If you’re hearing strange noises in your attic or noticing damage around your roofline, you might be dealing with more than just wear and tear. Raccoons are a common nuisance in Ohio, and during colder months or nesting season, they’re more likely to try to break into homes and commercial buildings through the roof, vents, and soffits.
At Dog Gone Wildlife, we’ve seen how quickly these animals can turn a small issue into costly damage. In this post, we’ll explore how raccoons gain access, the types of damage they cause, and how early intervention and professional raccoon removal can save you from expensive repairs.
How Raccoons Get In: Common Access Points
Raccoons are surprisingly strong and resourceful. Once they’ve identified a structure as a potential shelter, often an attic, they’ll go to great lengths to get inside. Some of the most common entry points include:
1. Roof Vents and Fans
Raccoons can pry off or chew through plastic and lightweight metal roof vent covers. These vents offer a direct path into the attic.
2. Soffits and Fascia Boards
Loose, rotted, or damaged soffits and fascia boards are prime targets. Raccoons can claw or bite their way in, especially where the roofline meets the wall.
3. Gable Vents and Ridge Vents
These vents, designed to ventilate your attic, are often unprotected or poorly screened, making them vulnerable to determined raccoons.
4. Chimneys Without Caps
An uncapped chimney is an open invitation. Raccoons can easily climb down and nest inside, especially during colder months.
5. Roof Intersections and Eaves
Anywhere two rooflines meet or flashing is poorly sealed creates an opportunity for entry. Raccoons exploit weak points with ease.
The Damage Raccoons Can Cause
Once inside, raccoons don’t waste any time settling in—and causing destruction. The longer they remain in your attic or roofline, the more extensive the damage becomes.
Structural Damage
- Torn or chewed soffits and vents
- Damaged roofing materials, including shingles and underlayment
- Clawed or broken rafters and trusses in severe cases
Insulation and Attic Contamination
- Compacted or shredded insulation used for nesting
- Urine and feces contamination, leading to strong odors and health risks
- Increased energy bills due to loss of insulation efficiency
Electrical and Fire Hazards
Raccoons may chew on electrical wiring while building nests or exploring the attic, increasing the risk of electrical fires.
Signs You May Have a Raccoon Problem
- Loud thumping or scratching sounds, especially at night
- Visible damage to soffits, vents, or shingles
- Raccoon tracks or droppings near entry points
- Foul odors from urine or feces
- Insulation scattered or stained in the attic
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act fast. Raccoons can do significant damage in a matter of days.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Raccoon infestations are not just annoying, they’re dangerous and expensive. The longer they remain in your structure, the more extensive the cleanup and repairs will be. Even worse, raccoons can return year after year if their access points aren’t professionally sealed.
How Dog Gone Wildlife Can Help
We offer comprehensive raccoon removal and wildlife exclusion services designed to protect your home or business for the long term.
Our services include:
- Thorough inspection of your roof, attic, and exterior to locate entry points
- Humane removal of attic raccoons using safe, approved methods
- Exclusion repairs to seal all potential re-entry points using raccoon-resistant materials
- Cleanup and sanitation of nesting areas, including removal of soiled insulation if necessary
- Prevention strategies to deter future wildlife intrusions
We serve clients across Columbus, Westerville, Powell, Upper Arlington, and surrounding Ohio communities. Whether you’re a homeowner dealing with attic raccoons or a business owner concerned about roofline damage, Dog Gone Wildlife is here to help.
Don’t Wait for the Damage to Get Worse
Raccoon problems are easier to resolve when addressed early. If you suspect activity around your roof, soffits, or vents, contact Dog Gone Wildlife today. Our experienced team will provide a prompt inspection and a customized solution to keep your structure safe, secure, and raccoon-free.
Raccoon removal and wildlife exclusion are what we do, so you don’t have to handle the mess or stress. Let us do the dirty work.