Why Raccoons Invade Your Attic, Crawlspace, And Walls: How to Stop Them

Raccoons often invade attics, crawlspaces, and walls, looking for shelter, food, and a safe place to raise their young. These creatures are not only a nuisance but can also cause significant damage to your home. If you notice signs of raccoon activity, you may wonder why they are choosing your home as their shelter. Let’s learn how to stop them before they create lasting harm.

What Attracts Raccoons to Your Home Spaces

Raccoons are drawn to areas where food, warmth, and safety are easily accessible. Attics, crawlspaces, and walls provide ideal conditions for them to seek shelter. They look for sources of food like garbage, pet food, or even fruits and vegetables in gardens. These animals also look for warmth during colder months and security to raise their young. If you leave food or other attractants around your property, raccoons are likely to investigate and settle in these areas.

How Raccoons Cause Damage to Your Property

Raccoons are destructive creatures that can cause extensive damage to your property. When they invade attics, crawlspaces, or walls, they often tear up insulation, wiring, and roofing materials. They chew on wooden beams, tear up drywall, and create holes in the structure of your home. Their urine and feces can also ruin insulation, create foul odors, and cause health risks. If left untreated, a raccoon infestation can lead to costly repairs that may threaten the integrity of your home.

Raccoon Behavior That Leads to Infestation

Raccoons are nocturnal, which means they are most active during the night. Their behavior involves foraging for food, seeking shelter, and nesting in quiet, undisturbed spaces like attics and crawlspaces. They are persistent creatures, often returning to the same spots after finding a safe place. They create nests in dark, hidden corners and leave behind telltale signs like droppings or chewed materials. Raccoons’ habit of finding places to hide and breed leads to the establishment of an infestation that can quickly get out of hand.

Common Entry Points for Raccoons in Homes

Raccoons can enter homes through a variety of entry points, often exploiting weaknesses in the exterior. Gaps or holes in the roof, vents, chimneys, and attic windows are common places they use to get inside. They are skilled climbers and can access second-story openings. Additionally, raccoons may squeeze through small gaps around pipes, vents, or wiring that leads into your home. Identifying and securing these entry points is key to preventing raccoons from entering your property and establishing a home inside your walls or attic.

How Raccoons Find Shelter in Your Walls

Raccoons are attracted to walls because they provide a hidden, safe space away from predators. Once inside the walls, raccoons create nests from insulation, paper, and other materials they find. They may enter through small cracks or spaces around windows and doors. Over time, raccoons may chew through drywall or insulation, leading to visible damage. Walls also provide a dark and quiet environment that is perfect for raising their young, further encouraging their presence in your home.

Signs Raccoons Are Living in Your Attic

Raccoons often make their presence known with distinctive signs. In your attic, you may hear scratching, scurrying, or thumping sounds, especially at night. These sounds often come from the animals moving around or trying to establish a nesting area. Other signs include torn insulation, chewed wires, and droppings scattered around. If you notice foul odors or water stains on ceilings or walls, this may be caused by raccoons. Keeping an eye out for these signs helps to catch an infestation early before it becomes a major problem.

Health Risks of Raccoon Infestation in Attics

Raccoon infestations pose several health risks. Their droppings and urine contain harmful bacteria, parasites, and diseases such as leptospirosis and raccoon roundworm. These can spread to humans and pets, leading to serious illnesses. Raccoons also carry fleas, ticks, and other pests that can infest your home. The contamination caused by raccoon activity in your attic can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems due to exposure to pathogens and allergens. Proper removal and sanitation are necessary to eliminate these risks.

Effective Strategies to Prevent Raccoons from Entering

To keep raccoons from entering your attic, crawlspace, or walls, securing entry points is the first step. Install chimney caps, secure roof vents, and seal any cracks or gaps in the exterior of your home. Removing food sources like pet food, birdseed, and trash is also essential. If raccoons are already in your home, immediate action is required. Use traps or contact professionals to handle the situation safely and humanely. Maintaining a clean environment and securing your home’s exterior will reduce the likelihood of future infestations.

Why Professional Help Is Needed for Raccoon Removal

Raccoon removal can be tricky, as these animals are persistent and often dangerous when threatened. While DIY methods might seem effective, they can result in harm to both the animals and yourself. Professional wildlife removal experts have the experience, tools, and knowledge to safely remove raccoons and repair any damage caused by their presence. Professionals also know how to prevent future invasions by identifying hidden entry points and implementing effective exclusion strategies. Hiring an expert helps ensure that the problem is handled correctly and that your home remains safe.

Long-Term Prevention Methods for Raccoon Infestations

To prevent raccoons from returning, take long-term measures to make your home less inviting. Regularly inspect the exterior of your property for signs of wear and tear, and repair any cracks or holes. Install sturdy screens on vents and chimneys, and ensure that all roof openings are sealed. Trim back trees or bushes that may give raccoons easy access to your roof. If you’ve had a previous infestation, consider installing raccoon-proof barriers around entry points. These preventive actions will keep raccoons away and reduce the chances of future infestations.

Call Now for Professional Animal Control Services

Raccoons can cause significant damage when they invade your attic, crawlspace, or walls, leaving behind costly repairs and health risks. Pest control for raccoons requires swift, effective action to secure your property and eliminate the problem. At Best Pest & Wildlife Control, we offer professional animal control services that include humane removal, exclusion, and damage repair to keep your home or business safe. Reach out to us today for a thorough inspection and get rid of raccoons before they cause any more harm!