How to Remove Raccoons from the Roof

Raccoons can be a nuisance when they decide to take up residence on your roof. They can cause damage to your shingles, fascia, and soffit, as well as make a mess of your yard. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to safely and humanely remove raccoons from your roof. In this article, we’ll discuss how to identify raccoon activity, the best ways to remove them, and how to prevent them from returning.

Summary

• Identify raccoon activity on your roof
• Safely and humanely remove raccoons from your roof
• Prevent raccoons from returning

Identifying Raccoon Activity on Your Roof

The first step in removing raccoons from your roof is to identify their activity. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, so they are most active at night. If you hear noises coming from your roof at night, it could be a sign that raccoons are present. Other signs of raccoon activity include:

• Scratching noises coming from the attic or walls
• Scat (feces) on the roof or in the yard
• Damaged shingles, fascia, or soffit
• Gnawed holes in the roof or walls

If you suspect that raccoons are present on your roof, it’s important to take action quickly. Raccoons can cause significant damage to your home and can even carry diseases, so it’s important to remove them as soon as possible.

Safely and Humanely Removing Raccoons from Your Roof

Once you’ve identified raccoon activity on your roof, the next step is to safely and humanely remove them. There are several methods you can use to do this, including:

• Live trapping: This is the most effective and humane way to remove raccoons from your roof. You can purchase a live trap from your local hardware store and set it up on your roof. Once the raccoon is trapped, you can release it in a safe location away from your home.
• Repellents: Repellents are substances that are designed to deter raccoons from your property. These can be purchased at your local hardware store and can be used to keep raccoons away from your roof. Repellents are not always effective, however, and should be used in conjunction with other methods.
• Habitat modification: Raccoons are attracted to areas that provide food, water, and shelter. By removing potential food sources and making your roof less attractive to raccoons, you can discourage them from taking up residence. This includes removing pet food, bird feeders, and any other potential food sources.

Preventing Raccoons from Returning

Once you’ve removed the raccoons from your roof, it’s important to take steps to prevent them from returning. This includes:

• Sealing off potential entry points: Raccoons can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, so it’s important to inspect your roof and seal off any potential entry points. This includes holes in the roof, soffit, and fascia, as well as any other gaps or cracks.
• Trimming back trees and shrubs: Raccoons can use trees and shrubs to access your roof, so it’s important to trim them back. This will make it more difficult for raccoons to climb onto your roof.
• Removing potential food sources: As mentioned above, raccoons are attracted to areas that provide food, water, and shelter. By removing potential food sources, such as pet food, bird feeders, and garbage, you can discourage raccoons from returning.

Pro Tip

If you’re having trouble removing raccoons from your roof, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal service. They have the experience and knowledge to safely and humanely remove raccoons from your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if raccoons are on my roof?

The most common sign of raccoon activity on your roof is noise. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, so if you hear scratching or scurrying noises coming from your roof at night, it could be a sign that raccoons are present. Other signs of raccoon activity include scat (feces) on the roof or in the yard, damaged shingles, fascia, or soffit, and gnawed holes in the roof or walls.

What is the best way to remove raccoons from my roof?

The best way to remove raccoons from your roof is to use a live trap. You can purchase a live trap from your local hardware store and set it up on your roof. Once the raccoon is trapped, you can release it in a safe location away from your home. It’s important to note that live trapping is the most effective and humane way to remove raccoons from your roof.