7 Signs You Have a Raccoon in Your Attic (and What to Do)

Learn the 7 clearest signs of a raccoon in your attic — scratching at night, entry holes, droppings and more — plus what to do before the damage spreads. Call for humane raccoon removal.

Heavy scratching or thumping at night

Raccoons are nocturnal, so the classic first clue is noise after dark. Unlike the light, fast patter of mice or squirrels, a raccoon sounds heavy — thumps, rolling, and drawn-out scratching as it moves insulation around. If the noise starts around dusk and quiets by dawn, a raccoon is a strong suspect.

A mother raccoon will often den in an attic to raise her kits in spring and early summer. If you hear chittering or a soft, bird-like chirping alongside the heavier movement, you may be hearing baby raccoons.

A hole or torn entry point on the roofline

Raccoons are strong and dexterous. They pull apart soffits, bend roof vents, lift shingles, and tear into fascia boards to get inside. A single raccoon-sized hole — usually four inches or larger — near the roof edge, gable, or where two rooflines meet is a red flag.

Because they can reopen a patched hole, sealing an entry point before the animal is out only traps it inside, where it can do far more damage. Removal always comes first, then exclusion.

Droppings and a strong smell

Raccoon droppings and urine build up quickly in a den area, soaking into insulation and drywall. The smell is sharp and only gets worse. Droppings can also carry roundworm, so cleanup is a job for gloves, a respirator, and proper disposal — not a quick sweep.

Damaged insulation and ductwork

Once inside, raccoons flatten and shred insulation to make a nest, and they'll tear ductwork and chew wiring. Compressed insulation loses its R-value, so many homeowners notice higher energy bills before they ever see the animal.

What to do next

Don't try to corner or trap a raccoon yourself — a cornered raccoon, especially a mother, will defend itself. The safe path is humane removal by someone who can locate the den, remove any kits by hand, evict the adult, and then seal every entry point so nothing gets back in.

If you're hearing these signs right now, call us for same-day and emergency raccoon removal. We handle the animal, the cleanup, and the repair.