There are always different kinds of noises coming from the outdoors. It can be difficult to distinguish which species you’re dealing with, especially if it’s inside your house behind a wall or ceiling. They can all kind of sound the same.
But, being able to identify specific calls and sounds can help narrow down your pest control strategies and what steps you need to take to get rid of unwanted wildlife inside your home.
Raccoon vocalizations
Raccoons are very vocal mammals and use a variety of sounds to communicate with another. There are up to 200 different sounds raccoons use to interact. Adult raccoons will purr, chitter, growl, snarl, hiss, whimper and screech. Each sound is used to communicate something different. But, they’re not easy to distinguish from other wild animals. Many of their vocalizations resemble those of other animals. Fighting raccoons sound similar to fighting cats. Raccoon screams sound like the screech of an owl.
Baby raccoons make different vocalizations. They will often mew, cry and whine. The cooing sounds made by crying baby raccoons are often mistaken for birds by homeowners. The sounds with change depending on the amount of stress the babies are under and will change as the babies grow older.
Raccoon litters typically contain anywhere from two to six babies and litters are born from early spring through early summer. Babies aren’t mobile for several weeks after their birth which means noises are generally concentrated in a specific location until they start moving around and exploring on their own.
Raccoon physical sounds
One of the first signs of raccoons in the attic is the sound of their movement. Even when they’re not vocalizing their emotions, raccoons make distinct rustling sounds. The sounds are often described as slow moving and plodding, as if something is being dragged around the attic. Raccoons are mostly nocturnal so noises tend to be heard during the night when they’re active.
Listen for this in the attic or chimney. These are definite signs of a raccoon den. Also, these sounds might be heard when the raccoon is walking across the rooftop, climbing the downspout or attempting to gain entry to your home.
Other signs of raccoons in your home
Although sounds are a great way to identify any unwanted visitors, visual confirmation can also help to diagnose the problem. Frequent raccoon sightings is a great hint they’re denning somewhere on your property.
Visual cues include holes or damage made to your roof, soffit or siding. Regular raccoon activity may also result on foot and paw prints being left behind. Look out for piles of raccoon droppings, also called latrines, as they can help indicate the amount and frequency of raccoon activity around your property.
Prevention tips
- Keep a clean yard free of overhanging branches.
- Maintain garbage areas with locking containers.
- Seal all holes and cracks on the outer walls of your home.
- Perform regular maintenance to your roof.
- Call a professional.
Mississauga animal removal
Most raccoon infestations have to be removed by professionals. There’s a lot to consider when safely and humanely removing wildlife from your home or attic. When finding evidence of raccoons you should contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control.
Our technicians have the experience and training needed to identify how raccoons are getting inside your attic, if there are babies and evaluate any home damage. Best of all we guarantee that once removed they won’t be able to get back in.
Call today! 1-888-592-0387.
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