What do they sound like?

The following sounds may indicate a raccoon in the attic:

  • The sound of scurrying and other movement in the attic. Since raccoons are nocturnal, they usually, but not always, are active at night and are relatively quiet during the day. Most commonly, noise made by raccoons leaving the attic space begins after it turns dark and then occurs again as the raccoon returns to the attic later in the night or just before dawn. Also, if you hear movement on the roof at night, there is a good chance the noise is coming from a raccoon.
  • Vocal sounds made by raccoons. Raccoons produce a variety of sounds ranging from growling by adults and crying and whining by young. Sounds such as these most likely are coming from raccoons since mice, squirrels and rats do not emit such vocal sounds.
  • Sounds from chewing that damage structural and other house components.

What are the signs of raccoon in the attic?

There are numerous signs indicating raccoon activity in a home attic. Among the more common signs or symptoms of raccoons in a homeowner’s attic are:

  • Audible sounds or other noises like growls, cries by the young (kits), the sound of raccoons moving about in the attic and sounds they make in the process of chewing or otherwise damaging wood or other items in the attic or on the outside of the house.
  • Sounds made during the process of constructing a nest, and the appearance of nesting material in the attic. Raccoons often use attic insulation as nesting materials.
  • Sounds made by a raccoon enlarging an entry or exit site into the attic.
  • Sounds raccoons make while walking on rooftops. This sound is more likely to occur at night or close to dawn.
  • Raccoon urine and feces in attic spaces, which create foul odors and even staining on the inside of ceilings.
  • Food scraps and bones remaining after raccoons feed.
  • Evidence of raccoon damage to such things as attic structural wood, shredded roofing material, damaged insulation, damaged air handling vent ducts, chewed pipe insulation, damaged attic mounted air conditioners, attic ventilation fans and chewed electrical cables.
  • Damage to items stored in the attic space.
  • The odor from a dead raccoon in the attic.