Raccoons Upgrading Real Estate
This is a common time of year for new raccoon problems here in the Akron, Canton, Kent area, as raccoons find ways into attics in anticipation of winter.
Raccoons are well equipped to deal with a Northeast Ohio winter.
But even though a hollow of a tree in the woods makes a good den, if your attic or soffit is available, it makes an offering too good to pass up.
Good shelter protected from the elements is always a high priority. Many of our urban and suburban raccoons have come to associate human structures with premium winter living spaces.
This picture show a pair of young-of-the-year raccoons that recently moved into a soffit space. How is it that raccoons like these move into attics and homes?
That’s what we’ll discuss in this post. There is also a video of a common raccoon attic scenario.
Why Do Raccoons Move In?
In most instances, raccoons move into attic, soffits, and other parts of homes simply because the opportunity exists.
The first opportunity that raccoons love to take advantage of is easy access to a roof.
Raccoons are great climbers and they seem to love exploring roofs. Trees and bushes close to a home provide easy access to a roof and provide an open invitation to raccoons. Additionally, we’ve also see raccoons getting onto roofs frequently via fences, chimneys, and downspouts
Weaknesses in the home’s structure is the second opportunity of which raccoons take advantage. As they explore, they touch, push, and pull on anything and everything. If there is a way in, they’ll probably find it. Raccoons also key in on drafts / changes in air current coming from the home’s openings. It seems if air is coming out of the house, it lets them know it might be a good way to get in.
So if there is a loose piece of siding or soffit or a partially rotted piece of fascia, there’s a good chances their curiosity and senses will lead them to it.
Additionally, raccoons are strong and have great dexterity. Even if there are no structural issues, sometimes the design itself just makes it easier for a raccoon to open up its own way in.
Typical Raccoon Entry Video
As you can see in this video, the raccoon problem existed because there was opportunity.
The tree provided a way to the roof. The chimney provided a way to the soffit. And the soffit was (through no one’s fault) unable to stop a determined raccoon from finding a new denning site for the on coming winter.
This homeowner was unlucky that the raccoon chose this particular home as there are probably many more in the neighborhood that had similar climbing and entry opportunities.
It’s just that our typical landscaping and home building practices don’t often take nuisance animals into account.
Help with Raccoon Removal
For help with raccoon problems of all kinds in the Akron, Canton, Kent, OH area, please give us a call.
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