How to Keep Raccoons Out of an Attic

Raccoons are cute and fun to watch from a distance, but they are not so cute when they take up residency in your attic. The masked bandits are very bold and resourceful when it comes to finding a warm place to sleep, and attics tend to meet all of their requirements. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can safely remove these furry squatters from your home.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ammonia
• Rags or cotton balls
• Empty cans
• Portable light
• Portable radio

1. Soak rags or cotton balls in ammonia and place them in the cans with a little extra ammonia in the bottom of the can. Place several cans in the attic and the rags will act as wicks to disperse the odor throughout the attic.

2. Hang a portable light in the attic and leave it on,continuously, until the animals leave. Raccoons like dark areas, and the bright light will make them feel vulnerable to predators.

3. Place a portable radio in the attic tuned to a 24-hour talk radio station, and turn up the volume enough that the sound will reach the entire attic. Leave it on day and night. Even though raccoons live near humans, they are afraid of the sound of the human voice.

4. Hire a professional trapper if you are unable to remove the raccoons from your attic. The trapper will move the raccoons to a safe area away from your home.

Tips & Warnings

• It may take a few days for the raccoon to leave, so be patient.
• To be sure the raccoons are gone, stuff all holes in your attic with newspaper. If the newspaper is undisturbed after three consecutive nights, the raccoons have vacated the premises. You can also be sure that the raccoons are gone, by placing a sardine in the attic. If it's still there after one day, the raccoons are definitely gone.
• If a raccoon is nesting in your attic, there's a good possibility it may be a female with a litter of young raccoons, especially in the springtime. Make sure any young raccoons are out of the attic before you seal the hole.
• Never attempt to catch or corner a raccoon, especially a mother raccoon with babies. Raccoons are not naturally aggressive, but will defend themselves and can attack if they feel threatened.
• When using cans with ammonia, use just enough cans to create a strong odor. Too many cans can cause the animal to suffocate from lack of oxygen.
• Use caution when placing a light in your attic. Make sure it doesn't generate enough heat to start a fire, and that you place it in a safe area.