10 Signs You Have Raccoons in Your Attic (and What to Do About It)

Known for their nocturnal scavenging habits and destructive looting, raccoons are one of the most infamous types of urban wildlife. Always on the hunt for easy access to food and water, the mischievous pests can quickly become a nuisance if they make their way inside your property’s attic. Here are 10 signs you may be experiencing a raccoon infestation and ways to quickly get rid of the unwanted pests.

10 Signs of a Raccoon Infestation in Your Attic

1. Soffit Damage: Soffits are the main entry points raccoons use to get inside attics. Made of soft materials, soffits are particularly vulnerable if improperly installed, making them easy targets.
2. Scratch Marks: Raccoons often use fence posts, gutter downspouts, and wooden support beams to climb their way up and into attics. Noticing scratch marks on these areas or on siding leading up to your roof are telltale signs that raccoons are on your property.
3. Property Damage: Torn vent screens, shredded attic insulation, and  or signs of disturbed chimneys are all signs of a raccoon infestation.
4. Paw Prints: A raccoon’s paw print is distinctive and easy to identify around your property’s exterior. Look for raccoon prints on your vehicles, sidewalks and flowerbeds.
5. Stains: Raccoons are greasy critters that will often leave behind stains when they squeeze through tight entrances. If raccoons are inside your attic, you may see unexplainable smears around your property’s exterior, particularly around gaps or cracked shingles on your roof.
6. Noises: Raccoons are noisy critters. They’ll make a variety of sounds as they nest inside your attic. Listen for scratching or scampering noises, as well as snarls and hisses.
7. Smelly Droppings: Raccoons will leave piles of their droppings around where they nest. Raccoon droppings look similar to small dog droppings, and they’ll likely be accompanied by a strong, ammonia-like smell.
8. Roof Damage: Before they make their way inside, raccoons will chew and scratch up your roof to test for vulnerable entry points. Make sure to keep an eye out for broken shingles on your roof and fortify any weak spots.
9. Other Raccoon Sightings: If you’re noticing more raccoons on your property than usual, there’s a good chance they’re nesting nearby. Keep track of how often you see raccoons on your lawn or roof.
10. Insulation Trails: Raccoons are creatures of habit, and they’ll follow the same path once they’re inside. You’ll likely notice trampled attic insulation and prints that indicate their travels.

Rely on Expert Raccoon Removal Services Near You

While DIY raccoon removal may seem like a quick and cheap option, such methods are often dangerous, ineffective, and inhumane. As soon as you notice any signs of a raccoon infestation, call the licensed, trained and experienced raccoon removal experts at Animal Wildlife Trappers. Our team has the proper skills and equipment to safely resolve your raccoon problem. To schedule an appointment and receive a free estimate for our fast and affordable raccoon removal services, call us today at 352-267-0546.