You think your home is safe, but then you hear scratching above your head at night. That’s how it often starts—an unsettling sound that grows louder, day after day. Soon you realize you have a problem you can’t ignore. You’re not alone. Many families in Toronto and across Ontario have faced the nightmare of raccoons in the attic, and the results can be frightening.

So, how do you get rid of raccoons in your attic before they cause major damage? The answer is professional raccoons in attic removal. The dangers of an infestation are real—fires, health risks, and costly repairs. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Toronto, we’ve seen homes turned upside down by these animals, and we know exactly what it takes to solve the problem.

In this article, you’ll read about the top raccoon attic infestation dangers, and expert steps on how to get rid of raccoons without putting your family at risk.

Why Attics Attract Raccoons

You might wonder why attics are such popular spots. The answer is simple:

• Warmth: Attics are cozy, especially in the winter.
• Quiet: Few people go up there, so they feel safe.
• Nesting space: Insulation makes perfect bedding for mothers with pups.
• Access: Loose shingles, vents, or soffits make it easy to squeeze inside.

If your attic isn’t secured, it becomes the perfect winter home for raccoons.

Raccoon Attic Infestation Dangers

So why is it such a problem to have raccoons above your head? Here are the most serious dangers:

Fire Hazards

Raccoons chew wires as part of their natural behaviour to keep teeth filed down. In an attic, this habit can expose live electrical wires, increasing the risk of sparks. One short circuit is all it takes to ignite insulation or wood, creating a dangerous fire hazard. Families often don’t realize the danger until it’s too late.

Structural Damage

Attics are not built to withstand constant tearing and chewing. Raccoons rip apart insulation, claw at wood beams, and pull shingles loose to create bigger entry points. Over time, these actions weaken the roof’s integrity. What begins as a few scratches can quickly result in costly structural repairs that compromise the safety of your entire home.

Health Risks

Droppings and urine are left behind wherever raccoons move. These waste materials often contain harmful bacteria and parasites that spread into the air through dust. Roundworm eggs are especially dangerous and can infect both people and pets. Breathing contaminated air from an attic can cause serious illness without you even knowing the source.

Terrible Odours

A dead raccoon in your attic creates a smell that is impossible to ignore. The stench seeps into vents and spreads through every room of your home. Even living raccoons create odours with urine, droppings, and musk. These smells don’t just make your home unpleasant—they often signal contamination that requires professional clean-up.

Noise and Stress

Raccoons are noisy houseguests. They scratch, fight, and stomp around at night while you’re trying to sleep. In the spring, baby raccoons cry loudly for food, adding to the disturbance. This constant noise causes stress and frustration for families, robbing you of rest and making your home feel unsettled and unsafe.

Expensive Repairs

The combined effects of chewed wires, damaged insulation, broken shingles, and contaminated wood add up quickly. Repairs can cost thousands of dollars, especially if waste has soaked into insulation or wiring must be replaced. Insurance may not cover wildlife damage, leaving homeowners to pay out of pocket. Early removal avoids these unnecessary expenses.

What begins as a few sounds in the attic can quickly spiral into a full-blown household crisis.

The Hidden Costs of Waiting

You might think you can wait it out, but the longer raccoons stay, the worse the damage becomes. A small opening turns into a big hole. A few droppings turn into piles of waste that seep into wood and insulation. The smell can travel through vents, making the whole house feel unsafe.

Some homeowners delay because they’re unsure what to do. But waiting often means facing higher repair bills and more stress later. Professional raccoons in attic removal saves you money in the long run by tackling the issue right away.

How To Get Rid of Raccoons the Right Way

Getting raccoons out of your attic is not simple. They are strong, smart, and very determined. Here’s what proper removal looks like when you call in experts like Skedaddle:

Inspection

Our team begins with a detailed inspection of your roof, attic, and exterior walls. We know raccoons can squeeze through small gaps, so we look for hidden entry points most people overlook. A professional inspection identifies not just where they got in, but also how much damage they’ve caused and where prevention is needed.

One-Way Doors

Instead of using dangerous traps, we install specially designed one-way doors. These doors let raccoons exit naturally but stop them from re-entering. It’s a humane solution that works with their behaviour rather than against it. Once outside, they have no choice but to move on and find a new den elsewhere.

Safe Removal

Sometimes, attics also contain baby raccoons. Handling pups incorrectly can separate them from their mothers or put you at risk of bites and scratches. Our technicians are trained to remove babies safely, keeping them warm and reuniting them with their mothers outside. This ensures the family leaves together without harm.

Clean-Up

After removal, the work isn’t done. Raccoons leave behind droppings, urine, and shredded insulation that can contaminate the attic. We safely remove waste and damaged material using proper protective equipment. This restores air quality and prevents bacteria or parasites from spreading through your home. The result is a safe and clean living space.

Prevention

Finally, we seal entry points using durable materials that raccoons can’t chew through. Weak shingles, vents, and soffits are reinforced to block future access. Prevention is the most important step—it ensures you don’t go through the same stressful experience again. With Skedaddle, your attic is secured long after the animals are gone.

Trying to handle this yourself puts you at risk. These animals can be aggressive, and the diseases in their waste are dangerous. You need trained professionals with the right equipment and knowledge.

Don’t Let It Turn Into Your Horror Story

Raccoons in your attic are more than a nuisance—they’re a real danger to your health, home, and peace of mind. The risks of waiting are too high. From raccoon attic infestation dangers to the stress of sleepless nights, the damage adds up fast.

You deserve a safe home free from animals overhead. If you’re wondering how to get rid of raccoons, the answer is simple: call in the professionals. Request an estimate today to learn how Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Toronto can handle raccoons in attic removal and keep your family protected.