Wildlife Removal Company

Raccoons in the Attic: The Hidden Dangers for Homeowners

Finding raccoons in your attic might seem harmless at first glance—they’re cute, curious animals, after all. However, having these critters take up residence in your home can lead to serious damage and health risks. While they may seek shelter in attics for warmth and safety, raccoons bring more than just noise and inconvenience.

Why Do Raccoons Invade Attics?

Raccoons are highly adaptable creatures. They often look for safe, dry, and warm environments to nest, especially during breeding season. Attics are ideal for this because they provide ample shelter from the elements and predators. Female raccoons commonly break into attics during spring to give birth and raise their young, but they may also seek refuge during the colder months.

The Dangers of Raccoons in the Attic

While raccoons may seem like a minor nuisance, they can pose significant risks to your home and health.

1. Property Damage
Raccoons are incredibly destructive. Once inside your attic, they can tear through insulation, wood, and other materials as they build their nests. They are known for gnawing on electrical wires, which can create fire hazards. Additionally, raccoons may damage shingles and roofing as they attempt to gain access to your home. Repairing these damages can become costly if not addressed early.

2. Health Risks
Raccoons are known carriers of several dangerous diseases and parasites, posing health risks to humans and pets.

• Rabies: One of the most well-known diseases raccoons can carry is rabies, a deadly virus that can be transmitted through bites or scratches.
• Leptospirosis: Raccoons’ urine can carry leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can cause serious illness in humans.
• Roundworm: Raccoon feces often contain roundworm eggs. If inhaled or ingested, these eggs can cause severe neurological damage in humans and pets.
• Fleas, ticks, and mites: Raccoons can also introduce fleas, ticks, and mites into your home, which can lead to further infestations.

3. Noise Disturbance
Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active during the night. Homeowners with raccoons in the attic often report hearing loud noises such as scratching, thumping, or scampering, which can disrupt sleep and create anxiety. These animals may fight, breed, or forage for food, creating constant noise and disturbance.

4. Contamination
Raccoons are not clean animals, and their waste can quickly accumulate in your attic. Feces, urine, and food remnants can lead to mold growth, unpleasant odors, and contamination of insulation or flooring. Left unaddressed, this contamination can spread to other parts of the home and affect air quality.

5. Risk to Pets
Raccoons are territorial and may pose a threat to your pets, especially if they feel cornered. Cats and small dogs are particularly at risk of being attacked by a protective raccoon. The diseases raccoons carry can also be transmitted to pets, making it essential to prevent contact between your animals and these intruders.

How Do Raccoons Get In?

Raccoons are surprisingly clever and resourceful. They can enter your attic through several methods:

• Damaged Roofs: Raccoons can find weak spots in roofing, such as loose shingles or vents, and tear through them to gain entry.
• Chimneys: If your chimney is uncapped, raccoons may climb inside and gain access to your attic or walls.
• Openings in Eaves or Soffits: Raccoons can exploit gaps or cracks in eaves, soffits, or roof edges to squeeze inside your home.
• Ventilation Systems: Unprotected attic vents can serve as an entry point for raccoons, giving them direct access to the attic.

Preventing Raccoon Infestations

Taking proactive measures can help prevent raccoons from entering your attic in the first place. Here are a few key steps:

1. Inspect your home’s exterior: Regularly check for any gaps, holes, or damage in the roof, siding, and vents that could serve as entry points.
2. Secure trash and food sources: Raccoons are often attracted to food, so make sure outdoor garbage cans are securely sealed.
3. Install chimney caps and vent covers: Blocking off access to common entry points like chimneys and vents can prevent raccoons from sneaking in.
4. Trim tree branches: Raccoons are excellent climbers, so trim any branches that overhang your roof to reduce access to your attic.

The Importance of Professional Removal

If you suspect raccoons are living in your attic, it’s crucial to act quickly. Trying to remove raccoons on your own can be dangerous for you and the animal. Wildlife removal experts have the knowledge and equipment to safely and humanely remove raccoons and prevent them from returning.

Professionals will:

• Locate and seal entry points
• Remove the raccoons using humane traps
• Clean and sanitize the attic to remove waste and contamination
• Repair any damage caused by the raccoons

Conclusion

While raccoons might look harmless from a distance, having them live in your attic can cause serious damage to your home and pose significant health risks. From structural damage to dangerous diseases, raccoons can turn your attic into a costly problem. If you suspect raccoons have made their way into your home, contact a professional wildlife removal service to safely and effectively address the issue.