How to remove raccoons from your roof

Raccoons are common pests in urban areas. They like to live close to humans so finding them around your home wouldn’t be exactly odd. Even though a raccoon infestation can be quite common in urban areas, it does not mean that you should let them stay. Raccoons should not be welcomed on your property. One of the places raccoons will visit when they infest a property is a roof. The critters have excellent climbing skills and features and love to stay above ground level.

Raccoon On Roof

These pests get on roofs by climbing drainpipes and other structures. They can also get on the roof from adjacent trees.

Why are raccoons found on roofs?

As mentioned earlier, the critters climb to apply their natural skills. Raccoons prefer to live in higher spaces like rooftop or trees because of the protection from danger. When they infest a property, they tend to climb the roof to access the attics which makes a great living space for them. Initially, the pests will climb onto the roof to stay safe from predators. When they return afterward, it is most likely to settle in spaces such as the attic. When the animals get on roofs and eventually create homes in attics, they tend to mate and increase their population. In no time, a single raccoon problem could be significantly increased. This is why you should begin to plan how to get the critters out of your property the moment you notice their presence.

How to tell that raccoons are on your roof

When a raccoon gets on the rooftop, and in most cases the attic, it would give its presence away with the noise it makes. You may also see the raccoon going in and out of the attic through the roof, that is if it has made a nest. Because they typically access attics through roofs, you could inspect the attic to confirm the presence of the pests. You would find the entry hole as well as characteristic features such as their long feces that has pieces of berries in it.

Proper precautions should be taken when inspecting an attic for raccoons to avoid diseases caused by raccoons. The critters may attack if they feel threatened. You should also wear protective clothing and materials such as overalls and breathing masks. Remember that the animals spit, and their spit can be a source of rabies.

Getting raccoons off the roof is a comprehensive process that could involve several processes depending on the nature of the situation. You may have to get the critters from the roof to ground level. You may also have to stop a regular visitor from getting on the roof or get rid of critters living in the attic. You also have to prevent future infestations of your property and roof. 

Getting raccoons to ground level

In a situation where the animal is on the roof and doesn’t seem like it is looking for a way to leave, you can use a snare pool to get it to ground level. The raccoon will grip the pole, and with a safe distance between you both, you can get it to ground level and off of your property. You may also safely put a basket over it and get it off the roof.

Getting a regular visitor off the roof

When a raccoon becomes a regular visitor, chances are it is going and coming out of its nest in your attic. For such critters, a cage trap is a great tool to apply. You may place the trap over the opening or at a nearby position and guide the critters to it. When placing cage traps on roofs, ensure that they are secure. You also want to protect the shingles by placing a strong material underneath the trap.

Getting raccoons out of the attic

When they settle in attics, they most likely have babies. Thus, you should search for the baby raccoons and include them in the eradication plan. You may trap the babies first and bait the parents with them.

Preventing further raccoon infestations

If your property remains accessible to raccoons, the chances of further infestation are high. You can avoid a future raccoon infestation by making your property very unattractive to the critters. You can achieve this purpose by cutting their access to food, water, and shelter. Trash cans are great sources of food for raccoons. By keeping your trash can secure, you are sending a strong message that the critters are not wanted on your property. When you keep your property clean without leaving trash and debris around, you are sending a similar message. By trimming trees and repairing holes on the roof, you are cutting the critter’s access to shelter.
As you get raccoons off your roof and property, be sure to clean up the areas with high activity and maintain safety precautions.

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