How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Your Attic

Raccoons in the attic can be a huge nuisance. They make loud noises at night as they move around, damage insulation, and leave behind messes. Getting rid of raccoons from your attic takes some work, but it can be done with the right techniques. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get rid of raccoons in your attic.

Understanding Raccoon Behavior

Before removing raccoons from your attic, it’s important to understand their behavior patterns. This allows you to implement solutions that directly target the root causes of the problem. Here are some key facts about raccoons:

Nocturnal – Raccoons are nocturnal and most active at night. This explains the noise heard from the attic late at night.
Excellent climbers – Raccoons are great climbers and can scale down pipes, trees, walls, and get into the roof. They’re searching for dens to rest in during the day.
Omnivores – Raccoons have varied diets. They eat fruits, nuts, bird eggs, frogs, pet food, and even human trash.
Raise young in dens – Mother raccoons often raise their kits in closed attics and chimneys. They’re protective of their young and may aggressively defend the den.
Tactile – Raccoons rely on their sense of touch and feel to navigate the dark. They memorize tactile cues to find their way around dens.
Intelligent – Raccoons are smart and have great memory. They learn tactics to break into homes and recall food sources.

Inspect the Attic Carefully

The first step is to inspect the attic space carefully to determine how the raccoons are getting in, where they’re nesting, and the extent of the infestation. Here are some tips:

Use a flashlight to visually search for entry points, nesting sites, and damage.
Wear a respirator mask to avoid inhaling any raccoon dander or droppings.
Bring a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at hard-to-reach spots.
Check areas like gable vents, eaves, roof edges, chimneys, and openings around pipes. These are common entry points for raccoons.
Locate any insulation or ceiling boards that appear disturbed, as these may indicate nesting sites.
Identify all possible nesting, feeding, and access spots. This helps plan where to place traps or exclusion devices later.
Note signs like raccoon scat, tracks, or noises. This confirms raccoon presence and activity.
Take pictures to document the inspection. These serve as before-and-after records of the raccoon removal process.

Thoroughly exploring the attic helps understand the severity of the infestation so you can take appropriate removal measures.

Seal Up Possible Entry Points

Once you find how raccoons enter the attic, seal these access points shut. This physically prevents more raccoons from sneaking in from outside. Here’s how to seal up common entry points:

Roof vents – Install vent covers made of stainless steel mesh to block raccoons without affecting ventilation.

Eave gaps – Stuff wire mesh into any gaps or holes along soffits and eaves. Caulk the edges to hold the mesh in place.

Rooftop openings – Cover chimney flues and roof and gable vents with custom-fit screening.

Around pipes – Fill gaps around plumbing and exhaust pipes with stainless steel wool and expandable spray foam.

Foundation cracks – Use concrete patching compound to seal any foundation cracks wider than 1/4 inch.

Overhangs – Attach sheet metal guards along roof overhangs to obstruct raccoon access.

Attic vents – Cover all attic ventilation openings with 1/4-inch hardware cloth screening.

Doors – Make sure doors sealing the attic shut are tight-fitting. Repair any holes or damage.

Garages – Secure garage doors at night to prevent access from the garage into the attic.

Trees – Trim back tree branches at least 10 feet from the roof. Raccoons use these to climb onto the roof.

Sealing possible entry routes is crucial, but not sufficient alone. You still need to remove the raccoons already inside the attic.

Use humane Eviction Devices

One method to get rid of raccoons in the attic without harming them is by using eviction devices:

Eviction fluid – Apply raccoon eviction fluid near entrances and nesting areas. The strong odor repels raccoons out of the space. Reapply weekly.

Motion-activated lights – Install flashing strobe lights triggered by motion sensors near entry holes. The lights startle raccoons trying to climb in.

Predator urine – Soak cotton balls with coyote or fox urine and place them around the attic. The scent of natural predators scares away raccoons.

Noise deterrents – Set up an AM radio tuned to a talk station and place it in the attic. The constant chatter drives away raccoons.

Vibration devices – These battery-powered devices produce ultra-high frequency vibrations that raccoons dislike, encouraging them to leave.

Moth balls – Scatter moth balls liberally in the attic. Their strong fumes make the space inhospitable for raccoons.

Using two or more eviction techniques together often yields better results in nudging raccoons out humanely without harming them.

Employ Live Animal Traps

For an active raccoon infestation, live trapping combined with exclusion is the best method to remove them from an attic. Here are tips on safe and effective trapping:

Place large, single-door cage traps near entry holes or nesting spots to intercept raccoons.
Bait traps with wet cat food, fish, or fruits. Check and rebait traps daily.
Cover traps with dark cloth to create a sheltered, appealing environment for raccoons.
Once a raccoon is caught, immediately relocate it at least 5 miles away in a rural area.
Release the raccoon gently on the ground. Never relocate mother raccoons with dependent young still in the attic.
Before releasing, have the raccoon checked for diseases, get it vaccinated, and implant an ID chip if required by local laws.
When trapping in winter, provide an insulating rug in the trap to prevent frostbite.
Monitor the attic for more raccoons even after trapping several. Failing to seal entrances may allow new ones to enter.
Consider hiring a professional wildlife control company if DIY trapping efforts are unsuccessful.

Using humane trapping and exclusion together is the most effective approach for removing all raccoons from an attic.

Apply Repellent Odors

Besides physical exclusion, applying repellent odors in the attic can also help drive away raccoons:

Ammonia-soaked rags – Place rags soaked in ammonia in areas where raccoons are active. The overpowering ammonia odor repulses them.
Mothballs – Scatter mothballs liberally in attic corners and potential nesting spots. Mothball fumes deter raccoons.
Critter Ridder – Spray this commercial animal repellent around attic access holes and potential entry points. Reapply after rain.
Fox or coyote urine – Soak cotton balls in predator urine and place them in areas frequented by raccoons. This tricks them into thinking natural predators are nearby.
Peppermint oil – Apply some drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls. Place them around the attic to create a strong minty smell that raccoons dislike.
Ammonia-soaked rags – Place rags soaked in ammonia in areas where raccoons are active. The overpowering ammonia odor repulses them.
Radio sounds – Place a radio tuned to talk radio in the attic. The constant chatter drives away raccoons.

Using two or more repellents together improves effectiveness. But take safety precautions when using ammonia or mothballs.

Use Exterior Raccoon Den Deterrents

It’s also important to make the exterior of the home less appealing to raccoons seeking sheltered den spots. Here are some effective exterior deterrents:

Install stainless steel chimney caps over chimney flues.
Attach pest deterrent strips along rooflines and ledges. The sharp protrusions make surfaces uncomfortable for raccoons.
Prune back tree branches around 10 feet from the roof to eliminate access pathways for raccoons.
Remove piles of wood, debris, or lumber near the foundation. Eliminate potential nesting spots.
Install motion-activated sprinkler deterrents along rooflines and fences. The sudden burst of water startles raccoons.
Use outdoor solar-powered ultrasonic devices that emit high-pitched sound waves undetectable to humans but unpleasant to raccoons.
Apply a layer of anti-climb paint on vertical pipes, poles, or walls near the roof. The paint’s sticky texture makes climbing difficult.
Keep trash and recycling bins locked up and secure at night. Eliminate food attractants outside.

Making a home exterior less hospitable to raccoons reduces the chances of repeat infestations after removing those already inside.

Clean Up Raccoon Droppings Properly

Once raccoons are evicted, properly clean up the hazardous mess they leave behind:

Never sweep or vacuum up dried raccoon droppings. This stirs up particles that are infectious if inhaled.
Wear an N95 mask and gloves during the cleanup. Raccoon droppings contain parasites like roundworms.
Remove all contaminated insulation and debris. Soak droppings to soften before wiping down surfaces.
Disinfect all areas with an enzyme cleaner, bleach solution, or ammonia. This kills raccoon germs.
Seal up all contaminated insulation in a plastic bag and dispose of it properly. Replace with new insulation.
Wash hands well with antibacterial soap after cleanup. Also shower and launder clothes separately.
Dispose of gloves properly. Rinse any reusable gloves in disinfectant first before disposal.
Monitor the attic in the coming weeks for any sign of residual mess. Further disinfect if required.

Thorough sanitization after raccoon removal is vital since droppings and nesting materials are highly infectious.

When to Call a Professional

Removing raccoons yourself can be challenging at times. Call a professional wildlife control company if:

You’re unable to find or reach all entry points in the attic for sealing.
The infestation is severe with over 5 raccoons trapped. Getting them all out is difficult.
Trapping efforts are unsuccessful even after 2-3 weeks. Raccoons continue returning.
You observe aggressive, defensive, or sick raccoon behavior.
State laws require licensed professionals to handle certain species.
Removing dead raccoons or nests from hazardous spots (e.g. chimneys) is dangerous DIY.
There’s substantial structural damage, contaminated insulation, or biohazard droppings to clean up.

For large, aggressive, or inaccessible infestations, calling a pro can be safer and more effective than DIY removal.

Prevent Future Raccoon Invasions

Take these final steps to help keep raccoons from nesting in the attic again in the future:

Check the attic at least twice annually for any new damage or entryways. Immediately seal any openings.
Trim back tree branches regularly to eliminate roof access points for raccoons.
Install chimney caps, vent covers, and other permanent exclusion solutions to maintain a sealed attic.
Remove food attractants by keeping pet food bowls indoors and securing garbage cans.
Use predator urine, exterior deterrents, and repellent smells to maintain an environment unappealing to raccoons.
If traps are still set, inspect and rebait them regularly to remove raccoons before they enter the attic.
Consult a roofer about potential solutions if the roof design itself makes it easy for raccoons to climb up.
Get professional periodic attic inspections to spot and seal new damage before raccoons can nest again.

With vigilance and commitment to maintenance, you can successfully keep raccoons out of your attic permanently. Don’t let your guard down.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do raccoons even get into the attic in the first place?

Raccoons are excellent climbers and can scale vertical walls, trees, and chimneys with ease to access roofs. They then enter attics through openings like uncapped chimneys, gaps around pipes and wires, damaged vents, loose soffits and eaves, or holes in roof edges. Mother raccoons may intentionally seek out attics as safe dens for raising young.

What are signs of a raccoon infestation in the attic?

Indications of raccoons nesting in the attic include loud noises like scratching or walking at night, damaged insulation or walls, droppings around entry points, strange odors, and visual sightings of raccoons entering or exiting access holes. Their tracks or paw prints may also be visible on attic dust or insulation.

Is it safe to use poison to kill raccoons in the attic?

No, poisons are unsafe for removing raccoons in attics. Poisoned raccoons often die in hard-to-reach spots, creating a decomposing health hazard. They can also be ingested by scavengers or pets, further spreading the toxins. Plus, poisons cause immense suffering to the animal. Humane trapping and exclusion are safer solutions.

Why are raccoon droppings a health risk?

Raccoon feces contain parasitic roundworm eggs that cause diseases like larval migrans if accidentally ingested by humans. Dried droppings also harbour viruses, bacteria, and fungi that can infect people through inhalation. Protective gear and proper disinfection are a must during cleanup.

What should I do if a mother raccoon has baby kits in my attic?

You must absolutely avoid separating mother raccoons from dependent young still hidden in the attic, as the kits will be unable to survive alone. In such cases, it’s best to wait until you verify the kits are old enough before removing the mother raccoon through trapping. This ensures the young can fend for themselves.

Conclusion

Raccoons nesting in attics is a common nuisance but Thankfully, there are several effective solutions. The key is using multiple techniques together, for example – identifying and sealing all entry points, trapping, repellents, cleanup, and exclusion. While the process requires diligence, you can successfully remove raccoons humanely and prevent future infestations with some effort. The comprehensive tips in this guide should give you a helpful headstart on getting rid of those pesky raccoons in your attic for good. Stay vigilant, and you’ll have your peaceful raccoon-free attic back in no time.