Raccoons are resourceful animals that can cause serious problems when they make your attic their home. These nocturnal animals are known to damage insulation, chew on electrical wiring, and leave behind droppings that pose health risks. Do raccoons make nests in attics? Absolutely. They often use your attic as a safe space to raise their young. Understanding whether raccoons in the attic are dangerous is important for protecting both your home and your family. Once they settle in, it can be a challenge to figure out how to get rid of raccoons in the attic effectively and safely. 

Residents in Pickerington and surrounding areas increasingly encounter this issue as suburban development expands into wildlife habitats. It’s essential to address this problem promptly to avoid further complications and potential structural damage.

Signs That You Have Raccoons in Your Home  

Raccoons are intelligent and adaptable, able to thrive in areas where human activity provides ample food and shelter. Unfortunately, this often means they view your attic as the ideal nesting spot. Homeowners may notice several troubling signs that point to these animals making themselves at home.  

The most common sign of their presence is unusual noises, especially at night. Because raccoons are nocturnal, you might hear scratching, thumping, or scampering sounds above your ceiling while they move around or dig into insulation to create nests. They have strong, dexterous paws, which means they can easily tear or manipulate materials during their activities.  

Another telltale sign is the physical damage they leave behind. Roof vents, soffits, and chimneys are common access points for these animals. You might notice torn shingles, chewed siding, or gaps in soffits where they’ve broken in. Once inside, they can wreak havoc on insulation, drywall, and even wiring. Inspecting your attic might reveal their nests, as well as droppings scattered throughout the space—both of which are serious concerns for hygiene and safety.  

Lastly, the smell can be an indicator. Raccoon urine has a very pungent odor that lingers in confined spaces. Over time, this smell can spread to other parts of the home. Addressing odor isn’t just about comfort—it’s crucial for identifying potential contamination and preventing further infestations.  

Why Raccoons Choose Your Attic  

During winter, there’s nothing raccoons want more than warmth—and your attic space seems like the perfect sanctuary. With its lack of regular human disturbance, stable temperatures, and protection from predators, it’s no surprise that attics become prime targets for these invaders.  

Raccoons will scout homes for weak entry points, especially around aging soffits, roof vents, or poorly sealed chimneys. Even a small gap becomes an open invitation, as raccoons only need a four-inch-wide opening to gain access. Once inside, they make themselves comfortable, often creating nests with whatever materials are available—including your valuable insulation.  

For mothers with young, attics offer a contained space to raise their babies. Each litter averages two to six babies, born between late February and mid-July. During this time, mothers can be fiercely protective, making direct management without professional help risky at best. The longer the animals stay, the more damage they do, as their growing family leads to greater waste and contamination.  

Without proper intervention, raccoons may return season after season. This is why preventing access and addressing the underlying vulnerabilities of your home is crucial once the animals are removed.  

Are Raccoons in the Attic Dangerous to Homeowners?  

Many homeowners might initially think of raccoons as nothing more than a nuisance, but the reality is much more concerning. These animals pose risks not just to your property but also to the health and safety of everyone in your household.  

First, raccoons are capable of severe structural damage. Their strong paws and teeth allow them to widen small gaps, break wood panels, and tear through metal siding with ease. Inside your attic, it’s not uncommon for them to chew on electrical wires, which can create fire hazards. Aside from damaging insulation, they often leave behind urine and droppings, which can seep into drywall and encourage mold growth.  

The health risks are equally alarming. Their feces can harbor parasites such as Baylisascaris (a type of roundworm), which poses a serious risk if accidentally ingested. Other diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella can spread through contamination. Additionally, raccoons are known carriers of rabies. Though attacks are rare, any bite or scratch could transmit the virus, putting both people and pets in danger.  

Beyond health concerns, the psychological toll of having raccoons inside your home cannot be underestimated. Persistent noises, smells, and the worry of contamination can disrupt your family’s daily life. This is why prompt, professional removal is necessary to restore your peace of mind.  

How to Get Rid of Raccoons in the Attic  

For homeowners wondering how to get rid of raccoons in the attic, it’s important to stress the need for professional help. These animals are clever, resourceful, and capable of defending themselves if they feel threatened. Attempting to remove them without the right training or tools can result in further property damage—or worse, personal injury.  

At Skedaddle, our team begins with a comprehensive assessment of your home. This includes identifying all entry points, inspecting for nests, and locating babies if present. We rely on advanced tools, such as thermal imaging cameras, to pinpoint hiding spots and ensure nothing is missed. Once the raccoons are located, our technicians use humane methods to safely remove the animals. Babies are carefully handled and placed into heated reunion boxes, allowing their mother to retrieve them and relocate to a safer den.  

After the removal, we clean and decontaminate the affected areas. This step is crucial for eliminating bacteria, odors, and materials that may attract other wildlife in the future. Finally, we secure your home by sealing entry points and reinforcing vulnerable areas with heavy-duty materials. This preventative approach ensures that raccoons cannot return, saving homeowners from repeat infestations.  

Skedaddle is the Trusted Name for Wildlife Control  in Pickerington

With over 30 years of experience, Skedaddle has become a trusted name in humane wildlife control. Our team understands the unique challenges raccoons present, and we tailor our approach to meet the specific needs of each homeowner we work with.  

What sets us apart from other services is our commitment to both professionalism and care. Every step of our removal process prioritizes the safety of the animals, the homeowners, and the property itself. From baby reunion boxes to comprehensive decontamination, our methods emphasize long-term results over temporary fixes.  

Additionally, choosing Skedaddle means choosing peace of mind. Our installations and repairs are backed by a lifetime warranty, so homeowners can rest easy knowing their investment is protected. If any issues arise later, our technicians will address them promptly—because ensuring your safety is our top priority.  

Protect Your Home Today  

Don’t wait for the damage to worsen. If you suspect raccoons have made their way into your home, act now to protect your property and loved ones. Raccoons are relentless in their attempts to find shelter, but with the right expertise, you can stop them in their tracks.  

Contact Skedaddle today to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward a raccoon-free home. Trust us to handle the hard work, so you can focus on what matters most.