Tag: Raccoon Infestation

Raccoons are highly intelligent and resourceful creatures, and their adaptability has allowed them to thrive in both urban and suburban environments. One of the most common and frustrating issues homeowners face is dealing with raccoons in the attic. These nocturnal animals are always on the lookout for a safe and warm place to nest, and your attic can be an inviting option. But how do raccoons get into attics, and what can you do to keep them out?

How Raccoons Access Your Attic

Raccoons are incredibly agile, and they can climb just about anything, including trees, fences, and even the exterior of your house. Typically, they use overhanging tree branches or nearby structures to access your roof. Once they’re on your roof, they search for weak spots that can provide entry into your attic.

Common entry points include:

• Damaged or loose shingles: Raccoons can easily pry up loose shingles or find gaps in damaged roofing material.
• Soffits and eaves: These areas are often weak spots that raccoons can exploit to tear through and gain access to your attic.
• Vents and chimneys: Attic vents and chimneys without caps or screens can serve as open doors for raccoons.
• Gaps around attic windows or crawl spaces: Even the smallest opening can be an invitation for a raccoon to make its way into your home.

Once inside, raccoons tend to make nests, particularly during the winter months when they’re seeking warmth and shelter for themselves and their young.

What Attracts Raccoons to Your Attic?

Several factors can attract raccoons to your attic. These animals are not only in search of shelter but also for easy access to food. Here are some key things that might be luring them in:

• Warmth and safety: Attics provide a dry, warm environment that is ideal for raccoons to raise their young.
• Food sources: Raccoons are opportunistic feeders. If your home has easy access to garbage, pet food, bird feeders, or even compost, raccoons will stick around.
• Seclusion: Attics are typically quiet, undisturbed areas, making them the perfect place for a raccoon to hide from predators and people.

The Dangers of Raccoons in the Attic

Having raccoons in your attic can cause a host of problems. First and foremost, they can cause significant structural damage. Raccoons will rip apart insulation, chew through electrical wiring, and even tear up ductwork, all of which can result in costly repairs. There’s also the health risk to consider. Raccoons are known carriers of diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis, and their droppings can harbor parasites like roundworms.

Additionally, raccoons are notorious for making a lot of noise at night. You might hear them scurrying around, thumping, or even vocalizing as they communicate with their young. This can disrupt your sleep and add to the stress of having these pests in your home.

How to Prevent Raccoons from Getting Into Your Attic

The key to keeping raccoons out of your attic is prevention. Here are some steps you can take:

• Trim tree branches: Make sure there are no branches hanging over or close to your roof. Raccoons often use these as bridges to your home.
• Secure your chimney and vents: Install chimney caps and cover attic vents with heavy-duty screening to prevent raccoons from slipping through.
• Repair roof damage promptly: Regularly inspect your roof for any damage or gaps, and fix them as soon as possible.
• Seal potential entry points: Look for any holes or gaps around your attic windows, soffits, or crawl spaces, and seal them up.
• Secure garbage and food sources: Make sure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids, and don’t leave pet food outside overnight.

If you suspect raccoons are already in your attic, it’s best to contact Perfection Pest Control to safely and humanely remove them. Raccoons can be aggressive when cornered, and it’s important to handle the situation carefully.

Raccoons are clever creatures that can cause significant issues if they find their way onto your property or into your home. They are known for their dexterity and ability to get into just about anything, including garbage cans, attics, and crawl spaces. If you suspect you might have a raccoon problem, there are several signs to look out for. At Perfection Pest Control, we want to help you identify these signs so you can take action before the problem escalates.

1. Noises in the Attic or Walls

Raccoons are most active at night, and if they have taken up residence in your attic or walls, you will likely hear them moving around during the evening or early morning hours. The noises may sound like scratching, thumping, or scurrying. Raccoons are much larger than rodents, so the sounds they make are usually louder and more noticeable. If you hear these types of noises, it’s a strong indication that raccoons may be living in your home.

Raccoons are nocturnal, which means they are most active during the night. If you hear noises that seem to be coming from above, particularly in the attic or crawl spaces, there’s a good chance that raccoons are the culprits. The noises they make can be quite unsettling, especially because raccoons are larger animals compared to rodents. The sound of a raccoon moving about is usually more distinct and heavier compared to the scurrying of smaller pests.

2. Damage to Your Property

Raccoons are known for their destructive behavior. They can cause damage to your property in various ways, including tearing shingles off your roof, ripping vents, or even breaking into attics or crawl spaces. You may also notice that your garbage cans have been overturned or that there are bite marks on the lids. Raccoons are persistent when it comes to finding food, and they are not deterred by obstacles. If you notice damage to your roof, vents, or garbage cans, it’s a good sign that raccoons are to blame.

Raccoons are notorious for their ability to open containers, unlatch doors, and even damage structural components of your home. They often target roof vents, chimneys, and other weak points to gain entry into attics. If you find shingles torn off, insulation scattered, or signs of gnawing, these are strong indicators that raccoons are present. Additionally, raccoons love garbage, and they will go to great lengths to get into trash bins, often leaving a mess in your yard.

3. Tracks and Droppings

Another sign of a raccoon problem is the presence of tracks or droppings. Raccoon tracks are distinctive—they have five toes that resemble human handprints. You may find these tracks in the soil, near garbage cans, or even around entry points to your home. Raccoon droppings are also a telltale sign of their presence. They are larger than those of most rodents and are typically found in the same areas where raccoons are active.

Raccoon droppings are not only unsightly, but they can also carry harmful parasites and diseases. Raccoon latrines—areas where raccoons repeatedly defecate—can often be found in attics, on decks, or around the base of trees. Their droppings are similar in size to those of a small dog and can contain seeds, berries, or other food remnants.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action right away. Raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis, which can pose a risk to you, your family, and your pets. Additionally, their destructive behavior can cause significant damage to your home if left unchecked.

At Perfection Pest Control, we specialize in raccoon removal and exclusion services. Our team will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to determine the extent of the problem and develop a customized plan to remove the raccoons and prevent them from returning. We use humane and effective methods to ensure that the raccoons are safely removed without causing harm to them or your property.

We also focus on prevention by sealing entry points and offering advice on how to make your property less attractive to raccoons. This includes securing trash cans, trimming back tree branches that provide access to your roof, and ensuring that vents and chimneys are properly covered.

Don’t let raccoons take over your home. If you suspect a raccoon problem, contact Perfection Pest Control today. Our experts are here to help you protect your home and family from these troublesome pests. With our comprehensive raccoon removal and prevention services, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is protected.