Raccoons are the ultimate escape artists of the animal kingdom, known for their cleverness and determination—especially when it comes to sneaking into homes. For homeowners, this resourcefulness often translates into frustration and expensive repairs. Whether you’re in Milwaukee or anywhere else, raccoons have a knack for finding weak spots in home structures and turning them into entryways.

Understanding where raccoons commonly break in, why these spots are so appealing, and how they manage to get inside is key to keeping your property secure. With the right knowledge, you can outsmart these furry intruders and protect your home from future damage.

Raccoon Entry Points in Home Structures

One of the top areas that raccoons target is the roofline of your house. This includes soffits, roof vents, and shingles. A raccoon only needs a small starting crack to exploit, and they are incredibly strong animals capable of tearing into wood, shingles, or soffit materials. Over time, elements like rain, snow, and wind can weaken building materials, making them prime spots for entry.

• Chimneys are a common entry point for raccoons.  
• Uncapped chimneys mimic the tree gaps raccoons use in the wild, providing a warm, protected space.  
• Raccoon dens, including baby raccoons, are often found in chimneys during certain seasons.  
• Without a chimney cap, preventing raccoon visits can be difficult.

Attic vents and dormers also rank high on the list of raccoon entry points. These ventilation areas, while necessary for your home’s airflow, are perfect targets due to their placement and design. A determined raccoon can pry open a vent cover or squeeze through gaps, turning your attic into its shelter.

Finally, eaves and gaps between siding and roofs allow raccoons to gain access. These often-overlooked areas can loosen over time, offering a convenient pathway indoors.

Steps to Secure Your Roofline

1. Inspect the perimeter of your roofline regularly.
2. Replace or repair damaged soffits or shingles.
3. Install heavy-duty screens over vents and attic ventilators.
4. Add chimney caps to block access.
5. Watch for holes or gaps in siding and seal them with durable materials.

By focusing on these vulnerable spots, you’ll significantly lower the chances of an uninvited houseguest exploring your roofline.

Common Raccoon Access Locations Around Foundations

While attics and chimneys are frequently targeted, raccoons also look for access near ground level. Foundations, crawl spaces, and garages are all susceptible. A damaged or loose crawl space vent can quickly become a raccoon’s favorite entry point, providing access to the relative warmth under your home.

Garages, especially when doors are left open or don’t seal tightly, can also be alluring. An open garage gives a raccoon the opportunity to explore and possibly find a way into the main structure of your home.

Likewise, basements often have small ground-level windows, grates, or vents that can be manipulated by a raccoon. Once inside, the damage can escalate as they search for nesting areas or food sources.

How to Fortify Foundation Areas

• Inspect crawl space covers and ensure they fit tightly.
• Seal garages securely and never leave doors open overnight.
• Install wildlife-proof vent covers for basements and utility areas.
• Keep vents and windows free from obvious damage or rust.

A strong defense at ground level can stop raccoons before they even consider moving higher up your house.

How Raccoons Get Into Houses Through Chimneys

Chimneys are practically an open-door invitation for raccoons. Because they mimic the hollow trees raccoons use in their natural habitat, they’re a favorite location. The horizontal smoke shelf inside a chimney provides a perfect spot for raccoons to rest, and during spring, it’s not uncommon for a mother raccoon to create a den for her young here.

Open chimneys are particularly vulnerable, but even if you have a cap, it’s worth inspecting its durability. Sometimes caps become loose or damaged over time, making it easier for a determined raccoon to pry them off. 

Protecting Your Chimney

1. Install a durable, raccoon-resistant chimney cap.
2. Check the chimney annually for any loose fixtures or gaps.
3. During the offseason, block airflow with insulation or a temporary cover to deter exploratory raccoons.
4. Clean and inspect chimneys regularly to ensure no animals are using them as a den.

If you suspect that a raccoon has entered your chimney, it’s critical to take action quickly. Waiting too long can result in further structural damage.

Why Roof Vents Are Prime Spots for Raccoon Access

Roof vents are a common weak spot for raccoons. These airflow points, while essential for reducing attic moisture, are often made of thin materials that raccoons can easily rip apart. Once inside, raccoons take full advantage of the warmth and protection of your attic. 

Given their high placement, homeowners often overlook vents, which may go unchecked for years. This is why routine inspections and maintenance are so vital.

Securing Roof Vents

• Use metal mesh or heavy-duty vent covers to protect openings.
• Regularly inspect your roof for signs of tampering or damage.
• Make sure vents are firmly secured to the structure of your roof.

Don’t underestimate the strength of a raccoon. Protecting roof vents effectively often means proactively upgrading the materials used.

When to Call for Professional Raccoon Removal

Raccoons can cause significant structural damage and pose health risks if they gain access to your property. While minor issues can sometimes be addressed with preventative measures, there are situations where professional raccoon removal services are essential. 

• Recurring noises like scratching, chirping, or scurrying at night can indicate raccoons have established a den in your home (attics, ducts, or wall spaces).  
• The presence of raccoon droppings or a strong, unpleasant odor suggests prolonged habitation and potential risk of zoonotic diseases like leptospirosis or roundworm.  
• Visible damage, such as torn shingles, chewed wiring, or broken vents, is a sign that requires immediate attention to prevent further issues.

Professional raccoon removal specialists are trained to handle these situations safely and humanely. They use proper equipment, techniques, and strategies to remove raccoons while ensuring no harm comes to the animals or your property. 

Additionally, an expert will provide advice on long-term prevention, such as sealing entry points or installing deterrents, giving you peace of mind that your home remains protected.

The Importance of Proactive Prevention Measures

Raccoons are adaptable and resourceful, which makes it crucial to prevent their access rather than react to their presence. Consistent home inspections and solid repairs to vulnerable points go a long way in deterring harmful intrusions.

One major benefit of living in Milwaukee is the ready availability of reliable wildlife control services like ours at Skedaddle. With their help and your preventive efforts, you can ensure raccoons don’t take up residence where they’re not welcome.

We always recommend acting quickly at the first sign of raccoon activity to avoid more extensive damage or headaches. If you want to effectively secure your home from raccoons and avoid costly repairs, we’re here to help. Contact Skedaddle and schedule your inspection today!