How Can Raccoons Damage an Attic?

Raccoons often look for shelter this time of year, before the temperatures drop and the outdoor conditions are harsh. Attics are one of the most common areas to find raccoon infestations because they are warm, cozy and private. This makes them a prime focus when it comes to animal-proofing for the winter. Continue reading to learn what kinds of damage raccoons are capable of, and what you can do to ensure your home is protected this season.

Indianapolis Raccoon Cleanup and Restoration 317-535-4605

Indianapolis Raccoon Cleanup and Restoration 317-535-4605

Raccoon Attic Damages

The extent of damage raccoons can cause to an interior space like an attic are virtually limitless. Not only are they incredible smart, they have dexterous paws that give them human-like grasping abilities. These attributes allow raccoons to do pull, tear, grip, rip, and destroy anything in site. But their hands alone are not their only weapon of destruction; raccoons also have sharp teeth, and a digestive tract just like the rest of us.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common raccoon damages found in attics:

Chewed Stuff

As mentioned, raccoons have some sharp teeth, 40 in total, including four long and sharp canine teeth. In nature, raccoons use their teeth as a means of survival since it helps them maintain their omnivorous diet. But in attics, they use their teeth to gnaw on everything in sight, including wooden beams, eaves, drywall, paneling, electrical wires, soffits, and more. Some of these damages can be especially hazardous, like chewed electrical wiring, which can short circuit or catch fire.

Soiled Stuff

Also mentioned, raccoons have a healthy digestive tract, which is not good news for attics housing them. Raccoons will soil everything in sight with their urine and droppings. Not only does this ruin just about everything it touches, it can create awful odors and stains to leak into the living quarters of a home or building. Furthermore, it is quite unsanitary and can lead to certain illness in both people and pets. After a raccoon infestation is extracted, the entire area must be decontaminated, sanitized, and restored.

Torn Stuff

Raccoons like a warm and cozy place to rest their sleepy heads after a long night of scavenging for food. But the attic space is not enough; they need something soft and cushion-like to sleep. In an attic, insulation works best for this. Raccoons will rip down all of the attic insulation to make nests for resting and raising their young. They will also rip up floorboards and ceiling boards, tear off siding and fascia, puncture holes in drywall, and much more.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Restoration Services

Raccoon Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Raccoon Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Call 317-535-4605 for prompt and professional, 24 hour emergency raccoon removal in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control contractors who offer residential and commercial raccoon abatement services at the most competitive prices in town, including minor attic restorations for raccoon damages. Get started by requesting a free estimate, today.

Raccoon Behaviors that End Up Costing You Money

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Wild raccoons are capable of destroying a property from the inside and the outside; and it only takes a matter of weeks for the damage to intensify into a costly situation. For this reason, raccoon control is necessary for those who live near areas with high raccoon activity, such as homes near woods or forests, city centers, or bodies of water. Although they are intelligent and interesting critters, their bad behaviors can cost property owners money in terms of restorations, cleanups, and repairs.

How They Do It

Raccoons are known to find entry points into homes and onto properties by using their dexterous paws. They can open doors and gates, pry open roof shingles, lift hatches, and much more. This is another reason why correct raccoon-proofing and prevention is important to property protection. Various issues and dangers can also arise from raccoon activity. They pose several problems for homeowners, costing them money for restorations, repairs, and more.

Common Types of Raccoon Damages

Raccoons are commonly found in attics, crawl spaces, under porches and decks, garages, sheds, and even electrical boxes. Once they gain entry into a house or building, bad behaviors and resulting damages begin immediately. For instance, areas like dry wall, insulation, and ceilings are destroyed right away, just for the sake of gaining entry inside. Aside from immediate damage, raccoon urine and droppings will begin to accumulate in large amounts. This kind of raccoon damage is hazardous, so it requires professional sanitation and cleaning services.

Raccoons typically search for shelter to protect themselves from outdoor elements and predators, and for breeding. To makes nests, they will rip down attic and wall insulation, which can be frustrating for homeowners since insulation can be costly to replace and requires a professional service. These common raccoon behaviors are all detrimental to a property, from the inside out, as well as your bank account.

Once raccoons begin to breed, each female is capable of birthing multiple raccoon pups. This means that colonies can quickly multiply if they are not caught and extracted early on. This is bad for many reasons. The more raccoons present in or around a property, the more extensive the damages will be. It is highly recommended to hire a licensed Indianapolis raccoon control company for expert advice and service. It can be dangerous attempting raccoon removal without proper training, knowledge, and tools. Trust a professional in the industry for reliable, safe, and effective services.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control

Raccoon Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Raccoon Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Call 317-535-4605 for professional raccoon removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife control specialists that offer a wide range of affordable animal removal services for commercial and residential properties. Call 317-535-4605 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis raccoon control, today.