Raccoons in the Attic: Entry Through a Damaged Ridge Vent
When homeowners hear noises coming from the attic, they often suspect wildlife has moved in.
One of the most common attic invaders we deal with at Frontline Animal Removal is raccoons. These animals are incredibly strong, persistent, and opportunistic when looking for a place to shelter.
This week, Ryan responded to a call about raccoons entering an attic through a damaged ridge vent, a problem we encounter frequently in the Canton, Akron, and Kent, Ohio area.
The Problem: Ridge Vent Damage
Upon arrival, Ryan inspected the roof and quickly found the entry point: a section of the ridge vent had been peeled back.
Raccoons often explore roof areas for weak spots, and this ridge vent was particularly vulnerable. The nails used during installation were a little short and not ring-shanked, which meant they didn’t hold as securely as they should have. Once a raccoon discovered the weakness, it had no trouble prying up the ridge vent to gain access to the attic.
Not only did the raccoons force their way in, but in the process, they tore up shingles and further damaged the venting.
This type of damage is typical when raccoons break into an attic—they don’t just squeeze through small gaps like some other wildlife; they rip and claw their way inside. Once inside, they can cause even more destruction by tearing insulation, chewing on wires, and leaving behind droppings.
The Solution: Identifying, Trapping, and Repairing
Raccoon removal is a three-step process:
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Identify How the Animals Are Getting In
The first step in raccoon removal is confirming the entry point. In this case, the ridge vent was clearly compromised, with visible claw marks and pulled-up shingles. Because raccoons are strong and persistent, if they find a weak spot once, they—or other raccoons—may return unless the problem is properly fixed.
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Remove the Trouble-Making Raccoons
After confirming the entry point, Ryan set up two traps to catch the raccoons as they exited or attempted to re-enter. These traps were strategically placed near the ridge vent. The next morning, both traps had caught a raccoon—one in each. This confirmed that the attic was actively being used by at least two raccoons. Successfully trapping them meant the problem animals were removed, preventing further damage inside the attic.
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Make a Good Repair to Prevent Future Issues
With the raccoons gone, the next step is repairing the ridge vent to ensure no more animals can get inside. This involves securely reattaching the ridge vent using proper installation methods. Ring-shank nails, which have a ridged surface for a stronger grip, are recommended for ridge vent installation to prevent future pull-ups. Additionally, reinforcing the shingles around the vent ensures a more secure and lasting fix.
Why Strong Repairs Matter
Raccoons are relentless when they find a weak spot in a building’s exterior. If repairs are not done correctly, raccoons—or even other animals like squirrels—may exploit the same area again. Properly securing ridge vents, using the right materials, and reinforcing weak points is essential to long-term wildlife prevention.
Watch the Video
To see this specific case in action, check out our video showing the ridge vent damage and the captured raccoons.
If you suspect raccoons in your attic, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact us today for professional wildlife removal and prevention services in Stark, Summit, and Portage Counties!
