Raccoons may seem like a seasonal nuisance (more active in certain times of the year) but the truth is, they can cause problems for homeowners and businesses all year long. Whether they’re digging through trash in the summer or nesting in your attic in the winter, raccoons adapt their behavior with the seasons, staying active and problematic in every month.
At Dog Gone Wildlife, we understand how raccoons operate, and more importantly, how to keep them out of your home or business for good. Here’s a look at how raccoon behavior changes throughout the year and why proactive prevention is essential no matter the season.
Winter: Seeking Shelter in Attics and Crawlspaces
In the winter months, raccoons aren’t hibernating, they’re looking for warmth. Cold weather drives them to seek shelter inside homes, commercial buildings, sheds, and attics. These enclosed spaces provide protection from the cold, access to insulation for nesting, and safety from predators.
Winter risks include:
- Raccoons tearing open soffits, roof vents, and crawlspaces
- Nesting in attics or chimneys
- Scratching, thumping noises, and odor from urine or droppings
- Increased risk of structural damage and fire hazards from chewed wires
Prevention Tip:
Seal entry points before winter hits. Install chimney caps, screen attic vents, and inspect rooflines for weaknesses.
Spring: Nesting Season Begins
Spring is baby season for raccoons. Females begin searching for safe, hidden places to build nests and raise their young. Attics, wall cavities, and under decks are ideal locations. This is also when raccoons are more territorial and aggressive if they feel their litter is threatened.
Spring risks include:
- Damage from nesting materials
- Separation of mothers and babies during DIY removal attempts
- Aggressive behavior if disturbed
- Increased noise and odor issues
Prevention Tip:
Never try to remove a raccoon yourself, especially in spring. Professional removal ensures humane treatment and prevents leaving behind orphaned babies.
Summer: Foraging and Urban Scavenging
During summer, raccoons are highly active at night, foraging for food to feed their growing young. Residential trash cans, pet food bowls, compost piles, and even commercial dumpsters become frequent targets.
Summer risks include:
- Scattered garbage and mess
- Property damage from repeated entry attempts
- Frequent sightings during nighttime hours
- Unpleasant surprises for customers or pets
- Possible disease transmission (like raccoon roundworm)
Prevention Tip:
Secure outdoor trash with tight-fitting lids, bring pet food indoors overnight, and install motion-activated lighting or deterrents around vulnerable areas.
Fall: Food Hoarding and Preparing for Winter
As temperatures drop, raccoons go into prep mode, eating more and looking for a winter den site. This is a key time when they may enter buildings and begin nesting, even if they hadn’t previously shown signs of activity.
Fall risks include:
- Increased attempts to breach homes or buildings
- Burrowing under decks, porches, or sheds
- Property damage as raccoons test different entry points
Prevention Tip:
Fall is the best time to have your home or commercial property inspected for vulnerable areas. Fix small issues before they turn into expensive problems.
Why Year-Round Prevention Matters
Raccoons don’t take time off, and neither should your prevention plan. Whether you own a home, run a restaurant, manage a property, or operate a warehouse, the risks of raccoon intrusion are constant.
A proactive prevention plan protects your:
- Structure: Rooflines, wiring, insulation, and siding
- Safety: From disease, fire hazards, and physical damage
- Reputation: Cleanliness matters, especially for customer-facing businesses
Need Help? Call Dog Gone Wildlife Today
Whether you’ve noticed signs of raccoon activity or just want to safeguard your property before problems start, Dog Gone Wildlife is here to help.
We offer:
- 24/7 humane raccoon removal
- Detailed inspections of homes and commercial properties
- Prevention and exclusion services to keep wildlife out for good
We proudly serve the greater Columbus, Ohio area, including Powell, Westerville, Upper Arlington, and surrounding communities.
Contact Dog Gone Wildlife today to schedule a raccoon inspection or removal. Don’t wait for seasonal damage to add up, take control year-round.