Raccoons can be a lot noisier than most people expect, especially when they find their way into your home. If you’re hearing strange sounds above your ceiling at night, you might be dealing with raccoons in your attic. These animals often target attics as safe spaces to nest, particularly during colder months or when it’s time to give birth. The sounds of raccoons in attic you might hear include scratching, thumping, or even chittering, often caused by their movements, digging, or communication within the group. This activity can indicate a larger issue since raccoons are not just disruptive but can also pose risks to your home and health. 

Many people in Toronto wonder how raccoons get into attics, and the answer often involves weakened areas like roof vents, chimneys, or loose shingles they can pry open. Once inside, their nesting habits can cause significant damage to insulation, wiring, and wooden structures, creating a costly problem that demands professional intervention. 

Additionally, many homeowners may ask, “Are raccoons in the attic dangerous?” While these animals usually avoid humans, they can carry diseases such as rabies or leave behind droppings that may spread harmful pathogens. It’s crucial to address their presence promptly and safely to protect your home and family. 

Decoding the Sounds Coming From Your Home

First, let’s talk about those sounds. Raccoons and squirrels are both highly active animals, but they each produce distinct types of noises that can help you identify the potential invader in your space. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, so their activity tends to spike at night. If raccoons are involved, you’ll typically hear loud thumping or scratching sounds as they climb, crawl, or move around. They’re larger animals, so the noises they make are often louder and heavier. You may also hear growling, chittering, or even sounds resembling a baby crying, as raccoons use vocalizations to communicate with one another.

On the other hand, squirrels are most active during the day, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. Squirrel-related noises are lighter and quicker, often involving scurrying or scratching as they move through tight spaces. Squirrels may also produce chirping or chattering sounds as they interact.

Understanding the timing and nature of these noises can provide strong clues about who’s currently using your home as theirs. Regardless, if you hear activity at night, it’s more likely raccoons, while daytime noise points more towards squirrels.

How Raccoons Get Into Homes Versus Squirrels

While both raccoons and squirrels are persistent and resourceful, the methods they use to access a home differ due to their physical size and behavioural habits. Raccoons are larger and stronger, which allows them to exploit structural weaknesses in buildings. I’ve seen raccoons tear apart shingles, claw through soffits, pry open vents, and enter through roof gaps or chimneys with relative ease. Once inside, they look for a secure, hidden spot to nest—often in an attic or crawlspace. 

Squirrels, being much smaller, often take advantage of tight spaces that raccoons would never fit through. Gaps in eaves, small openings near vents, and even gnawed-out holes in woodwork are common entry points for squirrels. Squirrels tend to be climbers by nature, so they often use tree branches or utility lines close to your home to make their way inside. It’s also worth noting that squirrels have strong teeth capable of chewing through various building materials like wood or plastic, creating new entry points if none are readily available.

Both animals can cause significant structural damage to your home, but the entry points they use can tell you a lot about who’s inside. Raccoons will leave evidence of pried openings, while squirrels often leave behind gnaw marks or smaller gaps.

Are Raccoons in the Attic Dangerous?

Raccoons are more than just a nuisance; they can pose real dangers when they find their way into your house. These animals are carriers of diseases like rabies and roundworm, which can be transmitted to humans and pets. Raccoon feces, often referred to as latrine sites, can contaminate insulation and other surfaces, creating a health hazard that requires professional cleaning to address safely.

Beyond health risks, raccoons are incredibly destructive when indoors. Their strength allows them to rip apart insulation, wiring, and ductwork, resulting in expensive repairs. Damaged electrical wiring can even increase the risk of fire, which is why it’s essential to address the problem quickly and professionally. And because raccoons are territorial, attempting to remove them on your own can lead to aggressive behaviours that put you at risk.

Squirrel infestations, while not as overtly dangerous as raccoons, can still cause their fair share of issues. These rodents have a near-constant need to chew, and when inside a home, they’ll focus their attention on anything from wires to wooden beams. Over time, this behaviour creates structural vulnerabilities and, like raccoons, a possible fire risk. Squirrels also leave behind droppings that can carry diseases such as salmonella or leptospirosis, further emphasizing the need for proper removal.

What to Do If You Think You Have Wildlife Indoors

If you suspect raccoons or squirrels have made their way into your home, the best course of action is to confirm the issue and act swiftly. Listen carefully for the signs we discussed above, and take note of possible entry points around your home. Look for damaged areas like roof gaps, chewed-out holes, or claw marks that could indicate recent animal activity.

It’s crucial to rely on professional help rather than attempting removal on your own. Like I mentioned earlier, both raccoons and squirrels can be unpredictable and dangerous when threatened. Wildlife control experts like those here at Skedaddle use humane and effective methods to safely remove animals from homes without causing harm to them or high levels of stress. 

Once the animals are removed, a comprehensive approach is essential for preventing future infestations. This includes sealing all potential entry points and repairing damage caused by the intruders. Whether it’s fixing vent covers or replacing wood that’s been gnawed through, restoring your home’s integrity is a key part of the process.

Why Toronto Homeowners Trust Skedaddle for Wildlife Control

At Skedaddle, we’re committed to protecting both your home and the animals we encounter. With over 30 years of experience, our humane wildlife control methods prioritize safety, efficiency, and long-term results. What sets us apart is our comprehensive approach; we don’t just remove animals. We also offer full restoration services to repair and sanitize spaces, ensuring your home is left better than we found it.

Homeowners trust us because we take the time to address the root cause of the issue, providing tailored solutions that protect your space from future problems. Our team of experts is trained to understand the behaviours and habits of wildlife, meaning we’ll always take the safest and most effective path for both you and the animals.

Take Action Today

Hearing noises in your home can be stressful, but knowing whether it’s raccoons or squirrels is the first step in addressing the problem. These uninvited guests can cause damage, spread disease, and create sleepless nights. The sooner you act, the easier it will be to mitigate the risks to your home and family.

If you’re ready to take the next step, Skedaddle is here to help. Contact us today for professional, humane wildlife removal services and restoration in Toronto. Rest easy knowing your home is in expert hands with Skedaddle.