Raccoons: Nature’s Relentless Home Inspectors
At Frontline Animal Removal, we often joke that raccoons would make excellent home inspectors. Their natural talent for finding weak spots in a home’s exterior is unparalleled. Unfortunately, this “skill” isn’t something homeowners find amusing when a raccoon turns their attic into a personal den.
Raccoons are incredibly clever and persistent when it comes to locating vulnerabilities in your home.
Whether it’s a loose soffit, a gap at a roof/eave transition, or rotting wood, they seem to have a sixth sense for finding entry points. Once inside, they can cause significant damage—not to mention the noise, odors, and potential health risks they bring along.
Roof and Eave Transitions: A Prime Target
One of the most common areas raccoons exploit is roof and eave transitions. These spots, where different parts of the roofline meet, often create gaps or weaknesses. Over time, weather, age, or poor construction can cause these areas to deteriorate. While they may go unnoticed by homeowners, raccoons don’t miss a thing.
In our latest video, Ryan highlights yet another case of a raccoon finding its way into an attic through one of these transition points.
These elevated areas might seem inaccessible to most animals, but raccoons are exceptional climbers. With their dexterous paws and sharp claws, they easily scale siding, downspouts, and tree branches to reach potential entry points.
If you’re hearing strange noises in your attic, particularly at night, inspecting your roofline—especially roof/eave transitions—is a good place to start. Raccoons are nocturnal, and their telltale thuds and scratching sounds often alert homeowners to their presence.
Why Raccoons are So Persistent
Raccoons are driven by the need for a safe, warm place to nest. Attics are perfect for them, providing protection from predators and the elements. Once they’ve identified a weak spot, they don’t stop at simply squeezing through a gap—they’ll tear, chew, and claw their way inside if necessary.
This determination is part of what makes them so challenging to keep out. Even if a weak point seems minor to us, it’s often enough for a raccoon to start working on it. Gaps as small as a few inches can be expanded into an entryway in no time.
Prevention is Key
To keep raccoons out of your home, proactive maintenance is crucial. Here are some steps to help safeguard your home:
- Inspect your roofline regularly. Pay special attention to roof/eave transitions, vents, and soffits.
- Trim tree branches. Overhanging limbs provide a convenient pathway for raccoons to access your roof.
- Reinforce vulnerable areas. Repair rotted wood, secure loose siding, and seal gaps with durable materials like metal or mesh.
- Remove attractants. Keep trash secured, and avoid leaving pet food outside.
When Prevention Isn’t Enough
Despite your best efforts, raccoons may still find a way in. That’s where we come in.
At Frontline Animal Removal, we specialize not only in removing raccoons but also in identifying and repairing the weak spots they exploited. Our process ensures they can’t get back in once they’re gone.
Don’t let a raccoon’s “home inspection” skills wreak havoc on your property. If you suspect you have a raccoon problem, give us a call today. We proudly serve Stark, Summit, and Portage Counties, helping homeowners protect their properties from these persistent intruders.
