Are you hearing unusual noises in your attic at night? Scratching, thumping, or even occasional chirping may indicate the presence of an unexpected guest—a raccoon.

Raccoons are known for their ability to access attics and create hidden nesting spaces. Identifying their presence early is crucial to preventing costly damage and mitigating potential health risks.

In Upper Arlington, raccoons are a common part of the neighborhood. However, when they find their way indoors, it’s essential to address the problem promptly. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we specialize in safely removing raccoons and preventing future intrusions.

Many homeowners only become aware of raccoon activity after significant damage has occurred. From chewed wires to contaminated insulation, the impact goes far beyond mere noise. These animals can pose serious risks to both your property and your family’s well-being.

Fortunately, Upper Arlington raccoon control experts are here to assist. With professional wildlife control services, raccoons can be removed safely, and measures can be put in place to ensure they don’t return.

In the following sections, we’ll outline key signs of raccoon activity in your attic, explain their implications, and discuss how professional wildlife control effectively resolves these issues.

Signs You May Have a Raccoon in Your Attic

Raccoons don’t move in quietly. They leave behind plenty of clues that they’ve made a home in your attic. Here are the most common signs homeowners should look out for:

Unusual Noises – Especially at Night

Raccoons are nocturnal animals, so if they’ve moved in, your nights might start feeling a little louder. You might hear:

• Scratching or rustling as the raccoon moves around your attic.
• Heavy thumping, especially from a large adult raccoon.
• Chirping or whining sounds—these are often baby raccoons calling out for their mother.

If these noises seem frequent or are louder at dusk or dawn, it’s a strong sign that raccoons may have taken up residence.

Visible Entry Points

Raccoons are excellent climbers and will exploit even small openings to get into your attic. Inspect the exterior of your home for:

• Holes in soffits, vents, or areas where the roof and walls meet.
• Torn shingles or damaged eaves.
• Chimneys missing a cap (a raccoon’s dream entrance).

If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to investigate further.

Droppings and Urine Stains

Raccoon droppings can often be found near their entry points or within the attic itself. They look similar to dog feces but may contain seeds or other remnants of a varied diet. Their urine can stain ceilings and insulation, creating unpleasant odors. Over time, these stains and droppings can lead to health risks, as they may carry harmful bacteria or parasites.

Displaced Insulation

Raccoons love to dig and create nesting areas within attic insulation. If the insulation looks disturbed, flattened, or shredded, there may be unwelcome occupants up there. This damage can also reduce your home’s energy efficiency, leading to higher heating and cooling costs.

Footprints and Tracks

If you spot muddy tracks around entry points or inside the attic, it’s another clear sign. Raccoon tracks are distinctive, with five long toes that resemble small human hands. These tracks are often found near food sources or along paths raccoons use to move in and out of your home.

Strong, Unpleasant Odors

Raccoons bring a noticeable smell with them. You might notice:

• A musky or sour odor from the animal’s droppings and urine.
• A foul, garbage-like odor caused by raccoons dragging food into the attic, where it eventually decays.

Damage to Wires, Ducts, and Wood

Raccoons are known for their chewing habits. They can chew through electrical wires, creating fire hazards, or tear apart ducts, which impacts your home’s heating and cooling efficiency. Scratched or gnawed wooden beams may also indicate their presence. 

Over time, this damage can lead to costly repairs and even dangerous situations like electrical fires. Raccoons are strong and persistent, so they can cause significant destruction in a short amount of time.

Presence of Nesting Material

Raccoons often gather garbage, leaves, and shredded attic insulation to build nests. If you see clumps of such materials in corners or along walls, this could be their setup. These nests are usually messy and can spread dirt and bacteria throughout your attic. The materials they use, like insulation, can also lose their effectiveness, making your home less energy-efficient.

Sightings Around Your Property

If you’ve spotted raccoons frequently on your property—particularly near your roofline—it’s worth checking your attic for signs of their entry. Raccoons are excellent climbers and can easily scale trees or walls to reach your roof. Seeing them near your home is often a warning sign that they’re looking for a way inside.

Why These Signs Matter

Ignoring these signs can lead to escalating issues. Beyond causing structural damage, raccoons carry diseases like rabies and raccoon roundworm, which pose serious health risks to your family and pets. If you suspect raccoons are living in your attic, contacting an Upper Arlington raccoon control expert like us is crucial.

How Wildlife Control Professionals Handle the Problem

When it comes to addressing raccoon problems, professional help is the safest and most effective route. Here’s how we handle it at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control:

Comprehensive Inspection

A trained expert will inspect your attic and the exterior of your home to identify:

• Raccoon entry points.
• The extent of the damage.
• Whether babies are present.

One-Way Doors

One of the humane methods we use at Skedaddle is the installation of one-way doors. These specialized devices allow raccoons to exit your home but prevent them from getting back inside. This ensures raccoons are removed without causing harm.

Locating and Sealing Entry Points

Our team seals all potential entry points using durable materials. By securing your home’s weak spots, we prevent future invasions and help you avoid recurring issues.

Removal of Contaminated Materials

Raccoon droppings and nesting materials are hazardous, especially if contaminated with raccoon roundworm. Our technicians safely remove soiled insulation and debris, ensuring your attic is clean and safe.

Prevention and Education

Finally, Skedaddle experts provide tips on keeping raccoons away for good. Suggestions might include trimming branches near your roof, securing garbage bins, and installing chimney caps to create a raccoon-proof environment.

Why Choose Skedaddle

For more than 30 years, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control has been a trusted name in wildlife removal. Our humane approach ensures that animals are safely removed while protecting your home and family. 

And, with our one-way doors, you don’t have to worry about harming mothers or their babies—they simply relocate to a new habitat outside your home.

Don’t Ignore the Signs

If you’ve noticed raccoon in attic signs, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. From damaged insulation and wiring to serious health risks, an attic invasion can quickly escalate. Take action and rely on professionals to restore your peace of mind.

Think you could have raccoons in your attic? 

Your next step is simple: trust the experts. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Upper Arlington, we’re ready to help you assess the issue, remove raccoons from your attic, and prevent them from coming back. Request an estimate from our skilled team today and take the first step toward a cleaner, safer home.