If you’re wondering, “How do raccoons get into houses?” you’re not alone. Raccoons have become an increasingly common intruder for homeowners, and they’re not easy to remove. Their intelligence, adaptability, and dexterous paws make them masters of infiltration. 

For homeowners pondering how to get rid of raccoons, there’s a major challenge ahead. Here, we’ll uncover what makes raccoons so incredibly crafty and why Skedaddle’s humane removal services are often the most effective solution to this persistent problem.

Why Are Raccoons Attracted to Your Home?  

Raccoons are resourceful animals that look for food, warmth, and security—and your home may provide all three, often unknowingly. Garbage cans, bird feeders, pet food, and even gardens can serve as food sources. Add to that the warmth and safety of attics, chimneys, or crawl spaces, and your home becomes prime real estate for raccoons.  

Their cleverness comes into play the moment they choose a target. Raccoons are adept at identifying weak points in a structure, whether it’s a loose roof vent, an open chimney, or rotting wood in your exterior siding. With powerful paws, they can manipulate barriers to widen gaps or create new entry points. Even highly secured areas are no match for a determined raccoon, as they use their problem-solving abilities to find ways inside.  

Beyond just food and shelter, raccoons are also drawn to cities and suburban neighbourhoods because of the abundance of resources. Residential areas offer a steady supply of discarded food, while your attic or shed serves as an ideal den site away from predators and harsh weather. This urban adaptation has made raccoons one of the most successful and persistent neighbours we didn’t ask for.  

The Limits of DIY Solutions  

When most homeowners attempt to tackle the problem themselves, they quickly learn just how smart raccoons really are. Common deterrents like loud noises, lights, or chemical repellents may work temporarily, but raccoons adapt quickly. Their intelligence allows them to bypass traps and evade traditional methods of exclusion.  

Some people try sealing entry points immediately, but this is risky without a proper inspection. If raccoons are already inside, blocking their exit could lead to more damage as they desperately try to escape—or worse, leave baby raccoons trapped inside. A trapped mother raccoon can tear through walls or ceilings in an attempt to reunite herself with her young.  

Personal safety is another consideration. Raccoons can carry rabies or other diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella. Their droppings, which often contain a harmful roundworm, also pose health hazards. Without proper protective equipment and training, DIY raccoon removal isn’t just ineffective—it can be downright dangerous.  

For many homeowners, trying to outsmart a raccoon feels like a battle they can’t win. That’s where specialists like Skedaddle come in to ensure a safe, thorough solution to the problem.

How Do Raccoons Get Into Houses?  

The short answer? Any way they can. But their ingenuity and physical abilities make raccoons particularly adept at accessing your home. They need an opening as small as four inches to squeeze through—and once inside, they wreak havoc.  

Here are some of the most common entry points raccoons exploit:

• Roof Vents and Chimneys: The top of your home is often the first stop for a curious raccoon. They can easily pry open vents or climb into open chimneys.
• Soffits and Fascia: Weak or damaged soffits and fascia boards give raccoons easy access to your attic. They also use gutters or nearby trees to climb their way up.
• Exterior Walls and Siding: Cracks or rotting wood in your siding are an invitation for raccoons to force their way in, often enlarging existing gaps with their strong paws and teeth.  

Once inside, raccoons will settle in your attic or crawl space, where they can cause significant damage. They trample insulation, gnaw on electrical wiring, and soil the area with waste. These conditions can lead to costly repairs and even pose health risks to your family.  

Their nesting habits make them even harder to deal with during certain times of the year. For example, in spring and summer, mothers give birth to litters of two to six babies. Removing a mother raccoon requires special equipment and techniques, as she’ll go to great lengths to protect her young.  

Without a comprehensive removal plan, including sealing all potential entry points, homeowners may find themselves dealing with recurring infestations. 

Why Humane Removal is the Best Approach  

Dealing with raccoons requires more than just technical skills—it demands an understanding of their behaviour and a commitment to humane practices. That’s where we at Skedaddle stand out. Our process not only ensures the safe removal of raccoons but also prevents their return, sparing you from ongoing frustration.  

One aspect of humane raccoon removal involves careful inspection. Our wildlife specialists thoroughly assess your property to identify entry points, nesting areas, and potential vulnerabilities. This step is crucial, especially during baby season, when young raccoons can’t leave the nest on their own.  

For mother raccoons with babies, the approach is even more delicate. Using thermal imaging cameras, we locate the young ones and safely remove them by hand, placing them in a heated reunion box. This box keeps them warm and safe while we encourage the mother to relocate them to one of her alternative den sites. We then secure the entry points to ensure she can’t return.  

This gentle, hands-on process ensures minimal stress for the animals while protecting the safety of your home. Humane removal isn’t just ethical—it’s effective. Raccoons are far less likely to persist in trying to enter your home when they’ve been given the chance to relocate naturally.  

Why Skedaddle is the Best Choice for Wildlife Removal in Niagara  

At Skedaddle, we combine over three decades of experience with innovative techniques to deliver safe, humane, and efficient wildlife removal services. Our team of qualified professionals understands the unique challenges of human-wildlife interactions and is dedicated to resolving them in a way that ensures the safety of both your home and the animals.  

We stand apart by using a thorough process that prioritizes prevention. Not only do we humanely remove wildlife, but we also identify and secure potential entry points to prevent future infestations. Our method includes specialized cleaning and decontamination services to protect your property from health risks associated with wildlife activity.  

Skedaddle prides itself on exceptional customer service. From your first call to the completion of the job, we work closely with you to address concerns, provide transparent communication, and tailor our services to your needs. With a commitment to industry-leading practices and a deep respect for wildlife, Skedaddle is the trusted name for long-lasting and humane solutions.  

Take Action Before the Damage Gets Worse  

Understanding the challenges raccoons pose isn’t enough—you need a plan to protect your home. Because raccoons are intelligent, adaptable, and persistent, removing them requires specialized expertise and equipment. Skedaddle’s team has spent over 30 years perfecting the art of humane wildlife control, and we bring that experience to each and every job.  

If you’re hearing strange noises at night or have spotted signs of a raccoon in your attic, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Contact Skedaddle today to schedule an assessment and take the first step toward a raccoon-free home. Together, we’ll ensure your space remains safe, sound, and secure.