Raccoons in Attics

---

Raccoons may look cute, but they are not good house guests. These smart animals can tear up an attic fast. They can break vents, damage insulation, and make loud sounds at night. They can also carry germs that can make people sick.

If you think a raccoon is in your attic, you are not alone. It happens often, especially in Texas. Here’s why raccoons sneak in and what simple things you can do to help keep them out.

Why Raccoons Like Attics

Raccoons are always looking for safe places to sleep and raise their babies. Your attic is perfect because it is: warm, dry, dark, quiet.

Mother raccoons especially like attics because they feel safe from predators. Once they find a way in, they may stay for weeks or even months.

How Raccoons Get Inside

Raccoons are strong and very clever. They can break or pull things apart to make an opening. Common entry points include:

1. Roof Vents: Homes are built to keep weather out, not animals. Raccoons oven pull these out of place and cause roof leaks that can be expensive to repair.

2. Broken Soffits: Damaged homes are prime targets for animals seeking shelter. More often than not though, raccoons are the ones responsible for the broken soffit vents.

3. Gaps in the Roofline Time and normal wear can cause vulnerable spots on your home that must be inspected over time.

4. Chimneys: A favorite for water damage and racoon entry. They also often offer a blind spot on your home that feels safe to a raccoon.

5. Trees Growing Too Close to the Home: Raccoons aren’t stupid—if you give them a ladder they will use it. Bark-less trees like Crepe Myrtles are often used as ladders to access your home and scratch marks from animals can be readily seen on their trunks if used.

6. Water-Damaged Siding and Trim: Raccoons are strong and creative, but are often looking for the easy way in and prefer soft, water-damaged siding where they can easily scratch their way into your home or attic space.

7. And more!

Signs You May Have a Raccoon

You might notice: heavy thumping or walking or running sounds at night, screaming, scratching in the attic, torn insulation, a strong, musky smell, droppings or damage near vents or soffits, and more. Prevention is the best approach, but if you’ve noticed any of these signs it’s time to act fast. The longer a raccoon stays, the more damage it can do.

Simple Preventive Measures You Can Take Today

These small DIY tips can help lower the chance of a raccoon getting into your home. They won’t replace full protection, but they are a good start.

1. Trim Tree Branches: Keep branches at least 6–8 feet away from the roof.

2. Keep your home in good repair: Animals are more attracted to homes that are easy to get into.

3. Secure Trash Cans and Compost: Raccoons love easy meals. Keep lids shut tight or bring them into the garage. Secure compost bins and relocate as far away from the home as possible.

Why Should You Call a Professional?

Raccoons can be dangerous—especially mothers that will viciously protect their kits (babies). They can scratch or bite, and contact may expose you to diseases and ectoparasites like fleas and ticks. They also get stressed easily, and handling wildlife without training can harm both you and the animal.

Our professionals can:

• Safely and humanely remove the raccoon from your home
• Seal up your home (exclusion services) in typical “weak” areas to prevent new entry points to your home
• Repair and reinforce damaged areas of your home to prevent re-entry
• Assess your home and surroundings to suggest other eco-friendly and humane ways you can prevent raccoon and other pest issues in your home

Need Help? EcoPro Services Is Here for You

If you hear noises in your attic or think a raccoon may be inside, EcoPro Services is ready to help!

You can call/message us at 512-640-2892 or learn more via our contact form.

We’re here to keep your home safe, quiet, and pest-free—all year round.