If you’ve ever heard thumping, scratching, or strange chattering sounds coming from above during a warm summer night, you might have some unexpected visitors: raccoons. These curious, clever creatures are infamous for turning rooftops into their personal playgrounds—and your attic into their summer hideaway.
Here’s what every homeowner needs to know about raccoons on the roof and how to stop their summer mischief before it causes serious damage.
Why Raccoons Head to the Roof in Summer
Summer is a season of opportunity for raccoons. Warmer weather brings longer nights and plenty of chances to explore, forage, and nest. Your roof often serves as a perfect launchpad for their nighttime adventures for a few key reasons:
Looking for a Nesting Spot
Female raccoons often give birth in late spring or early summer and need a quiet, protected place to raise their young. Attics and chimneys are popular targets. A roof provides easy access to these potential den sites.
Escaping Ground-Level Threats
Raccoons are agile climbers and often take to rooftops to avoid predators like dogs or coyotes. They use downspouts, nearby trees, or even brick siding to climb up and explore.
Exploring for Food
Once on your roof, raccoons can cause damage by tearing at shingles, ripping off vents, or prying open soffits in search of food or shelter. Garbage bins, pet food, and compost piles nearby make your home even more attractive.
The Risks of Roof-Dwelling Raccoons
Raccoons might look cute, but the mess they leave behind is anything but. Common problems include:
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Torn shingles and roof vents
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Chewed wires and insulation in attics
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Contaminated insulation from feces and urine
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Loud noises at night disrupting your sleep
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Risk of disease transmission through droppings or parasites
And once a raccoon gets comfortable, it will keep coming back—especially if it’s raised young in your home.
What You Can Do
Prevention is key. Check for tree branches that hang over your roof and trim them back. Secure your trash and don’t leave pet food outside. Regularly inspect your roof and attic for signs of entry or damage.
Already suspect raccoons are on your roof or inside your home? Don’t try to remove them yourself—raccoons can become aggressive when cornered, especially mothers with babies.
Call Wildlife X Team for Safe, Humane Removal
At Wildlife X Team, we understand raccoon behavior and know how to remove them safely and humanely. Our trained specialists will inspect your home, remove the animals, and seal all entry points to prevent them from returning. We also clean and sanitize affected areas to protect your health and home.
Don’t let raccoons turn your roof into a summer circus. Contact Wildlife X Team today for a free inspection and let us help you reclaim your space—without harming the wildlife.