How to Keep Raccoons from Breaking Into Your Attic

Raccoons are one of the most destructive wildlife species when it comes to home invasions. Their strength, intelligence, and persistence make them skilled at exploiting weak spots in a roof or attic. Homeowners across Connecticut experience raccoon break-ins every year, and the damage can be severe—torn insulation, shredded ducts, ripped vents, and contaminated attics.

The best defense is prevention. Start by checking the exterior of your home. Raccoons often target vulnerable areas such as loose shingles, rotted wood, uncapped chimneys, and unsecured attic vents. If you notice sagging soffits or damaged gutter lines, a raccoon may already be testing those areas as entry points.

Another major attractant is food. Raccoons are opportunistic and will return repeatedly to areas where food is available. Secure trash cans with locking lids, remove outdoor pet food, and clean grill areas. Bird feeders can also draw raccoons, so consider placing them away from the house or removing them temporarily if you notice wildlife activity.

Tree branches near the roofline serve as raccoon highways. Trim branches back at least 8–10 feet to reduce access points. While this alone won’t stop a determined raccoon, it makes your home a less inviting target.

If raccoons do enter your attic, it’s often because they are looking for a quiet, warm location to give birth. Female raccoons commonly enter attics in late winter and early spring. Removing a mother raccoon without locating the babies can lead to even bigger problems: dead young in walls or ceilings, strong odors, and ongoing damage.

Professional wildlife specialists use humane trapping and removal techniques designed for raccoons. A complete removal plan includes identifying if babies are present, safely removing the entire family, and sealing entry points with raccoon-proof materials such as reinforced steel mesh or heavy-gauge metal flashing. After removal, attic restoration may be necessary to clean droppings, replace insulation, and sanitize the space.

Raccoon break-ins are preventable with routine inspections and proactive home maintenance. By securing your home and eliminating attractants, you greatly reduce the likelihood of a costly wildlife intrusion.