on raccoon removal in NYC for species identification, health risks and detailed prevention tips.