Wildlife Removal Company

The Risks of Raccoons in Your Attic and Around Your Home

Raccoons may seem like charming, masked bandits of the animal world, but their presence in your attic or around your home can lead to significant problems. While these clever creatures are fascinating in the wild, they can cause damage, pose health risks, and disrupt the safety and comfort of your property.

Why Raccoons Target Attics

Raccoons are highly adaptable animals that thrive in urban and suburban environments. Attics provide an ideal nesting site, offering warmth, shelter, and safety from predators. Female raccoons often seek out attics to raise their young, making spring and early summer the most common times for infestations.

Entry points typically include:

• Gaps in roofing or soffits
• Loose vents or chimneys
• Weak points in siding or eaves

Once inside, raccoons can cause significant damage and create health hazards.

The Dangers of Raccoons in the Attic

1. Structural Damage
Raccoons are strong and determined animals that can tear through shingles, insulation, and ductwork. In their search for food or nesting materials, they can cause:

• Damaged insulation, reducing energy efficiency
• Torn air ducts, compromising your HVAC system
• Broken or chewed electrical wires, increasing the risk of fire

2. Health Hazards
Raccoons carry a range of diseases and parasites that can harm humans and pets:

• Roundworm (Baylisascaris): Found in raccoon feces, this parasite can infect humans, causing severe neurological damage in rare cases.
• Rabies: Although rare, raccoons are common carriers of this deadly virus, which can spread through bites or scratches.
• Canine Distemper: A highly contagious disease that can be fatal to unvaccinated dogs.

Raccoons can also bring fleas, ticks, and mites into your home, spreading infestations to pets and family members.

3. Noise and Odor
Raccoons are noisy guests, especially at night. Their scratching, thumping, and chittering sounds can disrupt sleep. Over time, their urine and droppings can create unpleasant odors and damage ceilings and walls.

Risks Around Your Home

Even if raccoons don’t make it into your attic, their presence around your home can still pose problems:

• Trash Scavenging: Raccoons are notorious for raiding garbage cans, creating messes and attracting other pests.
• Garden Damage: They can dig up lawns, eat crops, and damage garden plants.
• Pet Safety: Raccoons may become aggressive if cornered, posing a threat to pets that encounter them.

Preventing Raccoon Problems

To protect your home and property, consider these preventative measures:

1. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for gaps in the roof, vents, or siding and secure them with durable materials.
2. Protect Chimneys: Install chimney caps to block access.
3. Secure Trash Cans: Use heavy-duty lids or raccoon-proof containers.
4. Trim Trees: Keep branches at least 6 feet away from your roof to prevent raccoon access.
5. Eliminate Food Sources: Avoid leaving pet food or birdseed outside, which can attract raccoons.

Professional Help for Raccoon Removal

If you suspect raccoons in your attic or around your property, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal service. Experts can:

• Safely and humanely remove raccoons
• Assess and repair damage caused by the infestation
• Implement exclusion techniques to prevent future problems

Conclusion

Raccoons may look harmless, but their presence in your attic or around your home can lead to costly damage and health risks. By taking proactive steps and relying on professional help when needed, you can protect your property and maintain peace of mind.