how to get rid of raccoons on roof

3 min read 10-12-2024

Raccoons on your roof are more than just a nuisance; they can cause significant damage. Their sharp claws can tear shingles, and their foraging can lead to attic infestations. Getting rid of them requires a multi-pronged approach focusing on prevention, humane removal, and damage repair. This guide provides effective strategies to reclaim your roof and peace of mind.

Understanding the Raccoon Problem

Before tackling raccoon removal, understand why they're on your roof. Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores, drawn to readily available food and shelter. Common attractants include:

Easy Access: Gaps in your roofline, loose siding, or damaged chimneys provide easy entry points.
Food Sources: Pet food left outdoors, unsecured garbage cans, and even bird feeders can lure raccoons.
Shelter: Your attic provides a safe, dry, and warm den, particularly attractive during harsh weather.

Identifying Raccoon Activity

Several signs indicate a raccoon presence on your roof:

Scratching Sounds: Hear scratching or rustling noises, especially at night? That's a strong indicator.
Droppings: Look for droppings near potential entry points. Raccoon droppings are larger than rodent droppings and often contain undigested food.
Damage: Examine your roofline, siding, and gutters for claw marks, tears, or other damage.
Odor: A strong ammonia-like smell may indicate raccoon urine.

How to Remove Raccoons from Your Roof Humanely

Important Note: Trapping and relocating raccoons should be done humanely and legally. Check your local regulations and consider contacting animal control or wildlife removal specialists for assistance. Simply shooing them away rarely works long-term.

1. Secure Entry Points

This is the most crucial step. Preventing access eliminates the problem at its source.

Inspect Your Roof: Carefully examine your roof and its surrounding areas for any gaps, holes, or damaged areas.
Seal Entry Points: Use strong, durable materials like steel mesh or hardware cloth to seal any openings. Ensure there are no gaps left for raccoons to squeeze through.
Repair Damaged Areas: Repair any damaged shingles, siding, or chimneys to eliminate potential entryways.

2. Remove Attractants

Eliminating food sources reduces the incentive for raccoons to stay.

Secure Garbage Cans: Use heavy-duty lids and store garbage cans in a secure location, ideally a garage or shed.
Remove Pet Food: Don't leave pet food outdoors overnight. Store food inside to eliminate a readily available food source.
Remove Bird Feeders: Temporarily remove bird feeders to prevent attracting raccoons. They are opportunistic and will eat birdseed.
Clean Up Spills: Immediately clean up any food or drink spills on your patio or deck.

3. Use Repellents

While repellents aren't foolproof, they can help deter raccoons.

Commercial Repellents: Use commercial raccoon repellents containing ingredients like capsaicin (the active ingredient in chili peppers). Follow product instructions carefully.
Homemade Repellents: Some homeowners report success with homemade repellents using strong-smelling substances like ammonia or mothballs. However, effectiveness varies.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These can startle raccoons and discourage them from approaching your house.

4. Trapping (With Professional Guidance)

Trapping should be a last resort and ideally performed by professionals experienced in humane wildlife removal.

Live Traps: Only use live traps approved for raccoons. Check traps regularly and contact animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator to handle the captured animal. Relocation is usually the best humane approach, though it is important to comply with local regulations.
Professional Removal: Wildlife removal specialists have the expertise to safely and humanely trap and remove raccoons, often knowing the best relocation spots to minimize chances of the animals returning to your property.

Preventing Future Raccoon Problems

Once the raccoons are gone, proactive measures will help prevent future infestations.

Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your roof, attic, and surrounding areas for any signs of damage or potential entry points.
Maintenance: Regularly maintain your roof and gutters to prevent damage and ensure there are no openings for raccoons to exploit.
Landscaping: Keep your landscaping trimmed and avoid creating areas that offer raccoons hiding places near your house.

Damage Repair

After removing the raccoons, assess any damage they caused to your roof, attic, or other areas. Repairs might include:

Roof Shingle Replacement: Repair or replace damaged shingles to prevent further leaks or structural issues.
Attic Cleaning: Thoroughly clean and disinfect your attic to remove any droppings, urine, or nesting materials. This reduces health risks and eliminates odors that attract more animals.
Professional Inspection: It’s a good idea to get a professional roof inspection after a raccoon infestation to assess any potential long-term damage.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively remove raccoons from your roof and prevent future infestations. Remember, patience and a multi-faceted approach are key to success. If you are uncomfortable handling any aspect of raccoon removal yourself, always consult professionals experienced in humane wildlife control.