Raccoons may look cute with their masked faces and bushy tails, but don’t be fooled—these nocturnal nuisances are some of the most destructive wildlife intruders in Ohio. Known for their intelligence, dexterous paws, and fearless curiosity, raccoons can cause extensive damage to your home or business if left unchecked. Whether they’re rummaging through garbage, nesting in attics, or tearing up lawns in search of grubs, their presence is more than a minor inconvenience, it’s a serious concern for property owners.
Signs You Have a Raccoon Problem
Raccoons are primarily active at night, which means they often do their damage under the cover of darkness. Common signs include:
- Tipped-over trash cans or scattered garbage
- Noises in the attic or walls at night
- Shingles, soffits, or vents that appear torn or bent
- Tracks or muddy paw prints near entry points
- Foul odors from droppings or urine
They are notorious for breaking into attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces to nest. Once inside, they can destroy insulation, chew wires, and create hazardous living conditions through their waste.
Why Raccoons Are Drawn to Homes and Businesses
Like many wild animals, raccoons are opportunists. They’re drawn to properties that provide three key elements: food, water, and shelter.
- Food sources might include unsecured trash bins, pet food left outside, compost piles, or even bird feeders.
- Shelter is often found in attics, barns, sheds, garages, or under decks and porches.
- Water sources such as pet bowls, birdbaths, or even air conditioning runoff can keep them hanging around.
Businesses, especially those in the food industry or with dumpsters, are frequent targets due to easy access to leftover scraps and consistent shelter options.
The Damage They Can Cause
Raccoons are stronger than they look. A determined raccoon can tear off shingles, pry open vents, and break through soffits just to gain entry. Once inside, the damage gets worse:
- Chewed wires create fire hazards.
- Contaminated insulation from urine and feces poses serious health risks.
- Destroyed ductwork can make your HVAC system inefficient or unsafe.
- Structural damage to wood, drywall, and roofing materials is common in long-term infestations.
On commercial properties, they can damage rooftop units, leave droppings that deter customers, and create costly maintenance issues.
Health Risks of a Raccoon Infestation
Raccoons are known carriers of diseases, including rabies, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm. Their droppings can harbor parasites and pathogens that are dangerous to humans and pets. Attempting to remove raccoons without professional help increases the risk of exposure and injury.
Humane Removal and Exclusion
At A Plus Wildlife, we take a safe, humane, and effective approach to raccoon removal. Our trained technicians inspect the property, identify entry points, and use live traps or exclusion methods to remove the animals without causing harm. Once the raccoons are removed, we offer:
- Exclusion repairs (sealing up holes, reinforcing weak areas)
- Sanitation and clean-up of contaminated spaces
- Attic restoration where insulation or ductwork has been damaged
- Preventative tips to keep wildlife from returning
Our goal is not just to get rid of raccoons, but to keep them out for good.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Property
While professional removal is key, there are a few things you can do to minimize raccoon attraction:
- Keep trash bins tightly sealed
- Bring pet food indoors at night
- Trim overhanging branches near your roofline
- Close off crawlspaces and secure vents
- Regularly inspect your attic and roof for signs of entry
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Raccoon problems rarely go away on their own. The longer they stay, the more damage they do—and the more costly the repairs become. If you’ve heard suspicious noises, spotted damage, or seen raccoons on your property, don’t wait.
Call A Plus Wildlife today for a professional inspection and customized removal plan. Your home or business deserves to be protected, and we’re here to make sure it stays that way.