Raccoons can pretty much climb anything. They’re strength and dexterous paws allow them scale trees and structures with ease. They also have the ability to descend head first by rotating their back feet 180 degrees.

Your roof is a vulnerable place for raccoons gaining entry to your attic. There’s many different ways wildlife can get access to your roof. Raccoons are opportunists so the best thing to do is make it as difficult as possible for them gain access.

Downspouts

All houses have downspouts. They’re connected to eaves troughs and allow water to flow from the gutters to the ground below. Raccoons can reach their paws around the downspout to gain the grip and leverage needed to climb. Downspouts are a quick and direct access point to your roof. To make downspouts less accessible add a protective collar around the downspout. You also add grease or other slippery substances to the surface.

Trees

Raccoons can easily climb trees. Raccoon rely on trees to nest and escape from predators. Large mature trees are sought after by many homeowners for their beauty and shade but large trees mean long branches that can overhang roofs. Raccoons will use trees and branches next houses to access roofs. Keep tree branches trimmed to make it harder for raccoons to get on to your roof. The harder you make the more likely they are to move on to another house.

TV antennas

Old TV antennas braced against the side of your house are like a ladder for neighbourhood raccoons. Most of the time antennas extend from the ground right up to the roof making the journey up very easy.

Fences, Deck Railings and Pergolas

If you live in a bungalow or have a lower garage roof then the wood structures around your home can also act as highways to the roof.

Keep Your Roof in Good Repair

Stopping raccoons from accessing your roof can be next to impossible because there are so many different ways to get on it. We’ve seen customers remove their downspouts and cut down trees and raccoons still found their way up.

That’s why it’s crucial to maintain your roof against holes and rot. Urban raccoons spend a lot of time on roofs looking for openings and vulnerabilities. They can feel warm attic air exiting the home and they want to follow for warmth and shelter. Damaged and weathered roofs make easy entry points to attics for raccoons.

Ottawa raccoon removal

If you discover raccoons on your roof you should be concerned about them getting into the attic. Raccoons in the attic can cause sleepless nights for homeowners and inflict costly property damage.

At first sighting contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Our technicians remove raccoons from attics and prevent their re-entry by securing the vulnerable points on your roof including, soffits and vents.

Call today! 1-888-592-0387