Raccoon Removal | Attic | Damaged Cupola
In Northeast Ohio, we see our fair share of raccoons seeking shelter in warm, enclosed spaces as temperatures drop.
At Frontline Animal Removal, a recent call involved a raccoon making its way into an attic through a wood-rotted cupola on the roof.
This entry was ideal for the raccoon, as it offered the perfect opportunity to get indoors without much effort.
Unprotected wood on rooftops, like cupolas, can become weather-worn over time, and as the wood softens and begins to rot, it becomes a top attraction for raccoons and other wildlife looking for easy access. In this case Ryan stepped in to remove the raccoon and make necessary repairs to the cupola. Read on an see how.
Why Rotted Wood Attracts Raccoons and Squirrels
Both raccoons and squirrels naturally gravitate towards weaknesses in rooftops, especially in areas where wood has started to decay.
Wood rot from prolonged exposure to rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles gradually makes cupolas, trim, and other wooden elements on roofs vulnerable.
Raccoons and squirrels have powerful senses of smell, and they can often detect areas with soft, rotting wood. For them, this wood is much easier to claw and chew through than intact material, allowing them to find a path into cozy attics where they feel safe from predators and weather.
Trapping and Removing the Raccoon
In this case, Ryan started by carefully removing the damaged cupola to access the attic entry point beneath it. Removing this feature provided a clear view of where the raccoon had been entering and exiting.
Ryan then set a live trap over the hole in the roof. This strategic placement ensured that when the raccoon attempted to leave the attic, it would enter the trap and be caught quickly. As expected, the raccoon exited the attic and was contained in the trap, allowing us to remove it and prevent further damage.
Please watch the video here:
Securing the Attic and Making Lasting Repairs
Once the attic was free of the raccoon, our next step was to secure the entry point.
After discussing options with the homeowner, Ryan covered the exposed hole with metal sheeting, creating a robust barrier against future wildlife attempts to re-enter.
To ensure the repair was both durable and visually appealing, we then shingled over the metal, blending it seamlessly with the surrounding roof. The homeowner plans to replace the roof in the near future, so this repair serves as a sturdy, temporary solution until a full roofing upgrade is possible.
Preventing Future Wildlife Intrusions
While this specific case involved a raccoon, squirrels and other animals are just as likely to take advantage of wood rot on rooftops.
Preventing these intrusions starts with regular roof inspections, especially in areas like Northeast Ohio, where harsh weather conditions can accelerate wear and tear on wood and shingles.
Regular maintenance can help detect and address areas of rot before they become an open invitation to wildlife. Replacing wooden features with durable alternatives or reinforcing weak points with metal or composite materials is also a strong preventative measure.
Raccoons are persistent, and they tend to return to successful entry points. In some cases, they may even cause further damage to roofs in their attempts to regain access. By repairing weak spots with tougher materials, homeowners can avoid repeat issues and keep raccoons and other nuisance animals out of their homes.
For more information on how we handle raccoon removal and exclusion work, please visit our Frontline Animal Removal website.
Our team is committed to providing effective solutions to wildlife issues, always with a focus on humane removal and lasting repairs.
