What Are the Signs That a Raccoon Is Living in Your House?

The masked bandit is not a stealth creature. It does not try to hide its activities from people. However, it is a nighttime prowler by nature, so we don’t witness much of what it does. If a raccoon gets into your garbage bins, though, you know it. They don’t bother trying to hide the evidence; it’s often left for all to see, strewn across your yard. When a raccoon moves into your house, the signs are not as clear, but they are there.  If you discover one of these furry little animals in your home, it is important to get ahold of the professionals for humane raccoon removal Niagara right away. Keep your eyes peeled and ears open for the clues the masked bandit leaves when it has entered your home.

The Time for a Visit

The spring months are prime times for raccoons to visit. In particular, it is the females that find their way into attics during this time of year. Breeding season begins in January and lasts through March, and babies are usually born between April and June. A pregnant female often seeks out a new den location where she can build a nest that is in a secluded and protected location. An attic fits the bill perfectly.

The Sounds of the Not-So-Silent

Raccoons are not terribly quiet, so if you hear the pitter-patter of little feet above you, and all of your children are accounted for, then the likely culprit is a raccoon. Their steps make a stomping sound that is too loud to be a mouse, rat or squirrel. When mama is constructing her nest, she is particularly active, so you may hear quite a bit of commotion when she first moves in. This is an ideal time to remove her, as her babies are not yet born. Another unmistakable sign to listen for is the sound of chattering. Raccoons are talkative animals, even when there is no one else around. When the kits are born, there is even more noise. These animals do like some peace and quiet when they sleep, so they often make their dens above bedrooms because those are the quietest areas of a house. It isn’t uncommon for people to notice the sounds above them after they crawl into bed for the night.

The Material Evidence

Homeowners should make it a regular practice to check out the hidden corners of their homes for evidence of raccoons and other creatures. If you happen to miss the noise raccoons make, you are sure to see the material evidence they leave. They do a lot of structural damage to a house, chewing up wooden beams and ripping up the insulation. They also leave their droppings, which are large enough to make them quite easy to spot. You may be able to see some signs that raccoons are in your attic from the outside of your house. They often rip up roofing shingles and siding in their efforts to make a way inside. Recently, we went on a call where the snow on the roof was melted in just one area. If you see this on your house, it is a good indicator that a raccoon or other animal has ripped up the insulation or that it has built its nest in that part of the attic.

The Professionals You Can Depend On

If you hear or see the signs of unwanted houseguests of the masked and furry kind, it is important to contact our humane raccoon removal Niagara experts right away. Raccoons can be aggressive when they feel threatened or cornered, and they are also one of the primary rabies carriers. Handling the situation is best left to those with the knowledge and training to do so safely and humanely. Contact Skedaddle for more information or to schedule services.