Raccoon Eviction: Safely Get Raccoons Out of Your Attic

Discovering a raccoon has taken up residence in your attic can be a stressful experience. The reality is, humane raccoon removal, which often involves understanding raccoon behavior, becomes crucial. If you're wondering how to get raccoon out of attic, know that you're not alone. Many homeowners find themselves in this situation, and pest control services, especially those certified by the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA), can be invaluable resources in creating a safe and effective plan for eviction. Before considering any action, it's important to understand that the safety of both you and the raccoon is paramount.

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Raccoon Eviction: Safely Get Raccoons Out of Your Attic

Finding a raccoon in your attic can be unsettling. They can cause significant damage, spread diseases, and are generally unwelcome houseguests. The good news is, with the right approach, you can safely and humanely evict them. This guide will walk you through the process, focusing on how to get raccoon out of attic in a way that's both effective and responsible.

Identifying a Raccoon Infestation

Before you start any eviction process, make sure you're actually dealing with raccoons. Misidentifying the problem can lead to ineffective solutions and potentially harm other animals.

Signs of a Raccoon Presence

• Noises: Raccoons are nocturnal, so you'll likely hear them at night. Common sounds include scratching, thumping, rustling, and vocalizations (chattering, growling, or hissing). Listen closely, especially around dawn and dusk.
• Droppings: Raccoon droppings are dark, cylindrical, and typically contain undigested food like berries, seeds, or fur. They often leave them in specific "latrine" areas.
• Damage: Look for signs of ripped insulation, chewed wires, damaged vents, or holes in the roof or siding. Raccoons are strong and resourceful, and will tear things apart to create nests.
• Odors: A strong ammonia-like smell can indicate a raccoon den, particularly if they have been there for a long time.
• Visual Confirmation: Spotting a raccoon entering or exiting your attic is the most definitive sign.

Essential Pre-Eviction Steps

Successfully getting raccoons out of your attic requires preparation and understanding.

Timing is Crucial

• Avoid Eviction During Birthing Season: Raccoons typically give birth in the spring (March-May) and sometimes again in the summer. Evicting a mother raccoon during this period could leave orphaned kits to die, which is inhumane and could lead to further problems like unpleasant smells. Wait until the kits are old enough to leave with their mother (around 8-10 weeks).
• Monitor for Kits: If you suspect there are babies, listen carefully for their high-pitched cries. You might need to adjust your eviction strategy to ensure their safe removal. A wildlife removal specialist is your best option in these scenarios.

Safety Precautions

• Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection when dealing with raccoons or cleaning up their droppings. Raccoon feces can carry diseases like raccoon roundworm, which is harmful to humans.
• Avoid Direct Contact: Never try to handle a raccoon. They can be aggressive and may bite or scratch, potentially transmitting rabies or other diseases.

Effective Eviction Methods: How to Get Raccoon Out of Attic

Several methods can be used to encourage raccoons to leave your attic. These methods work best when used in combination.

Harassment Techniques

These techniques aim to make the attic an unpleasant environment for the raccoon.

• Bright Lights: Raccoons prefer dark, quiet spaces. Place a bright light (at least 100 watts) in the attic.
• Loud Noises: Play a radio loudly, especially talk radio, as raccoons are not used to the sound of human voices. You can use motion-activated radios as well.
• Offensive Odors: Raccoons dislike certain smells. Consider using:
  • Raccoon Eviction Fluid: Commercially available fluids that mimic predator urine can be effective.
  • Ammonia-soaked Rags: Place ammonia-soaked rags in a bowl near the raccoon's nesting area (ensure proper ventilation).
  • Citrus Scents: Raccoons dislike the smell of citrus. Place lemon or orange peels around the attic.

One-Way Door Exclusion Method

This is often the most humane and effective long-term solution.

1. Identify Entry Points: Carefully inspect your attic and roof to find all possible entry points used by the raccoons.
2. Seal All But One: Seal all entry points except the main one the raccoon is using to enter and exit. Use sturdy materials like heavy-gauge hardware cloth or sheet metal.
3. Install a One-Way Door: Purchase or build a one-way door that allows the raccoon to exit the attic but prevents it from re-entering. These doors are typically mounted over the remaining entry point.
4. Monitor: After installing the one-way door, monitor the entry point for several days to ensure the raccoon has left. You can sprinkle flour or sand outside the door to check for tracks.

Important Note: If you suspect there are young raccoons in the attic, do not use the one-way door method. You risk trapping them inside, leading to their death and creating a much bigger problem. You must remove the babies before using a one-way door. Consider calling a professional.

Post-Eviction Measures

Once you're sure the raccoons are gone, it's crucial to prevent them from returning.

Sealing Entry Points

• Thorough Inspection: Check your entire house for any potential entry points, even small ones. Raccoons are adept at squeezing through surprisingly small openings.
• Secure All Openings: Use durable materials like heavy-gauge hardware cloth, sheet metal, or expanding foam to seal all holes, cracks, and gaps. Pay special attention to areas around vents, chimneys, and roof intersections.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

• Remove Droppings and Nesting Materials: Carefully remove all raccoon droppings, nesting materials, and contaminated insulation. Wear protective gear (gloves, mask, eye protection) during this process.
• Disinfect the Area: Thoroughly disinfect the area with a solution of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). This will help to kill any remaining bacteria or parasites.
• Replace Damaged Insulation: Replace any insulation that has been damaged or contaminated by raccoons.
• Professional Cleaning: For extensive infestations or concerns about health risks, consider hiring a professional cleaning service specializing in wildlife cleanup.

Preventive Measures

• Secure Trash Cans: Raccoons are attracted to garbage. Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids and secure them with bungee cords or weights.
• Remove Food Sources: Pick up fallen fruit from trees, clean up pet food, and avoid leaving food outside.
• Trim Tree Branches: Trim tree branches that overhang your roof, as these can provide raccoons with easy access to your attic.
• Install Chimney Caps and Vent Screens: Prevent raccoons from entering your chimney or vents by installing secure caps and screens.
• Motion-Activated Lights: Install motion-activated lights around your property to deter raccoons from approaching your house.

By following these steps, you can effectively and humanely address a raccoon infestation in your attic and prevent future problems. If at any point you feel uncomfortable or unable to handle the situation yourself, don't hesitate to contact a qualified wildlife removal professional.

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