How To Get Racoons Out Of Attic

Raccoons are cute and clever creatures, but they can become a nuisance when they decide to make your attic their home. Not only can they cause damage to your property, but they can also pose health risks to you and your family. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to take action to get rid of the raccoons safely and effectively. In this article, we will discuss how to get raccoons out of your attic as a do-it-yourself project.

1. Install a one-way door: One effective method to get raccoons out of your attic is to install a one-way door. This door allows the raccoons to exit the attic but prevents them from re-entering. This way, the raccoons will be forced to find a new home outside of your property.

2. Use deterrents: There are several natural deterrents that you can use to encourage raccoons to leave your attic. These include ammonia-soaked rags, loud noises, and bright lights. By making your attic an inhospitable environment for raccoons, you can encourage them to leave on their own.

3. Seal entry points: To prevent raccoons from returning to your attic, it’s important to seal off any entry points they may have used to get inside. Inspect your attic for gaps, holes, or openings and seal them with wire mesh or other materials that raccoons cannot easily chew through.

4. Remove attractants: Raccoons are attracted to food sources, so it’s important to remove any attractants from your attic. This includes pet food, birdseed, and garbage. By eliminating these food sources, you can make your attic less appealing to raccoons.

5. Call a professional: If you’re not comfortable handling raccoons on your own, or if the infestation is severe, it’s best to call a professional wildlife removal service. They have the expertise and equipment needed to safely and effectively remove raccoons from your attic.

6. Monitor activity: After taking steps to get raccoons out of your attic, it’s important to monitor activity to ensure that they do not return. Keep an eye out for signs of raccoon activity, such as droppings or damage to your property. If you notice any signs of raccoons, take action immediately to prevent a re-infestation.

7. Practice prevention: To prevent raccoons from returning to your attic in the future, it’s important to practice good prevention measures. This includes keeping your property clean and free of attractants, sealing off entry points, and regularly inspecting your attic for signs of wildlife activity.

Quotes from Professionals:

1. “Installing a one-way door is a humane and effective way to get raccoons out of your attic. By allowing them to leave on their own, you can avoid causing unnecessary harm to these creatures.”

2. “Sealing off entry points is crucial in preventing raccoons from returning to your attic. Make sure to thoroughly inspect your property and seal off any potential entry points to avoid future infestations.”

3. “Calling a professional wildlife removal service is the best option for dealing with a severe raccoon infestation. They have the experience and tools needed to safely remove raccoons from your property.”

4. “Monitoring activity is key in ensuring that raccoons do not return to your attic. Stay vigilant and take action immediately if you notice any signs of raccoon activity to prevent a re-infestation.”

Common Concerns and Answers:

1. Will raccoons cause damage to my property? Yes, raccoons can cause damage to your attic by ripping insulation, chewing wires, and creating nests.

2. Are raccoons a health risk? Yes, raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies and roundworm that can pose a health risk to you and your family.

3. How do I know if I have raccoons in my attic? Look for signs such as droppings, damage to your property, and noises coming from your attic.

4. Can I remove raccoons on my own? Yes, you can remove raccoons from your attic on your own, but it’s important to take precautions to ensure your safety.

5. How long will it take to get raccoons out of my attic? The time it takes to remove raccoons from your attic will depend on the severity of the infestation and the methods used.

6. Will raccoons return to my attic? Raccoons may return to your attic if you do not take steps to prevent them from re-entering.

7. Are there humane ways to remove raccoons from my attic? Yes, there are humane methods such as installing a one-way door to encourage raccoons to leave on their own.

8. What should I do if I find baby raccoons in my attic? Contact a professional wildlife removal service to safely remove the baby raccoons and reunite them with their mother.

9. Can I use poison to get rid of raccoons? No, using poison to get rid of raccoons is inhumane and can pose risks to other wildlife and pets.

10. How can I prevent raccoons from entering my attic in the future? Seal off entry points, remove attractants, and practice good prevention measures to keep raccoons out of your attic.

11. Will raccoons harm my pets? Raccoons are wild animals and may harm pets if they feel threatened or cornered. Keep your pets away from raccoons to prevent any potential harm.

12. What should I do if I encounter a raccoon in my attic? Stay calm, avoid confrontation, and contact a professional wildlife removal service for assistance.

13. Can I relocate raccoons to a different location? It is not recommended to relocate raccoons as they may not survive in a new environment and can pose risks to other wildlife.

14. How can I clean up after raccoons have been removed from my attic? Wear protective gear, dispose of contaminated materials properly, and disinfect the area to prevent the spread of diseases.

In conclusion, getting raccoons out of your attic as a do-it-yourself project is possible with the right knowledge and resources. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can safely and effectively remove raccoons from your attic and prevent them from returning. Remember to take precautions to ensure your safety and the well-being of the raccoons. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable handling raccoons on your own, don’t hesitate to call a professional wildlife removal service for assistance. With proper care and prevention measures, you can keep your attic raccoon-free and your property safe.