How and Where Do Raccoons Gain Access to a Home?

So, you're hearing some commotion in the early morning hours and suspect a raccoon or five may be the culprit? You may well be correct. Let's see where they might have got in and what you need to do to cut that off.

Common Entry Points for Raccoons

Raccoons are highly intelligent, nimble, and crafty little rascals. Where there is a way... a raccoon will find the will. No wait.. that's not how it goes. However, raccoons will find (and exploit!) any weak spots around your home to gain entry. As with most problems, it's easier (and considerably cheaper!) to prevent than it is to fix. Damage to your roof in particular, can be extremely costly to repair and the fallout fom raccoon damage can be devastating. So, let's avoid that and have a look at the most common raccoon entry points:

Roof and Attic Access

Climbing is no problem for raccoons - up drain pipes or trees close to the home and roof, or with just a short leap from a fence. Once on your roof, a single loose shingle can be what's tranformed into an access point. Raccoons will tear off that shingle and pry away underlying materials to gain access through the roof. 

Chimneys and Vents

Chimneys and vents also make convenient pathways into your home. Raccoons have no problem pulling open peak vent louvers or tear apart ridge cap or static vents. Similarly, raccoons are quite adept at shimmying up and down chimneys. Your chimney itself may provide the perfect spot for a snooze or longer and not just be a way to get into your home.

Ground-Level Openings

Of course, any tears in siding, holes in the foundation, or open basement windows all offer an all-but-written invitation to raccoons and other wildlife.

Signs of Raccoon Intrusion

So, how do you confirm your suspicion of an ongoing home invasion by raccoons? They are generally pretty good and staying out of sight, especially when their most active time is in the hours just before and just after midnight. More information on how to spot the presence of raccoons »

Visual Indicators

Poop. There will be poop. You will likely find a raccoon latrine in your attic; raccoons prefer to do their business in one designated bathroom area. Check out what to look for specifically and what to do about it » Additionally, you may see tracks inside or outside, looking almost like hand prints. Also have a closer look at where you store your garbage - look for signs of disturbance.

Auditory Clues

Very late night/early morning you'll likely hear scratching and thumping coming from your attic. Raccoons are also very social animals and as such, they 'talk' amongst themselves. You may hear chattering, particularly at night.

Damage to Property

Damage might be the most obvious sign you'll observe. From tipped over trash bins, to displaced insulation and bits and pieces of ripped up materials that were dismantled when the raccoons made their way into your home. It's also worth having a close look at your outbuildings, such as garden sheds or under decks. Raccoon damage to homes can become costly and difficult if the problem is not addressed promptly.

Why Raccoons Choose Your Home

Has your home been designated the place to be? Are raccoons just congregating and inviting themselves in? Let's find out why and see if we can make things a little more difficult or uninviting:

Shelter and Protection

We all need shelter. We all need to feel safe. Raccoons are no different. They also seek to get out of the weather, or possibly escape a predator. That predator would likely be a coyoty.. so be careful. A dark and quiet place would be among favorites  when it comes to raccoon shelters. Your attic, chimney, your garden shed, or that lovely spot below your deck would be perfect.

Food Sources

Are you feeding your pets outside? Leave out water? Or, are you storing your dog food in your shed? Do you have fruit trees and berry bushes? If yes, than all of those will bring raccoons right to your door.

Breeding and Nesting

Any of your home's lovely quiet, dark places mentioned above aren't just good for regular shelter - they also make a darn near perfect nursery. Momma raccoon would be happy to raise her offspring in your home.

Preventing Raccoon Access

Alright, once your house guests have either left of their own accord, or have been evicted via trapping, it's time to look at your home closely to make sure they aren't going to make a comeback.

Securing Potential Entry Points

As a home owner, you might consider putting a spring and fall inspection of your home on your annual raccoon proofing list. 

• Inspect your roof and make necessary repairs
• Consider capping your chimney
• Consider installing raccoon-resistant vents or wire mesh over existing vents
• Repair any cracks, holes, or other openings you find - look closely at your siding and foundation

Removing Attractants

Remember that pet food? Yeah, that has to come inside. Your garbage bins need to be either bullet proof (or raccoon proof) or stored indoors as well. Raccoons haven't earned the nickname 'trash pandas' by accident. If you have any fruit trees, pick fallen fruit regularly off the ground.

Landscaping Considerations

Making access a little more difficult for raccoons is also a good idea. Consider trimming tree branches in close proximity to your home and roof back. Keep your yard and gardens tidy and be mindful of anything that could fit into a raccoon's daily meal plan. If you have any abandoned machinery in your yard that could house a raccoon, it may be time to have that removed. 

Call Up Hawkeye for Humane Raccoon Removal Techniques! 

Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is your one stop shop for Raccoon Removal, home inspection for wildlife vulnerabilities, and securing your home. Our unique licensing affords us the opportunity to offer you solutions over and above merely trapping and relocation within one kilometer. Contact us today for a free consultation!