Noises: Raccoons are nocturnal, so you might hear thumping, scratching, or walking sounds at night, all types of raccoon sounds. They tend to be most active in the late evening and early morning. The sounds may vary but often include heavy walking sounds, scratching, and sometimes vocal noises such as chattering or growling.
Damage: Raccoons can cause visible damage to your home as they attempt to enter your attic. Look for torn shingles, damaged eaves, or holes in your roof. Inside the attic, they may tear up insulation, damage ductwork or wiring, and leave droppings or urine stains.
Droppings: Finding raccoon droppings in or around your home is a clear sign. Raccoon droppings are similar in size to a dog's but are often found in piles. Handling this sign with care is important because of the health risks associated with raccoon feces, such as the risk of contracting raccoon roundworm.
Odours: A strong, musky odour may be present if raccoons reside in your attic. This smell can be due to raccoon urine, feces, or even a deceased raccoon decomposing.
Footprints and tracks: Raccoons have distinctive hand-like paw prints, which you might find in the dust or insulation in your attic. Their prints are unique, with five fingers resembling a small human hand.
Key Indicators of Raccoon Presence:
Identifying Raccoon Sounds from Above
In the middle of the night, when the world is fairly silent, the unanticipated sound of a thump or scratching from above can send a shiver down your spine.
Often, it is not just the house settling or a figment of an active imagination—it's probably a sign of a raccoon infestation, them making themselves at home in the space above you. Yes, if you hear raccoon noises—be it the distinct hissing sound or the growling that reverberates in the silence, the thumping as these adept climbers move about, or the subtle scratch of their paws—it's a common sign that these clever pests have found a way to walk into your domicile, often unnoticed. After mating season, a female raccoon will be searching out a den. To hear raccoon noise is knowing that it has already made itself comfortable within your walls or attic, asserting its presence in the most human of habitats. The unexpected concert of raccoon movements, seldom seen but often heard, alerts you that wildlife has indeed gained entry, sharing a part of your home as their own.
Temperature Fluctuations and HVAC Problems
When the winds blow through the trees and your home seems like a fortress against brutal nature, what you hear with closed windows might signal more than just serenity—it could indicate hidden danger lurking above. Beware of the soft thudding and the scratching sounds in the night; these are the telltale signs of a raccoon in the attic. While seemingly benign, these masked marauders can wage silent havoc on your home's defences, puncturing the shield of your insulation and sowing the seeds of HVAC problems. Such disruptions manifest as temperature fluctuations—you reach for the thermostat, yet comfort remains elusive. And then, glaring unmistakably from the paper in your hand, a spike in energy bills betrays the unseen foe. Be alert to these various signs; they are not merely quirks of an aging house but a clarion call to inspect and protect your home from these nocturnal intruders that gain entry.
Signs of Roof Damage
Hanging soffit, bits of insulation on the ground or washing out of the end of a downspout, shingles broken into little bits on the ground or hanging out of the eavestrough, roof vent cap askew or on the ground; these are what wildlife technicians look for on their initial ground inspection.
Electrical Issues and Wire Damage
Urban wildlife can present dangers that many people don't consider. A Raccoon, in particular, is notorious for causing damage to homes in search of food and shelter. One of the most prevalent issues they cause is chewing on electrical wiring. The result can be flickering lights, non-functioning outlets, and, worst-case scenario, fire hazards. It's important to watch for signs of the raccoon in the attic, such as animal rustling or droppings. If you notice any electrical issues in your home, it's crucial to call an inspector to check for wire damage and potential wildlife interference before it's too late. Don't let adult raccoons put your home and family at risk - stay vigilant and keep your eyes peeled for any signs of trouble!
Evidence of Nesting and Waste
If you've been hearing odd sounds in your attic at night, you may have a raccoon problem. The raccoon is known for their vocalizations, which can sound like anything from growls and snarls to chittering and purring. The sounds raccoons make might sound cute and harmless, but these wild animals can cause significant damage to your home. Evidence of nesting and waste is a telltale sign of a raccoon infestation. Not only can the presence of feces and urine stains make for an unpleasant living space, but it also poses health risks to you and your family. Also, babies might be present in the attic, adding another layer of concern. Don't wait until it's too late to deal with a raccoon invasion in your home. Call in a wildlife removal expert as soon as possible to ensure a safe and humane removal of the animals.
External Property Damage
Nocturnal animals, like raccoons, can become unwelcome visitors around your property, particularly if you leave food waste outside and have bird feeders or gardens. These urban wildlife pests can wreak havoc on the exterior of your home, causing noticeable damage like ripped garbage bags and destroyed gardens. Their search for food takes them on nightly walks around your property, leading them to your porch, backyard or garage. If your home has been experiencing external property damage, it may be time to prevent a raccoon or other animals from causing further harm.
Addressing the Issue: Steps Towards a Solution
Discovering that they have made their way into your attic and hearing these pests walk around can be unsettling. Typical raccoon noises, especially at night, can become a nuisance, not to mention the potential damage they can cause to your property as they search for a comfortable nest. The sight of a wild animal within your home can also be alarming, so taking immediate action is essential to address this issue. Not only can raccoons cause structural damage to your home, but they can also pose health risks to both you and your family. To effectively solve this problem, it's important to follow specific steps to deter raccoons from your home while keeping everyone safe and secure:
Professional Wildlife Control Services
Discovering distinct/different noises from a raccoon living in your attic can be a frightening experience. These nocturnal creatures may growl and hiss if they feel threatened, their body language making it clear that it’s dangerous for humans to approach them. If you have heard scratching or scurrying sounds coming from your attic at night, contacting a professional wildlife removal service is important. These experts are trained to safely and humanely remove raccoon(s) from your home. They have the necessary tools and equipment and know how to identify and handle baby raccoons, who may be the main carriers of diseases. Don't harm yourself or the raccoon by attempting to remove it on your own. Call the professionals and rest easy, knowing they will handle the job with care and expertise.
Repair and Prevention
When dealing with a raccoon that has taken up residence on your property, it's important to have them removed and repair any damage they may have caused. Mother raccoons, desperate to protect their young ones, can cause extensive damage to your roofing, soffits, and fascia. They may also compromise your insulation and wiring, leaving your property vulnerable to future infestations. By contacting Brampton Wildlife Control to seal off entry points properly, you can prevent a raccoon from trying to call your place home again. So, if you are dealing with a raccoon, remember to take the necessary steps to repair and prevent future damage.
Regular Monitoring
Regular monitoring of your home is essential to keeping it in tip-top shape, and this is especially true when it comes to wildlife activity. One of the most common signs of wildlife activity is the sound of raccoons making distinctive noises around your home, such as chittering or rummaging through trash cans. Raccoons are known to enter homes through small openings in the attic or roof, so inspecting these areas regularly for any signs of intrusion is crucial. Prompt action at the first indication of raccoon noises above can prevent significant damage to your home and avoid needing more extensive repairs in the future. Stay ahead of the game and regularly monitor your property for any signs of damage, and listen for raccoon sounds at night.
The Importance of Prompt Action
Delaying action upon discovering that you hear raccoon sounds on your roof can lead to extensive property damage, increased health risks, and higher costs for repairs and removal. By staying vigilant and responding promptly to the signs of an infestation, you can protect your home and family from the negative impacts of raccoon presence. In conclusion, recognizing the signs of raccoons or any raccoon movement in your attic and understanding the steps to address the issue are crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of your home. If you hear any typical raccoon sounds coming from your roof, engaging professional wildlife removal services ensures the humane treatment of these animals while safeguarding your property against future invasions.
This comprehensive approach, combining vigilance with professional assistance, ensures the effective management of raccoon infestations, safeguarding your property and your household's well-being.
F.A.Q’s
Q. What Raccoon Sound Is The Easiest to Recognize? A. Vocal sounds from baby raccoons make for easy recognition. When it's baby season, and the mother raccoon is ready to give birth, she will chase off other raccoons from the roof or den site, which will result in the sound of animals fighting.
When the mother teaches her baby raccoons to climb up and down a tree or house, she will vocalize to communicate. The babies, in turn, will communicate with extremely high-pitched crying if they’re scared, so keeping windows closed, especially skylight windows, avoids bothersome noise and also prevents young raccoons from wandering inside the house or falling through the skylight if the screen pops out when they stand on it.
Q. How can I deter raccoons from my property? A. Guarding your property against raccoons can be a daunting task. However, with a few tricks, you can help keep them at bay. One effective solution involves creating a cayenne pepper and water paste that produces a natural barrier since raccoons are not fond of spicy surprises, rub the paste along areas outside that they may be tempted to climb. As for added measures, sealing any small openings to your house (i.e. damaged soffit panel, roof vent caps askew, etc.) will curtail raccoons from indulging in the lure of shelter. However, do not close the holes if you believe raccoons have already made it inside. Another tactic includes motion-activated lights, which turn on as soon as raccoons pass by, disorienting them with the sudden brightness. Motion-activated sprinklers work wonders, too, since raccoons do not appreciate getting wet. Furthermore, sounds like purring, chittering, and other persistent noises are ‘audible fences’ that convince raccoons to leave your property. Finally, it's best to feed pets indoors so that raccoons don't get drawn in by the smell of food. The same goes for bird feeders - take them in at night or sweep up any fallen bird seed on the ground.
Q. When do raccoons have babies? A. Generally, it’s in March or April when they give birth; if you hear raccoon sounds, the soft animal rustling above you often signals a mother raccoon nesting in a cozy attic niche, preparing for her kits. These make very attractive denning sites. Male raccoons do not stick around to help with parenting. Those attuned to the noises in their home may even catch what might sound like the faint growling or screeching of a female raccoon. Remarkably adaptable, if the baby raccoons don’t survive, these creatures sometimes grace the urban landscape with a second litter born in June. It is imperative that a professional company, such as Brampton Wildlife Control, approaches these raccoon families with a humane touch, as the delicate balance of nature's cycle hangs by a thread; not every raccoon pup hears the call of the wild and doesn't survive beyond the infancy stage. When you hear a raccoon above, remember that beneath the perceived nuisance lies a mother, wild and untamed, ready to protect and defend her kits.
Q. What do raccoons hate? A. If you have ever had a raccoon issue on your property, you know how frustrating it can be to keep these pesky critters away. Thankfully, several household smells can repel raccoons and prevent them from wreaking havoc on your property. For starters, vinegar and bleach are effective at deterring raccoons due to their strong and unpleasant odours. Ammonia is another smelly solution that can be applied around your property's perimeter to keep raccoons at bay. If you want a more natural approach, try sprinkling black pepper or cinnamon around your yard. Raccoons don't like the strong scent and often avoid areas where these spices have been applied. Additionally, peppermint oil has been shown to have a repelling effect on raccoons, so consider adding a few drops to cotton balls and placing them throughout your property. If you're willing to endure the smell, chopped onions can also be used as a natural raccoon repellent. With so many options available, you can finally say goodbye to your raccoon problem and enjoy your property peacefully.
Q. What are some vocal noises or sounds raccoons make? A. Raccoons are fascinating creatures that emit a range of various sounds. These nocturnal animals have a unique way of communicating with each other. You'll be surprised to know that raccoons don't just make hissing noise - they can produce different sounds. Most commonly, we hear raccoons bark or growling. However, you can also hear raccoons make other noises like hissing, screeching, purring and even chirping or chittering. It's fascinating to hear the different sounds they make during certain situations. The next time you hear a noise at night, who knows, it could be the sounds of a mother raccoon trying to communicate with her baby raccoon.
Q. What does having raccoons removed from my roof/soffit cost? A. It’s best to contact Brampton Wildlife Control for a verbal explanation of how we evict them and a breakdown of the pricing costs. Each house is different; some people do not choose prevention screening (recommended to keep them out), and others do, so it’s difficult to state a standard ballpark figure for this work. If you hear scratching noises or distinct sounds above you, a full outside inspection can be performed, and a written quote will be given.
Q. What diseases can a raccoon carry? A. They are fascinating creatures known for their unique conduct and raccoon vocalizations, but rabid raccoons sound almost like they’re in agony, with high-pitched screams and squeals . However, these animals can also be dangerous and are known to carry various harmful diseases. The raccoon is one of the four main carriers of rabies (skunks, bats, and foxes) that can be transmitted to humans and other animals. If you see one exhibiting abnormal behavior, call Animal Control to report. Also, it is essential to keep your pet dogs away from any possible danger and to seek medical attention if bitten or scratched by one. In addition, raccoon feces can spread roundworm, which can cause severe health issues if accidentally ingested. While raccoons may seem harmless at first sight, it is always best to avoid them, avoid any unusual noises or abnormal behaviour, and contact Brampton Animal Control to report.
Q. Is it dangerous to try and get a raccoon out on my own? A. If you’re hearing strange noises coming from your ceiling and you’re finding evidence of furry friends scratching and scurrying in your home - your first thought might be to try and evict them on your own, but before taking matters into your own hands, it's important to consider the risks involved. Female raccoons can feel threatened and become aggressive if they have babies or newborns up there. You may experience screeching, growling, hissing, scratching or biting, even in an attempt to protect your babies. Attempting to gain entry into their space without professional tools, expertise, and a plan can not only lead to a great deal of stress and injury to both you and the animal, but it may also result in more internal and external damage to your home if you separate her from her young. Instead, consider contacting Brampton Wildlife Control; we have the experience, knowledge, and techniques to safely and humanely remove the raccoon. Our professionals will inspect your home to locate the entry point and install a one-way door, allowing the animals to exit on their terms. We also offer prevention screening options, and with our written guarantee, you can relax and breathe easy knowing that the experts are handling your raccoon issue.
