Have you been hearing strange noises around your home lately? Scratches in the attic, thumps in the walls, or rustling under the porch? These unusual sounds could indicate you have some uninvited guests—raccoons. Recognizing the signs of a raccoon infestation early can save you from costly damage and reduce the risk of health issues associated with these wild animals.
This guide will walk you through the common noises made by raccoons, explain when and where you might hear them, and outline how to confirm their presence. Plus, we’ll offer practical prevention tips to keep your home raccoon-free and stress-free. If you’ve noticed odd sounds and suspect raccoons, read on to learn how to handle the situation effectively.

Sounds and Noises That Raccoons Make
Raccoons are known for their cleverness and dexterity, but what often gives them away in homes is the noise they make. If you’re attuned to the noises in your house, certain sounds can serve as key indicators of a raccoon infestation. These include:
Scratching and Scuffling
Raccoons are excellent climbers and scratchers. If they’ve made their way into your attic or walls, you’re likely to hear scratching and scuffling sounds, often caused by their sharp claws as they move around. This is most common at night since raccoons are nocturnal and are typically active after dusk.
Thumping and Thudding
Raccoons are not light on their feet. If they’re running around above you in the attic or scurrying across the roof, you might notice heavy thumps or thuds. This is especially common during their active feeding hours, usually late evening or early morning.
Chirping and Whining
If raccoons have nested in your home, you might hear high-pitched chirps or whining sounds. These noises generally come from baby raccoons (called kits), as they cry for their mother’s attention. Hearing this sound usually means they’ve settled and created a den, often in your attic or a crawl space.
Growling or Screeching
Adult raccoons occasionally growl, screech, or make aggressive sounds, particularly if they feel threatened or are fighting each other. These defensive noises can be alarming and signify a serious infestation.
Rustling
If you hear rustling in odd places like your attic, under the porch, or around trash cans, it could be raccoons digging through insulation, debris, or even garbage in search of food.
Where and When to Listen for Raccoon Activity
Timing and location play a significant role in identifying raccoons. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Attic: If the sounds are coming from above or you notice scratching and movement in your ceiling, raccoons are likely to have entered through vents, shingles, or weak roof structures.
- Under the Porch or Deck: Rustling or squeaking under these outdoor spaces often indicates that raccoons have nested below.
- Near Walls: Raccoons sometimes crawl through wall gaps, resulting in odd noises within your walls.
- At Night: Since raccoons are nocturnal, their activity typically peaks during nighttime hours. If you frequently hear disruptive noises after dark, raccoons could be the culprits.
The Damage and Risks of Raccoon Infestations
Allowing raccoons to remain in your home can result in extensive damage and health risks. Here’s what you should be aware of:
Structural Damage
- Raccoons can rip apart insulation, chew through wiring, and gnaw on wooden beams, causing significant structural harm.
- They may create entry points in your roof or siding, making the home vulnerable to water leaks and other pests.
Health Risks
- Raccoons are known to carry harmful diseases, including rabies and raccoon roundworms (Baylisascaris procyonis), which can infect humans and pets.
- Their feces and urine can lead to contamination and pose respiratory risks if inhaled.
Property Damage
- Raccoons are notorious for rummaging through trash, creating scattered debris and waste around your property.
- They can damage ductwork or HVAC systems if they nest in basements or attics.
How to Confirm a Raccoon Infestation
If you suspect raccoons have invaded your home but need confirmation, follow these steps:
- Inspect Entry Points – Check for visible damage or gaps around your roof, attic vents, chimneys, and porch. Raccoons often leave claw marks or fur behind as evidence.
- Look for Droppings – Raccoon droppings are larger than those of rodents and can typically be found near their nesting area. Be cautious, as raccoon waste can harbor harmful bacteria and parasites.
- Listen at Night – Pay close attention to nighttime activity. The combination of sounds we mentioned earlier—scratching, rustling, and thudding—are strong indicators of raccoons.
- Use Flour or Powder Traps – Sprinkle a layer of flour near suspected entry points or nesting sites. Check for raccoon paw prints the following day.
- Call a Wildlife Professional – If you’re unsure or feel unequipped to deal with the problem, reach out to a raccoon removal service. These professionals can safely and effectively confirm and handle an infestation.
Prevention Tips to Keep Raccoons Out for Good
Preventing raccoons from entering your home is far easier—and less expensive—than dealing with an infestation. Here are ways to keep them out:
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect and seal any holes, gaps, or damaged areas in your roof, siding, attic vents, and chimney.
- Secure Trash: Use raccoon-proof trash cans with lids that lock securely. Avoid leaving food scraps outdoors.
- Install Motion-Activated Lights: Bright lights can deter nocturnal raccoons from approaching your property.
- Use Raccoon Repellents: Sprinkling repellent solutions or using ultrasonic devices can discourage raccoons from nesting around your home.
- Trim Trees: Remove low-hanging tree branches near your roof to eliminate potential access points.
Final Thoughts
Unusual sounds in your home should never go ignored. Whether you’ve heard chirps in the attic, rustling under the porch, or thuds on the roof, knowing the signs of a raccoon infestation is the first step to solving the problem.
Need help with raccoon removal? Don’t wait for the damage to worsen—contact a wildlife removal service today for fast and efficient assistance. Protect your home, your health, and your peace of mind with professional raccoon control solutions.
Do you want to safely remove raccoons and prevent future animal problems on your property? Contact our wildlife pros at 317-535-4605 for prompt and affordable Indianapolis raccoon control services you can trust. We serve residential and commercial properties throughout the metro area.
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