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At Frontline Animal Removal, we often say that wildlife problems start with structural weaknesses—and this recent raccoon job is a perfect example of that.
Serving homeowners across the Canton, Akron, and Kent Ohio areas, we regularly encounter situations where small exterior issues turn into major interior problems. This job highlights exactly how that happens, and more importantly, how we solve it.
Identifying the Problem
On arrival, Ryan begins with a full exterior inspection of the home. It doesn’t take long to spot the issue. Along the gable end of the roof, there is a section of missing siding that has clearly been exposed for some time. Behind that siding is celotex sheeting, a fiberboard material that is far less durable than wood or modern sheathing.
Fresh snowfall makes the situation even clearer. Raccoon tracks are visible leading directly to and from the exposed area. Based on the crispness of the tracks, we know the activity is recent—within the last 24 hours. This is a strong indicator that raccoons are actively using this opening to access the attic.
This is a common scenario we see throughout Stark, Summit, and Portage Counties. Raccoons are excellent climbers and are constantly searching for weak points in a structure. Missing siding combined with soft sheeting like celotex is essentially an open invitation. It doesn’t take much effort for a raccoon to tear through and create a large enough hole to enter the attic.
Understanding the Risk
Once raccoons gain access to an attic, the problem escalates quickly. They can:
- Tear insulation
- Contaminate areas with droppings and urine
- Damage wiring or wood
- Create ongoing noise and disturbance
In many cases, what starts as a small exterior repair turns into a much larger remediation project if not addressed quickly.
Our Approach: Controlled and Effective Trapping
At Frontline Animal Removal, our process focuses on precision and control. Rather than simply setting a trap and hoping for the best, we design setups that take advantage of animal behavior.
For this job, Ryan builds a custom trap system using:
- Two double-door Comstock traps
- Plywood
- Wire mesh
This setup is strategically placed over the entry point. The goal is simple: any raccoon entering or exiting the attic must pass through the traps.
Additionally, the surrounding area is blocked off with plywood and wire to eliminate alternative escape routes. This is critical. Raccoons are intelligent and will look for other ways out if given the opportunity. By sealing off all other options, we ensure the trap system is 100% effective.
Fast Results
Because the setup is properly designed and placed directly over an active entry point, the results are immediate. That very night, the raccoon is successfully captured.
This is a great example of why proper inspection and setup matter. Without identifying the exact entry point and controlling the environment, trapping can take days—or even fail entirely.
Watch the Job in Action
We’ve included a video from this job so you can see exactly how the problem developed and how we handled it. It’s a great look at real-world wildlife behavior and our step-by-step approach to solving it.
Prevention: The Most Important Step
Removing the raccoon is only part of the job. The long-term solution is preventing future intrusions.
After the capture, we walk the homeowner through the necessary repairs and improvements, including:
- Replacing the missing siding
- Reinforcing the area behind it with durable materials (not celotex)
- Sealing all potential entry points along the roofline
- Inspecting other vulnerable areas of the home
This is where our service goes beyond basic wildlife removal. We don’t just solve the immediate problem—we help homeowners protect their property moving forward.
After discussions with the owner, a temporary patch was chosen.
Why Professional Help Matters
Situations like this highlight the importance of professional wildlife control. It’s not just about removing an animal—it’s about understanding how and why it got in, and making sure it doesn’t happen again.
If you’re hearing noises in your attic or noticing damage to your home’s exterior, it’s important to act quickly. The sooner the issue is addressed, the less damage and cost you’ll face.
To learn more about our services, visit our homepage:
👉 https://frontlineanimalremoval.com
Or explore our dedicated raccoon services page:
👉 https://frontlineanimalremoval.com/raccoon-removal
At Frontline Animal Removal, we take pride in helping homeowners across Northeast Ohio stay protected from nuisance wildlife. Every job is different, but the mission is always the same: find the problem, fix it the right way, and prevent it from coming back.