Will Raccoons Leave Attic in Summer? Understanding Seasonal Behavior
Will raccoons leave attic in summer? The answer isn’t straightforward, but typically, no, raccoons don’t reliably leave an attic in the summer. While their habits may shift, a summer eviction requires strategic intervention.
Understanding Raccoon Behavior and Attic Infestation
Raccoons are adaptable creatures, comfortable in both rural and urban environments. Attics provide ideal shelter: safe, warm, and often easily accessible. Understanding why raccoons choose attics as their homes is crucial for addressing infestations effectively.
- Ideal Shelter: Attics offer protection from the elements and predators.
- Denning Site: Raccoons, especially females with young, use attics as denning sites.
- Proximity to Food: Human dwellings often provide ample food sources through unsecured garbage or pet food.
The Raccoon Life Cycle and Summer Activity
The raccoon breeding season typically occurs in late winter or early spring. Females give birth to litters in the spring, and the young raccoons, known as kits, remain dependent on their mother for several months. This period heavily influences whether raccoons will leave attic in summer.
- Spring Birthing: Kits are born in the spring and are highly vulnerable.
- Summer Dependence: Kits remain with their mother throughout the summer, relying on her for food and protection.
- Exploration and Weaning: Towards the end of summer, kits begin exploring their surroundings and gradually become more independent.
Why Raccoons Might Stay in Your Attic During Summer
The primary reason raccoons will often not leave attic in summer voluntarily is the presence of young. A mother raccoon is highly protective of her kits and will stay in the attic to care for them. Even after the kits become more mobile, they will continue to use the attic as a safe base.
- Nurturing Young: The mother raccoon’s instinct to protect and nurture her kits is paramount.
- Secure Environment: The attic provides a safe and controlled environment for raising young.
- Consistent Food Source: Raccoons may establish consistent food sources near the attic, reducing the need to relocate.
Factors Influencing Raccoon Departure
While raccoon families are likely to remain in the attic during the summer months, several factors can influence their decision to leave. It’s important to note that these factors may encourage relocation but aren’t a guarantee.
- Food Scarcity: Limited access to food resources can force raccoons to seek new territories.
- Disturbances: Constant disruptions or perceived threats within the attic may prompt them to move.
- Environmental Changes: Extreme weather conditions or changes in the surrounding landscape can also affect their habitat preferences.
Safe and Humane Raccoon Removal Strategies
If raccoons will not leave attic in summer on their own, it is crucial to employ humane removal strategies. Always prioritize the well-being of the animals and adhere to local regulations. Consult with a wildlife removal expert whenever possible.
- Professional Assessment: A wildlife removal expert can accurately assess the situation and identify the number of raccoons, their entry points, and potential hazards.
- One-Way Door Excluders: Install one-way door excluders on the raccoon’s entry points. These devices allow raccoons to exit the attic but prevent them from re-entering. Never use these if you suspect there are young raccoons.
- Harassment Techniques: Employ noise makers or bright lights to deter raccoons and encourage them to relocate – after you’ve confirmed the absence of kits.
- Sealing Entry Points: Once the raccoons have left, seal all entry points to prevent future infestations. Use sturdy materials that raccoons cannot easily chew through.
Preventing Future Raccoon Infestations
The best approach to dealing with raccoons in the attic is prevention. Taking proactive steps to make your property less attractive to these animals can significantly reduce the risk of infestation.
- Secure Garbage Cans: Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids to prevent raccoons from accessing food scraps.
- Remove Food Sources: Avoid leaving pet food outdoors and clean up any fallen fruit from trees.
- Trim Overhanging Branches: Trim overhanging branches that provide easy access to your roof.
- Seal Potential Entry Points: Inspect your home for any potential entry points, such as cracks, holes, or gaps in siding, and seal them securely.
Potential Risks of Raccoon Infestations
Beyond the nuisance factor, raccoon infestations can pose serious health and safety risks. It is essential to address these issues promptly to protect yourself, your family, and your property.
- Property Damage: Raccoons can cause extensive damage to attics by tearing insulation, chewing on electrical wiring, and damaging structural components.
- Disease Transmission: Raccoons can carry various diseases, including rabies, raccoon roundworm, and leptospirosis, which can be transmitted to humans and pets.
- Parasite Infestation: Raccoon feces and urine can attract parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites, which can infest your home.
Understanding Raccoon Legalities and Regulations
It’s important to be aware of local regulations regarding raccoon removal and relocation. Many jurisdictions have specific laws in place to protect wildlife, and violating these laws can result in fines or other penalties.
- Permits and Licenses: Some areas require permits or licenses for trapping or relocating raccoons.
- Relocation Restrictions: Many jurisdictions prohibit relocating raccoons to new areas to prevent the spread of disease and protect local ecosystems.
- Humane Treatment: All raccoon removal efforts must be conducted humanely and in accordance with ethical guidelines.
Comparing Raccoon Removal Methods
| Method | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| ——————– | ———————————————————————— | —————————————————————- | ———————————————————————————————————————– |
| Trapping & Relocate | Capturing raccoons in traps and moving them to a different location. | Seems like a quick solution. | Often illegal, inhumane (stressful for raccoons), and can spread disease. |
| One-Way Door Excluder | Allows raccoons to exit the attic but prevents them from re-entering. | Humane, effective when used correctly. | Cannot be used when young are present. Requires careful monitoring to ensure no animals are trapped inside. |
| Harassment Techniques | Using noise, light, or odors to deter raccoons. | Humane and can be effective in some cases. | May not be effective if raccoons are highly motivated to stay (e.g., mother with young). |
| Professional Removal | Hiring a wildlife removal expert to handle the raccoon problem. | Safe, effective, and ensures compliance with local regulations. | Can be more expensive than DIY methods. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will raccoons leave attic in summer?
As discussed above, generally, no, raccoons will not leave attic in summer if they have young. The mother raccoon will stay to care for her kits. They typically won’t permanently relocate until the kits are more independent, usually late summer or early fall.
How can I tell if raccoons are in my attic?
Common signs include noises (scratching, thumping, vocalizations), droppings, a strong ammonia smell, and physical damage (torn insulation, chewed wires). Conduct a visual inspection during the day for entry points around your roof and eaves.
What diseases can raccoons transmit?
Raccoons can transmit several diseases, including rabies, raccoon roundworm, leptospirosis, and salmonellosis. They can also carry parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites. Avoid direct contact and take necessary precautions when cleaning up after them.
Is it safe to remove raccoons myself?
Removing raccoons yourself can be risky due to the potential for disease transmission, bites, and scratches. It’s generally recommended to hire a professional wildlife removal expert who has the necessary training and equipment.
What is the best time of year to evict raccoons?
The best time is typically late summer or early fall, after the kits have become independent and left the attic with their mother. However, avoid completely sealing any entry points without thoroughly inspecting for and removing all animals first.
How can I prevent raccoons from getting into my attic?
Seal all potential entry points, such as cracks, holes, and gaps in siding. Trim overhanging branches, secure garbage cans, and remove potential food sources like pet food and fallen fruit. Install sturdy screens over vents and chimneys.
Are raccoon droppings dangerous?
Yes, raccoon droppings can be dangerous because they may contain raccoon roundworm eggs. Inhalation or ingestion of these eggs can cause serious health problems, especially in children. Wear protective gear when cleaning up droppings and disinfect the area thoroughly.
What does raccoon damage look like?
Raccoon damage often includes torn insulation, chewed wires, damaged ductwork, and holes in the roof or siding. You may also find scattered trash, overturned items, and signs of nesting materials.
How much does it cost to remove raccoons from my attic?
The cost varies depending on the severity of the infestation, the extent of the damage, and the removal methods used. On average, you can expect to pay several hundred to over a thousand dollars for professional raccoon removal and damage repair.
Can I use repellents to get rid of raccoons?
Some repellents, such as motion-activated sprinklers and noise-making devices, can deter raccoons. However, these methods may not be effective in all cases, especially if the raccoons have already established a nest in your attic.
Will insurance cover raccoon damage?
Whether or not your insurance covers raccoon damage depends on your specific policy. Some policies cover damage caused by wild animals, while others exclude it. Check your policy carefully and contact your insurance provider to determine your coverage.
What do I do if I find baby raccoons in my attic?
If you find baby raccoons, do not attempt to handle them yourself. Contact a wildlife removal expert or animal control agency immediately. They can safely remove the baby raccoons and reunite them with their mother.