Raccoons might seem cute in the wild, but they quickly become a nightmare when they invade your home. These nocturnal creatures are notorious for seeking shelter in attics, walls, and other cozy nooks of suburban and urban homes. Not only can raccoons cause significant property damage, but they also bring health risks to you and your family.
Are you hearing strange noises coming from your walls? Noticing odd smells that weren’t there before? It’s possible that raccoons have moved in. This blog will help you identify the signs of raccoons in your walls, explain the risks involved, and guide you through the proper steps to safely and humanely handle the situation.

How to Identify Raccoons in Walls
Raccoons are crafty creatures, often sneaking into homes unnoticed. However, they tend to leave behind telltale signs. Here’s what to look (and listen) for:
1. Noises in the Wall
Raccoons are nocturnal, meaning they’re most active at night. If you hear scratching, squeaking, or rustling sounds in your walls or attic during the evening or nighttime hours, it could be a raccoon family settling in.
2. Droppings
Raccoon droppings, often found near entry points or within walls, are a strong indicator. Their feces can be a health hazard, often carrying harmful parasites and bacteria.
3. Odors
A strong, musky odor can indicate the presence of raccoons. Combined with the smell of their droppings or urine, this can become unbearable if left unchecked.
4. Visible Damage
Raccoons often tear through insulation, chew on wires, and widen entry points like vents or chimneys. If you notice damage to your home’s exterior or attic insulation, raccoons could be the culprits.
5. Tracks and Smudges
Raccoons leave tracks or smudgy paw prints on walls, windowsills, or access points they frequently use. Look for these marks near possible entry areas.
The Health and Safety Risks of Raccoons
Raccoons might look harmless, but their presence in your home poses significant risks, such as the following:
Health Hazards
- Raccoon Diseases: Raccoons carry harmful pathogens like leptospirosis, raccoon roundworm, and salmonella. They can also spread rabies through bites or scratches.
- Allergies: Raccoon droppings can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Parasites: Fleas, mites, and ticks carried by raccoons can easily infest your home.
Property Damage
- Chewed Wires: Raccoons chew wires, which can lead to electrical fires.
- Destroyed Insulation: Damaged insulation caused by nesting raccoons lowers energy efficiency and increases heating/cooling costs.
- Structural Damage: These animals can weaken the integrity of your walls, roof, and attic with their constant digging and chewing.
Protecting your home and family from these risks is essential—especially if you suspect raccoons in your walls.
What to Do After Finding Raccoons in the House
When you first discover raccoons in your house or walls, it’s crucial to act safely and swiftly. Avoid direct confrontation, as they may become aggressive if they feel threatened. Follow these steps instead:
- Stay Calm: Avoid loud noises or attempts to force the raccoons out yourself. This can escalate the situation.
- Isolate the Area: Close off the space where the raccoons are nesting to prevent them from spreading to other parts of your home.
- Do NOT Attempt DIY Removal: Trapping or handling raccoons without proper training can harm you and the animals. Additionally, wildlife removal is regulated in many regions, including Indiana, to ensure humane practices.
- Call a Licensed Wildlife Control Expert: Professional raccoon removal services are the safest and most effective option.
Why Professional Raccoon Removal Matters
Hiring a licensed wildlife removal expert ensures the problem is addressed safely and efficiently. Here’s what professional raccoon control typically involves:
- Comprehensive Inspection: Professionals identify all points of entry, locate the raccoons, and assess the infestation’s extent.
- Humane Techniques: Experts use humane methods, such as live trapping, to safely remove raccoons without causing them harm.
- Damage Repair: Raccoons often leave destruction in their wake. Professionals repair chewed wires, damaged insulation, and structural issues.
- Sanitation Services: Thorough cleaning and disinfecting areas affected by raccoon waste to eliminate harmful bacteria and odors.
- Exclusion Solutions: To prevent future infestations, entry points are sealed off, chimneys are capped, and preventative measures are implemented.
Professional raccoon removal also ensures you comply with important wildlife removal regulations in Indiana, helping you avoid fines for improper handling.
Keeping Raccoons Out for Good
After dealing with raccoons in your walls, prevention is key. Follow these tips to keep them from returning:
- Seal Entry Points like cracks, gaps, or holes in walls, roofs, and pipes.
- Secure Trash Cans with tight-fitting lids to remove easy food access.
- Trim Trees and Shrubs near your home to prevent raccoons from climbing onto your roof.
- Install Chimney Caps to block them from entering through chimneys.
- Remove Outdoor Food Sources, such as pet food left outside or fallen fruit in your yard.
- Install Motion-Activated Lights to create an uninviting environment for nocturnal pests.
- Conduct Regular Inspections of your home’s exterior for potential entry points or signs of activity.
Key Takeaways
Raccoons in your walls are more than just an inconvenience—they’re a risk to your health, safety, and property. By understanding the signs, hazards, and proper steps to manage an infestation, you can ensure the well-being of your home and loved ones.
For professional and humane raccoon removal services, trust licensed wildlife control experts to handle the job. Call us today for expert raccoon control services and reclaim your peace of mind.
Remember, when it comes to raccoon infestations, early intervention is key. Contact Indianapolis Raccoon Removal at 317-535-4605 for licensed and insured raccoon removal and control services in Indianapolis, Indiana, today. We also provide raccoon infestation cleanup and attic repair.
Related Posts:
Porch Protection 101: Getting Rid of Nuisance Raccoons for Good
Dealing with the Damage Caused by Raccoons in Your Attic
The Unseen Dangers of Raccoons Nesting in Your Chimney