Hey folks!
So lately, I’ve been hearing strange noises at night coming from my attic and near the trash cans. At first, I thought it was stray cats, but I found tipped-over bins, muddy paw prints, and bits of insulation pulled out near the roof vent — now I’m starting to think I’ve got raccoons.
For anyone who’s dealt with this before, what are the real signs of a raccoon problem, and how do you handle it safely? I’ve read that they can carry diseases, and I definitely don’t want them nesting inside.
Hey @YardWatcher94, yeah that definitely sounds like raccoon activity. The thumping or slow dragging noises at night are classic signs. They’re surprisingly strong, one tore a vent cover off my roof last winter. I had to install metal mesh after getting it sealed.
Look for scattered trash, torn up garden beds, and droppings about the size of small dog poop. Raccoons usually leave a mess wherever they go. If you find paw prints with five fingers, that’s your culprit.
I wouldn’t recommend DIY trapping unless you really know what you’re doing. Raccoons can get aggressive, especially if they’ve got babies. I called a wildlife removal service and it was worth every penny, they found the nest and sealed everything up properly.
I had one living in my chimney for two weeks. You’ll usually smell them if they’ve been inside for long. Best move is to install a chimney cap and check all attic vents. Once they’re gone, spray some peppermint oil or use a repeller to discourage them from returning.
If you’re hearing noises between midnight and 3am, it’s almost always raccoons or rats. But raccoons are loud, like someone walking around up there. I confirmed it by putting flour near the vent and checking for paw prints in the morning.
I caught mine on a trail camera sneaking in through the soffit. They’re crafty little burglars. I sealed every gap bigger than a golf ball and haven’t had an issue since. Highly recommend getting a camera if you’re not sure what’s causing the noise.
I had success with motion-activated sprinklers. They startle raccoons before they even reach the attic or trash area. No harm done, and it’s actually funny watching the footage.
Make sure your trash lids lock tight, that’s usually what draws them in first. I switched to bins with latch handles, and they stopped coming around completely.
Same here. They were scratching at my deck at night. I put out solar motion lights and they immediately disappeared. Sometimes light alone does the trick.
Once you’ve cleared them out, disinfect any droppings or nesting material carefully — raccoon feces can carry roundworm. Wear gloves, use bleach water, and seal up any spots they could re-enter. Prevention is everything.