If you’ve been hearing strange noises in your attic or noticing signs of disturbance near your roof, you might have raccoons as uninvited guests. In Delaware, raccoons often seek out safe, warm spaces like attics, chimneys, or crawl spaces to raise their young. Their breeding season starts in the colder months and continues through late spring, increasing the chances of them nesting in human homes. Understanding their habits can help you protect your property and prevent issues.

During breeding season, raccoons become more active as they search for shelter, and knowing when and how to address a potential problem is key. From identifying signs of nesting to safely removing them, taking proactive steps can save you from costly damage and disruptions. This guide will highlight the essentials to keep your home raccoon-free.

When Do Raccoons Have Babies?

One of the most common questions we hear from Delaware homeowners is, “What time of year do raccoons have babies?” Breeding typically begins in late winter—think January and February—leading to their young being born a few months later. The gestation period for raccoons is about 63 days, meaning most litters are born between March and May. These baby raccoons, also called kits, rely heavily on their mothers for warmth and protection, particularly in those first few weeks.

This is why attics, crawl spaces, or even walls in residential buildings make such appealing nesting sites. They’re usually quiet, warm, and undisturbed by predators. Unfortunately, this also means that damage can begin almost immediately as these animals create comfortable spots to care for their young.

Signs of Raccoon Activity During Breeding Season

Raccoons taking shelter in your property isn’t something that happens overnight. There are usually warning signs that, if caught early, can save you the hassle of dealing with major issues down the road. Here are some common indicators to look for when these animals are actively nesting during the breeding season. Catching these signs early can give you a head start on understanding how to get rid of raccoons safely and efficiently.

1. Noises in the Attic

Strange sounds from above your ceiling often signal wildlife activity in your attic. Scratching or crawling noises are a common clue, typically heard at night when animals are most active searching for nesting materials or feeding their young. These subtle sounds are often the first sign of an issue.

During breeding seasons, louder thumping noises might emerge. Larger animals like raccoons can create these sounds as they move in and out of your attic, often near the roofline. Such noises are distinctive and indicate the presence of bigger wildlife.

Young animals also produce high-pitched squeals or cries, especially when hungry. Although faint at first, these noises can grow more noticeable over time. These auditory clues point to the presence of a nesting colony, underscoring the need for quick investigation.

2. Entry Points

Wildlife often enters attics through weak or unprotected areas. Roof and vent damage are common culprits, as animals can pull apart loose vents, shingles, or soffits to create entryways. Signs to watch for include bent gutters, broken screens, and missing vent covers.

Chimneys and soffits are also prime entry points, especially since they are high and often not inspected frequently. Claw marks or dirt streaks in these areas strongly indicate wildlife activity, signaling regular movement in and out.

Identifying and securing entry points is a vital step in wildlife control. By sealing off weak spots, you can prevent further access and protect your home from future invasions.

3. Droppings and Odors

Animal droppings are a clear sign of raccoons inside your attic. These droppings are often found near entry points or in unused spaces and pose serious health risks. Pathogens carried in animal waste can spread through accidental contact or inhalation, making immediate cleanup essential to keep your household safe.

A persistent musky odor is another strong indicator of wildlife. This smell results from waste accumulation, nesting materials, and food scraps. Even thorough cleaning or ventilation might not eliminate the odor if wildlife activity is ongoing.

These signs point to significant risks to both your home and your health. Acting quickly to address odors and droppings can help maintain a clean and safe environment. Seeking professional wildlife removal services ensures that the problem is resolved effectively, securing your attic and restoring peace of mind.

Risks to Your Property During the Breeding Period

Every year, Delaware homeowners face significant damage and challenges when wildlife—especially raccoons—choose their property as a nursery. Here’s a closer look at the main risks during this time:

• Structural Damage: Animals may chew through insulation, wiring, or wooden beams to create suitable nesting spots. This can weaken your home’s infrastructure and pose potential fire hazards.
• Health Concerns: Waste left behind by these creatures often contains bacteria and parasites. Raccoon droppings, for instance, are known carriers of roundworm, a parasite that can pose health risks to humans and pets if not handled properly.
• Repeat Visitors: Raccoons are creatures of habit. If your home offers a cozy nesting space, the chances of them returning year after year increase significantly. Without proper prevention, this cycle can turn into an ongoing issue.

The costs of these risks add up quickly—but what’s even worse is the stress and disruption of having wildlife interfere with your living space. That’s why knowing the signs and acting quickly is so important.

Why Professional Solutions Are Necessary

When dealing with wildlife—especially during their reproductive season—it’s essential to use a professional service, like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Removing a family of raccoons isn’t as simple as getting them out of your attic. Our experts focus on humane techniques to ensure both the mother and her young leave the nest safely.

One common approach is the use of one-way doors. These devices allow animals to exit your property while blocking their return. Once the area is completely empty, entry points are carefully sealed to prevent future problems. Unlike aggressive methods, the solutions we offer prioritize your safety while protecting the animals.

For Delaware residents, partnering with Skedaddle means peace of mind. We’ve built our reputation around safe, effective methods that keep your home secure long-term. With animals active across the state during the spring, acting early means you can avoid the stress of property damage or the risks of sharing your living space with wildlife.

Protect Your Home With Humane Wildlife Control

Understanding the breeding habits of raccoons helps you protect your home and maintain your peace of mind. These animals may seem harmless from a distance, but their nesting season brings significant risks to your home. From the initial signs of damage to the long-term health risks of contamination, addressing a wildlife problem early makes all the difference.

Professional intervention ensures both safety and humane treatment for how to get rid of raccoons. If wildlife has made an unwelcome entrance into your home, the Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control experts in Delaware are ready to help. Using proven techniques like one-way doors, we ensure safe, stress-free removal while preventing future invasions.

Don’t wait for noises in the attic to turn into bigger problems. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and keep your property secure throughout the year!