Determine If You Have Raccoons

Before you can get rid of raccoons in your attic, you need to be sure that they are in fact the culprits. If you’re hearing noises in your attic, it could be caused by rodents or other animals. Look for signs that raccoons have made their way into your attic, such as:

• Scat (droppings) in the attic
• Damaged insulation
• Gnawed holes in the roof or soffit
• Growling, chirping and shuffling noises in the attic

If you’ve identified raccoons, then you know you need to take action.

Humanely Deterring Raccoons

Raccoons are smart and resourceful creatures, so it’s important to take a humane approach when trying to get rid of them. Deterring raccoons using humane methods is often the best approach. Here are a few techniques to try:

• Secure your trash cans and remove potential food sources from your property, such as pet food and bird seed.
• Install motion-activated sprinklers or lights near the entry points in your attic.
• Place ammonia-soaked rags in the attic, as the smell is unpleasant to raccoons.
• Play loud music or a radio in your attic.

These methods can be used to make the attic an unpleasant environment for the raccoons, and will help encourage them to leave.

Sealing Off the Attic

Once the raccoons have left, it’s important to seal off the entry points so they won’t be able to get back in. Make sure to inspect the attic and the rest of your home for any potential entry points. Look for any holes in the roof, walls or soffit.

Once you’ve identified the entry points, you can begin sealing them off. Use hardware cloth or another type of metal mesh to cover the holes. Make sure to secure it firmly, as raccoons can be persistent. You can also use caulk or expanding foam to fill any small cracks or crevices.

Trapping and Removing Raccoons

If you’re unable to get rid of the raccoons using other methods, you may need to resort to trapping and removing them. This should only be done by a professional with experience dealing with wildlife. A professional can safely and humanely trap and remove the raccoons from your property.

When you hire a professional, make sure to ask them about their experience and whether they are licensed and insured. You should also ask about their approach to humanely trapping and removing raccoons.

Conclusion

Getting rid of raccoons in your attic can be a tricky process. It’s important to take a humane approach to deterring them, such as by making the area unpleasant or removing potential food sources. If these methods don’t work, you may need to hire a professional to trap and remove the raccoons. Taking these steps can help you get rid of raccoons in your attic and keep them away for good.