Do you know what our Maryland raccoon removal technicians find in common among most raccoon-infested homes? Large trees with branches that hang over the roof. This is basically an open invitation for the raccoons to come over and build a den in your attic or chimney. Take a look at this picture of an Annapolis home invaded by raccoons.
See the two gaping holes? That’s how the striped bandits made it inside the attic. And you can also see a tree branch that conveniently hangs right next to the holes. This photo was taken from the roof, as the damage is difficult to see from the ground. The only way homeowners would know about the raccoons is by hearing odd noises from the attic or noticing a leak. As if the holes in the roof weren’t bad enough, raccoons have also established a latrine (a raccoon litter box) on the roof and inside the attic. You can see the raccoon droppings on the roof on the below photo. Raccoon urine and feces saturate whatever surface they are on, causing disintegration, corrosion and plain bad smell. Most of the time when we encounter raccoon latrines in the attic, we end up replacing the insulation because it’s damaged beyond repair.
How to Stop Raccoons from Climbing on the Roof
Racccoons are excellent climbers. They are not born with this ability, but they are equipped with all the right tools, such as strong paws and sharp nails. It takes a little bit of practice for raccoon kits to master climbing, but once they get the hang of it it and grow to adult size, little can stop them. If a raccoon has set its mind to get on your roof or in your attic, it will get there. It will climb the gutter and even certain types of grippy siding, such as brick and wood. Take a look at this video of a raccoon family climbing straight up the brick wall of an abandoned home. All of them make it to the top of the wall without trouble, but the mother is the only one who can climb over the roof edge and drag her kits with her.
Racccoons are excellent climbers. They are not born with this ability, but they are equipped with all the right tools, such as strong paws and sharp nails. It takes a little bit of practice for raccoon kits to master climbing, but once they get the hang of it it and grow to adult size, little can stop them. If a raccoon has set its mind to get on your roof or in your attic, it will get there. It will climb the gutter and even certain types of grippy siding, such as brick and wood. Take a look at this video of a raccoon family climbing straight up the brick wall of an abandoned home. All of them make it to the top of the wall without trouble, but the mother is the only one who can climb over the roof edge and drag her kits with her.
The one thing you could do to discourage raccoons from getting on your roof and in your attic is to make it difficult for them. Raccoons are opportunistic animals and will take a chance when they see one. If you have a large tree right next to your home with overhanging branches, that’s an invitation for raccoons to come in. Having massive trees close to the house is dangerous for many other reasons as well, so whenever possible, remove these trees or at least trim the branches. This will help you keep away not only raccoons, but other critters as well, including squirrels and snakes. If you suspect that a raccoon may be living in your attic, or see one trying to climb the side of your home, call Mid-Atlantic Wildlife Control right away. We will help you safely and humanely get rid of the nuisance critters and suggest other ways you can prevent future intrusions.