Raccoons are one of the most common attic invaders in the country. If something big is thumping around above your head at night, there’s a good chance it’s a raccoon.
Signs You Have a Raccoon in Your Attic
- Heavy thumping or walking sounds, especially at night
- Chattering, growling, or crying sounds — particularly in spring when females have young
- Visible damage to your roofline, fascia boards, or soffits — raccoons tear their way in
- Large droppings (similar in size to a small dog) in or near your attic
- Strong ammonia smell from urine accumulation
- Tracks in insulation or disturbed attic materials
Why Raccoons Move Into Attics
Raccoons don’t break into your attic out of curiosity — they do it because your attic is the perfect place to raise their young. Female raccoons seek out warm, dry, protected spaces to den, and an attic checks every box. They’re strong enough to pry open roof vents, tear through soffits, and rip off shingles to get inside.
Once inside, they build a nest and may have a litter of three to five kits. This typically happens in late winter through spring. If you hear sounds and then silence for a few weeks followed by small high-pitched sounds, you likely have a mother and her young.
The Damage Raccoons Cause
- Torn insulation — they pull it apart to make nests
- Contaminated attic space — raccoon latrines are a serious biohazard containing parasites like raccoon roundworm
- Structural damage to wood and drywall
- Damaged HVAC ducts and wiring
- Compromised roof integrity from their entry point
How Raccoon Removal Works
Professional raccoon removal is a multi-step process — trapping the animal is only the beginning:
- Inspection — a technician identifies all entry points and assesses the damage
- Trapping — humane cage traps are set and monitored
- Exclusion — all entry points are sealed with heavy-gauge materials raccoons cannot breach
- Decontamination — droppings and soiled insulation are safely removed
- Restoration — damaged insulation and structural materials are repaired
Do not attempt DIY raccoon removal. Raccoons are strong, aggressive when cornered, and can carry rabies. A professional handles the job safely and legally.
Find a Raccoon Removal Expert Near You
AAAC Wildlife Removal has experienced raccoon removal technicians across 17 states. They offer free inspections and humane, permanent solutions.