Wildlife Removal in the Poconos: Raccoons, Squirrels, and Groundhogs in Monroe County Homes

Wildlife Removal in the Poconos

The Pocono Mountains is one of Pennsylvania's most wildlife-rich regions — white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and a full complement of small mammals share the landscape with hundreds of thousands of homes, cabins, and vacation properties. That proximity creates consistent conflicts between wildlife and homeowners, particularly around the times of year when wildlife is most actively seeking shelter, nesting sites, or food.

This guide covers the three most common wildlife nuisance complaints in Monroe, Pike, Wayne, and Carbon counties: raccoons, squirrels, and groundhogs.

Raccoon Removal in the Poconos

Raccoons (*Procyon lotor*) are the most frequent wildlife removal call across the Pocono region. Intelligent, strong-handed, and highly adaptable, raccoons exploit structural vulnerabilities in homes and vacation cabins with remarkable efficiency.

How raccoons get into Pocono homes:

• Damaged or deteriorated soffits — particularly at the intersection of roof planes where ventilation gaps develop

• Pulled-back fascia — raccoons are strong enough to pry back fascia boards and create entry points

• Chimney flues — uncapped chimneys are a frequent raccoon entry point, particularly in properties with wood-burning stoves or fireplaces

• Attic vents — louvered gable vents and older soffit vent designs are vulnerable

When raccoons are most active as nuisance animals:

Spring is peak season for raccoon conflicts in the Poconos. Pregnant females actively seek denning sites in February and March, giving birth between March and May. A mother raccoon with a litter in your attic creates a multi-month wildlife conflict that requires careful removal strategy — trapping and removing the mother without addressing the kits creates a separate problem.

Pocono-specific raccoon pressure:

Vacation cabins that sit empty between seasons are particularly vulnerable. A raccoon that finds entry in March may have an established den with kits before the property owner makes their first spring visit in May. The damage — torn insulation, contaminated attic spaces, potential *Baylisascaris* roundworm exposure from fecal deposits — can be extensive.

Removal approach: Live trapping, exclusion, and structural repair. Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations govern trapping and relocation requirements — working with a licensed wildlife removal company ensures compliance.

Squirrel Removal

Both gray squirrels (*Sciurus carolinensis*) and the less-visible flying squirrel (*Glaucomys volans*) create problems in Pocono-area structures. Gray squirrels are the more commonly seen species; flying squirrels are nocturnal and often overlooked despite being equally destructive.

Entry points:

- Roof-to-fascia gaps at gutter lines

- Gaps around roof pipe boots and flashing

- Deteriorated attic vents

- Gaps in log home chinking

- Tree branches touching or overhanging the roof (providing direct roof access)

What squirrels do inside structures:

- Chew electrical wiring (significant fire hazard)

- Create nesting from insulation, which they shred and displace

- Gnaw on structural wood — particularly around entry points, which they continuously enlarge

- Cache food inside wall voids and attic spaces

Flying squirrels: the hidden problem. Because they're nocturnal and small (8–10 inches including tail), flying squirrel infestations often go undetected for months. Homeowners may hear faint scratching and movement in walls or ceilings at night without identifying the source. Flying squirrels typically enter through gaps as small as 1.5 inches — similar in size to some of the gaps that develop in log home construction.

Removal approach: One-way exclusion devices are often the most effective approach for squirrels — they allow squirrels to exit but not re-enter, combined with sealing of all other entry points. Live trapping is also used where exclusion alone isn't sufficient.

Groundhog Removal

Groundhogs (*Marmota monax*) are a particularly common nuisance around Pocono-area properties with gardens, foundation plantings, or structures built on or adjacent to slopes and embankments.

The groundhog problem:

Groundhogs burrow extensively — a single burrow system can have multiple entrance holes and extend 25–30 feet with 5-foot depth. Burrows dug under concrete stoops, decks, outbuildings, and garage foundations can undermine structural footings over time. Garden damage — groundhogs are voracious vegetable and plant feeders — can be devastating in a single season.

Pocono context: Groundhogs are common throughout rural Monroe, Pike, and Wayne counties, particularly in areas where lawns and gardens border brush or forest edges. They emerge from hibernation in late February or March, and conflict with homeowners typically runs from spring through early fall.

Removal approach: Live trapping is the standard approach. Pennsylvania regulations govern how trapped groundhogs can be relocated. Physical exclusion — hardware cloth fencing installed underground at the perimeter of garden beds or under deck footings — provides long-term protection.

Key Differences Between Wildlife Removal and Standard Pest Control

Wildlife removal in Pennsylvania is regulated differently from pest control:

• Licensing: Wildlife removal operators are typically licensed under the Pennsylvania Game Commission, separate from pest control licensing

• Regulations: Trapping, relocation, and euthanasia of wildlife are governed by state game law

• Timing: Removing wildlife with young (particularly birds and mammals in spring) requires specific protocols to avoid separating mothers from nursing young

L&L Pest Control handles the most common wildlife nuisance species throughout the Pocono region. For situations involving protected species, threatened species, or wildlife protected under federal migratory bird regulations, we coordinate with the appropriate authorities.

Wildlife Removal FAQs

What do I do if I hear animals in my attic?

Don't wait — wildlife problems become more complex and expensive over time. The longer an animal is established inside a structure, the more potential damage occurs and the more difficult removal becomes (particularly if young are involved). Call (570) 992-3487 for a same-day assessment.

Will wildlife come back after removal?

Without proper exclusion of the entry points used by the original animals, re-infestation is common — particularly for raccoons, who have strong site fidelity and often pass denning knowledge to offspring. Effective wildlife management pairs removal with exclusion and structural repair.

How much does wildlife removal cost in the Poconos?

Cost varies with the species, access difficulty, and extent of structural repair required. Basic groundhog removal starts at $250–$450. Raccoon removal with attic inspection and entry-point sealing typically runs $500–$1,800 depending on the scope. Contact us for a free property assessment.

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L&L Pest Control provides wildlife removal and exclusion services throughout Monroe, Pike, Wayne, and Carbon counties. Same-day assessment available. Call (570) 992-3487 or request a free estimate online.