Why do raccoons live in your attic?
Raccoons choose attics as a refuge mainly because they are warm, dark, quiet and well protected. These mammals are the champions of infiltration and are particularly ingenious when it comes to finding shelter or food. If you notice that a raccoon has invited itself into your home, there is a good chance that it is a female.
Between January and September, female raccoons particularly like to nest in the attics of houses with their youngs. Raccoons have a highly developed maternal instinct and, if given the chance, the mother could leave your attic with her youngs on her own to find another shelter.
How do I know if a raccoon is in my attic?
Several clues may lead you to believe that a raccoon has chosen your attic for shelter:
- Loud noises from your attic when the raccoon walks;
- Smelly odours caused by the animal's urine and feces;
- Higher energy costs due to tearing in your attic insulation;
- Spilled garbage cans with their contents scattered on your property.
What to do and what not to do
The best way to get a raccoon to leave your attic is to make the environment unpleasant, bright, noisy and unsafe.
Above all, keep in mind that there are many humane ways to get an animal to leave your home. So do not set traps or one-way doors, as the mother would not be able to return to her youngs who would die from a lack of care.
Our technicians at Capital Wildlife Control can help you if you suspect a raccoon has broken into your home. Rest assured that we will do everything humanly possible to encourage your unwanted guests to leave your home.
