Raccoon in the Attic: How to Spot, Remove, and Prevent Them

Not all animals in the attic are small or easy to ignore. Raccoons are strong, messy, and loud, often causing far more damage than squirrels or mice. If they find their way into your home, they’ll tear through insulation and leave droppings that can pose health risks. Knowing how to spot the warning signs early will help you take action before things get out of hand.

How to Tell If You Have a Raccoon in the Attic

If you’re lying in bed and hear loud thumping above your ceiling, you’re not imagining things. Raccoons are surprisingly heavy-footed, and they don’t tiptoe around like squirrels. Common signs include:

• Noises at night: Thumping, dragging, or chattering sounds.

• Droppings: Larger than a cat’s, often in the same spot (they make a latrine).

• Torn insulation: It looks like a raccoon had a pillow fight in your attic.

• Odd smells: Strong, musky, or ammonia-like.

  
  

Quick comparison of attic intruders:

At Critter Hero, we’ve even found raccoons dragging food into attics like it’s their personal pantry. If you spot chicken bones or fruit cores up there, it’s a pretty clear giveaway.

Critter Hero Tip: Take our quick quiz to identify the animals in your attic and learn the next steps for safe, humane removal.

Why Raccoons in the Attic Are a Problem

It’s not just about the noise. Raccoons bring a whole list of issues with them:

• Health risks: Their droppings can carry parasites like raccoon roundworm.

• Property damage: They rip up insulation, chew wires, and break vents.

• Aggression: A mother raccoon with babies will defend her nest.

One of our team members puts it best: “A raccoon in your attic isn’t just a nuisance, it’s like a tenant who doesn’t pay rent and trashes the place on their way out.”

How Raccoons Get Inside

Raccoons are stronger than you think. They can:

1. Pry open soffits or loose shingles.

2. Tear through attic vents.

3. Squeeze through gaps as small as a grapefruit.

4. Climb trees to access your roofline.

   
   

Safe and Humane Raccoon Removal Options

DIY traps or poisons aren’t the answer. They can be dangerous and often make the problem worse. Instead, Critter Hero uses humane raccoon removal methods like:

• One-way doors that let raccoons leave but not return.

• Hands-on removal for babies, ensuring they’re safely reunited with the mother.

• No poisons or harmful traps, ever.

  
  

Expert tip from Critter Hero: Never seal an entry hole without checking if babies are inside. We’ve rescued countless kits that would’ve been trapped otherwise.

Cost of Raccoon Removal and Cleanup

Costs vary based on the situation. Here’s a general idea:

• Basic removal: A few hundred dollars.

• Full removal + cleanup + repairs: Up to a couple thousand.

  
  

At Critter Hero, we’re upfront about pricing so there are no surprises. We also handle cleanup, which includes:

• Removing droppings.

• Disinfecting the area.

• Replacing contaminated insulation.

• Sealing entry points to stop repeat visits.

Think of it as pressing the reset button on your attic.

How to Prevent Raccoons From Coming Back

Once they’re out, prevention is key. A few simple steps go a long way:

• Seal entry points with sturdy materials (not chicken wire).

• Trim tree branches that give raccoons easy roof access.

• Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.

• Install vent covers to block weak spots.

  
  

Critter Hero trick: Sprinkle a little flour near attic entry points after repairs. If you see paw prints later, you’ll know something’s still getting in.

Take Back Your Attic with Critter Hero

Raccoons don’t wait to cause damage, so the sooner you act, the better. Every night they’re up there, they’re tearing into insulation, leaving droppings, and making the problem worse.

Don’t put it off—call Critter Hero today and let our experts in humane wildlife removal across Hamilton & GTA deal with the raccoons safely, repair the damage, and secure your home before it gets out of hand.