Raccoons in Your Attic? Here’s What You Need to Know About Removal and Prevention

Raccoons may look harmless, but once they get inside your attic, crawl space, or chimney, they can become one of the most destructive nuisance animals you’ll ever deal with. Known for their strength, curiosity, and cleverness, raccoons can tear through roofing materials, destroy insulation, and leave behind hazardous droppings. If you suspect a raccoon has invaded your home, professional raccoon removal is essential.

At Bay Area Wildlife Solutions, we specialize in humane raccoon control to keep your home protected year-round.

Why Raccoons Are a Major Problem for Homeowners

Raccoons are nocturnal, meaning they’re most active at night—often waking homeowners with loud thumping or scratching in the attic. But noise is just the beginning. Raccoons:

  • Rip through soffits, vents, and shingles to gain access
  • Tear up insulation and ductwork to build nests
  • Carry diseases like rabies, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm
  • Can become aggressive, especially when raising young

If left unchecked, raccoons can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage and pose a significant health risk.

How to Tell If You Have a Raccoon Infestation

Here are the most common signs raccoons have invaded your home:

  • Noises in the attic at night – thumping, growling, or dragging sounds
  • Damaged roof vents or soffits
  • Droppings with a strong ammonia smell
  • Overturned trash cans or food scattered around the yard
  • Raccoon tracks – they look like small human handprints

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call in a professional for raccoon removal services.

Our Safe & Humane Raccoon Removal Process

Bay Area Wildlife Solutions uses a proven, humane approach to raccoon removal and exclusion:

1. Inspection
We inspect your attic, roofline, and property to identify entry points, signs of activity, and whether young raccoons (kits) are present.

2. Humane Removal
Using safe, live-capture traps and one-way exclusion doors, we remove adult raccoons and carefully relocate any babies found.

3. Entry Point Sealing
Once raccoons are removed, we seal all entry points with chew-proof materials to prevent future access.

4. Cleanup & Sanitation
We safely remove droppings, sanitize affected areas, and offer repairs for any damage to insulation or ductwork.

Why DIY Raccoon Removal Can Be Dangerous

Handling raccoons on your own is not only ineffective—it can be dangerous. Raccoons are wild animals and may scratch or bite when threatened. DIY traps often separate mothers from their kits, leaving you with bigger problems.

Professional wildlife removal experts know how to handle these situations legally, safely, and humanely.

Tips to Prevent Future Raccoon Infestations

  • Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids or store them indoors
  • Install chimney caps and cover roof vents with heavy-duty mesh
  • Trim tree limbs at least 6–8 feet away from the roof
  • Seal openings in soffits, fascia boards, and crawl spaces
  • Don’t leave pet food or birdseed outside overnight

For added protection, Bay Area Wildlife Solutions offers long-term exclusion services to keep raccoons and other wildlife out for good.

Get Expert Raccoon Removal Help Today

Don’t let raccoons destroy your attic or put your health at risk. If you live in Delaware or the surrounding areas and need raccoon removal, Bay Area Wildlife Solutions is here to help. Our licensed team provides fast, safe, and effective raccoon control services—available 24/7 for emergencies.

Call us today or contact us online to schedule your inspection and let us restore peace to your home—quickly and humanely.