Raccoons are clever creatures that have adapted to live near humans by making their dens in man-made structures. If you have raccoons on your property, you may be wondering where they are nesting and what can be done about it.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Raccoons prefer to den in dark, enclosed spaces like attics, chimneys, space under porches or decks, barns and sheds. They typically choose areas that are warm and dry with easy access to food and water sources.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about identifying raccoon dens, the reasons they choose certain spots, what to do if they move into your home, removing them humanely, and prevention methods to deter them from returning.
Typical Den Locations
Attics
Attics often provide ideal denning sites for raccoons due to their warmth, shelter, and seclusion. Access points like holes in soffits or uncapped chimneys allow raccoons entry. Once inside, they can nestle down into insulation for warmth and use beams for structural support when rearing young.
An estimated 40% of urban raccoon dens are found in attics, according to wildlife removal experts. Sealing all possible entrance points is crucial to preventing raccoons from setting up dens above living spaces.
Chimneys
Like attics, chimneys also afford raccoons a sheltered spot to nest and rear young. The brick and mortar structures maintain heat while providing a feeling of safety high above ground. Access points near the top and gaps in chimney flashing often provide ingress.
Raccoons may tuck deep inside inactive chimneys, shredding materials like newspaper and insulation for bedding. Having a chimney cap installed and examining flashing for holes helps deter these messy squatters.
Under Porches and Decks
The cavities beneath raised porches and decks mimic the shelter of rock outcroppings and hollow logs that raccoons nest in naturally. The enclosed areas stay dry during rain or snow while debris like leaves and twigs often accumulate for nesting material.
Raccoons take advantage of openings in lattice-work or damaged vents and skirting boards to create dens under houses. Storing trash cans away from decks and porches while sealing any access holes can help make these spots far less appealing.
Barns and Sheds
The advantages posed by attics and chimneys also draw raccoons to barns, stables, and garden sheds. Haylofts lined with bales, storage rafters, and unused farm equipment provide an abundance of sheltered denning options.
Since fewer daily disturbances occur in these outbuildings, mother raccoons often choose them when raising litters. Keeping sheds tightly sealed, stacking materials neatly, and organizing clutter makes for a less hospitable environment.
Trees
When seeking dens outdoors, raccoons favor hollow openings in large trees. Oak, cypress, maple, and elm trees stand out as preferred species thanks to their size and natural cavities. Unlike ground burrows, elevated tree dens keep raccoons and their young safe from some predators.
In fact, a study of radio-tracked raccoons showed 73% chose tree cavities as primary dens. Wildlife-friendly landscaping with mature trees ensures local raccoons have great denning habitat available.
Why Raccoons Choose These Spots
Protection from Predators and Weather
Raccoons prefer enclosed, sheltered areas like tree hollows, caves, barns, and attics to protect themselves and their young from predators and severe weather (Humane Society). These robust mammals are resilient, but having a safe, warm den to retreat to improves their odds of survival.
Access to hidden nooks and covered getaways is a top priority when selecting prime real estate for establishing dens.
Access to Food and Water Sources
Convenient access to reliable food and water sources is another major factor driving where raccoons decide to hunker down (Wildlife Removal). Although they are adaptable generalists, proximity to sites with edible plants, insects, small prey, garbage cans, pet food, bird feeders, and other nutrition hot spots allows them to more easily sustain themselves and their kits.
Ideal Temperature Regulation
Raccoons seek out dens with microclimates that allow them to regulate body temperature. They prefer spaces insulated from extreme cold and heat. Tree cavities, dugout burrows, brush piles, rock crevices, and human structures often have cooler interior temperatures in summer and warmer ones in winter (Animal Diversity Web).
Summer Temperature | 60°F – 77°F |
Winter Temperature | 32°F – 55°F |
Easy Entry Points
Raccoons gravitate to potential den sites with convenient access points they can easily enter and exit, like hollow trees with holes in the trunk, uncapped chimneys, ripped screening, loose soffits or siding, gaps around dryer vents, open garage doors, and pet doors (Wildlife Control).
They are nimble climbers and can scale fences, trees, and walls, so any overlooked exterior opening might catch their attention as a den possibility.
Darkness and Enclosed Spaces
Since raccoons are nocturnal creatures, they seek out dens that are dark during daylight hours where they can comfortably sleep (Humane Society). Light exposure during normal sleeping times stresses them.
Windowless basements, crawl spaces under decks or sheds, hollow logs, and attics are idealChoices with confined areas where they can snuggle up provide a sense of safety and warmth.
Signs of an Active Raccoon Den
Odd Noises in Walls or Attic
Hearing strange noises like scratching, thumping, or whining coming from inside your walls or attic is one of the most obvious signs of a raccoon den (Wildlife Animal Control). Raccoons are mostly nocturnal creatures, so these odd sounds will likely occur at night when they are most active.
If you suspect raccoons may have made a den inside your home’s infrastructure, listen closely after dark for telltale noises.
Destroyed Attic Insulation
Raccoons love to create nests filled with soft, insulating material like fiberglass attic insulation. If you notice insulation that looks shredded or absent in certain areas, it’s likely raccoons have pulled it down to line their den.
Large sections of missing or damaged insulation in an attic are a red flag for an active raccoon nest.
Damaged Soffits or Vents
Raccoons are experts at finding access points into attics and other spaces in buildings. They will often pry open soffits or vents to create an entryway. Look for soffits that appear scratched, gnawed on, or bent out of place.
Vents with damaged screens or coverings are another sign raccoons may have broken in to gain access.
Droppings Near Entry Points
Raccoon droppings look like small dog feces and tend to be left in latrine areas near their access sites. Check areas around damaged soffits, vents, openings in walls, etc. If you find piles of feces, it’s likely a raccoon den is nearby.
Tracks and Trails
Raccoons leave behind telltale five-toed paw prints that resemble tiny human hand prints. Look for their tracks around potential entry points. You may also notice well-worn trails in the grass or dirt leading to areas where raccoons are entering the building.
Strong Musky Scent
Raccoons secrete oils that give them a characteristic musky, skunk-like odor. If you notice this smell coming from your attic or other areas in the house, it can indicate the presence of a raccoon den. The scent is especially noticeable in spring during breeding season.
Dangers and Risks of Raccoons Denning on Your Property
Structural Damage to Home
Raccoons are amazingly dexterous and can pry open holes in roofs, attics, and exterior walls to access sheltered denning sites. Their sharp claws and teeth enable them to rip apart soffits, shingles, siding, and ventilation systems. The average cost to repair such structural damage is $500-800. Yikes!
😱 Securing vulnerable areas of your home is crucial to prevent costly raccoon destruction.
Fires from Nesting Materials
Raccoons tend to line their dens with dry, flammable materials like leaves, straw, newspaper and fabrics. An electrical short or spark near these tinder nests can easily ignite a destructive blaze. Statistics show around 9% of house fires originate from wildlife nests.
Protect your family and property by ensuring attics and chimneys are free of hazardous raccoon clutter.
Exposure to Parasites and Diseases
Raccoon droppings and leftovers contain nasty bacteria, viruses, and parasites like roundworm and leptospirosis that can spread to humans and pets. Decontamination of latrine areas is crucial, but isn’t always 100% effective.
Contact with nesting sites still poses contamination risks so exclusion and removal is the safest tactic.
Aggressive Behavior When Cornered
While not intentionally confrontational, raccoons get quite defensive when trapped inside dens. They can deliver nasty bites and scratches with little warning. Never try catching them yourself; hire a professional wildlife removal company to humanely extract them.
Safety for both people and animals is critical.
Pet and Livestock Endangerment
Raccoonscarry nasty diseases and won’t hesitate attacking other animals encroaching their territories. Outdoor cats and small dogs are especially at risk of being injured or killed. Larger livestock like chickens and goats can contract fatal illnesses from exposure.
Losing a beloved family pet or herd animal is heartbreaking. Effective prevention measures like livestock enclosures and monitoring pets outdoors is strongly advised.
Removing Raccoons and Their Dens
Working with Wildlife Control Experts
When it comes to removing raccoons and their dens, it’s best to hire a professional wildlife control expert. These professionals have the skills, experience, and tools to humanely remove raccoons and prevent them from returning. Here are some tips when working with wildlife control pros:
- Look for a company that practices humane exclusion and prevention methods. Avoid companies that use lethal traps or relocate animals to other areas.
- Ask about their removal and exclusion process. A good company will seal entry points, install exclusion devices, and use humane traps when necessary.
- Inquire about follow-up services. Many companies provide monitoring and maintenance to ensure raccoons don’t return.
- Make sure they are licensed and insured. This protects you and ensures they follow regulations.
Hiring professionals to remove raccoons and their dens takes the guesswork out of the process. They have the expertise to get the job done humanely and effectively.
Exclusion and Prevention Methods
The best way to deal with raccoons is to exclude them from your property and prevent them from returning. Here are some common exclusion and prevention methods used by wildlife experts:
- Seal all possible entry points into your home using materials like steel mesh, concrete, metal, or wood.
- Install chimney caps, vent covers, and other exclusion devices to block access.
- Trim back tree branches that allow raccoons access to the roof.
- Remove potential food and water sources outside the home.
- Use motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or noisemakers to scare off raccoons.
- Apply repellents along fences, rooflines, and potential entry points.
Focusing on exclusion and prevention creates an inhospitable environment for raccoons. It also reduces the chance they will return or damage your property. Be diligent about maintaining these deterrents for the best results.
Using Humane Traps and Relocation
In some cases, humane trapping and relocation may be necessary to remove raccoons from a property. Here are some tips on this process:
- Work with wildlife experts familiar with local regulations, as laws vary on trapping and relocating raccoons.
- Ensure humane cage traps are used and monitored frequently.
- Bait traps with smelly foods like fish, meat, or pet food.
- Cover traps with dark cloth to calm trapped animals.
- Relocate raccoons at least 5 miles from capture site.
- Release raccoons in suitable habitat and weather conditions.
- Avoid relocating nursing mother raccoons or orphaned young.
Humane trapping requires specialized equipment, skills, and consideration for the animal. With proper execution, it allows raccoons to be removed without harm.
Clearing Out Dens and Nests
Once raccoons have been successfully removed or excluded, the next step is clearing out their dens and nests:
- Wear protective clothing and gloves to avoid disease exposure when clearing debris.
- Seal off the entry hole to the den once certain raccoons aren’t inside.
- Remove all nesting materials, scat, and debris from the area.
- Clean the area thoroughly with soap, bleach or disinfectant to remove parasites.
- Fill cavities and holes with steel wool, copper mesh, cement or caulk to prevent re-entry.
- Monitor the den site for several weeks and re-seal any new entry attempts.
Taking time to thoroughly clear dens and nests removes lingering odors and debris that could attract raccoons back to the site.
Follow-up Monitoring and Maintenance
Getting rid of raccoons is only half the battle – extensive follow-up monitoring and maintenance is crucial to keep them away long-term:
- Inspect your home weekly for signs of new raccoon activity like scat or tracks.
- Check exclusion points and make repairs as needed.
- Trim back new tree/shrub growth that could allow access.
- Remove potential food sources like pet food or garbage.
- Use humane deterrents like lights or noisemakers at the first sign of return.
- Contact wildlife pros immediately if exclusion attempts fail.
Diligence is key! Even minor gaps or food sources can result in raccoons re-entering your home. Maintaining prevention measures will ensure your hard removal work doesn’t go to waste.
Tips to Deter Raccoons from Denning on Your Property
Remove Food and Water Sources
One of the most effective ways to deter raccoons from settling in and denning on your property is to eliminate any potential food sources. Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of any readily available food, including pet food, unsecured trash, and fruit or vegetables from gardens.
Make sure to bring in all pet food and bowls at night, invest in raccoon-proof garbage cans with locking lids, and pick ripe fruit and vegetables daily.
You should also remove any potential water sources, like pet water bowls left outside or areas where water collects and pools. Raccoons need a nearby water source to stay hydrated while denning and raising young. Eliminating water will make your property much less appealing.
Seal Up Entry Points
Another key tip is to seal up any entry points to your home, shed, garage, attic, porch, or deck where raccoons could access and den. Carefully inspect the exterior of your home and buildings and look for openings in soffits, roof vents, chimneys, and crawl spaces.
Use wire mesh, caulk, wood, or metal to securely seal any gaps or holes larger than 3-4 inches, which is large enough for a raccoon to squeeze through.
Be sure to also check for potential access under decks or porches and cover with lattice or wire mesh. Trimming back any overhanging tree branches can also eliminate access to roofs. Taking the time to properly seal up your home is well worth deterring raccoons from moving in.
Use Repellents and Predator Urine
There are a number of commercial raccoon repellents available, including deterrent sprays and granules that can be applied around your property. These use smells unpleasant to raccoons or mimic predator scents to frighten them away.
Some popular options contain castor oil, capsaicin from chili peppers, or ammonia.
You can also find predator urine at many home and garden stores, such as coyote or fox urine. The strong scent of a natural predator sends a warning to stay away. Refresh repellents and predator urine regularly as smells will fade over time.
Add Lighting and Noise Deterrents
Raccoons prefer to den and forage in secluded, dark areas. Installing motion-sensor lighting around sheds, garages, gardens, and yards can help deter them. Bright spotlights and floodlights are especially effective for startling nocturnal animals like raccoons.
Strategically placed radios tuned to talk radio stations or other noisemakers triggered by motion sensors also create an annoying environment that raccoons will avoid. Just be sure any lighting or sounds do not disturb neighbors and comply with local noise ordinances.
Protect Gardens and Trash Areas
Take extra precautions around vegetable gardens, fruit trees, compost bins, and trash storage areas. Use fencing at least 6 feet high with an outward-angled top to prevent raccoons from climbing over. Bury fencing at least 12 inches to stop raccoons from digging underneath.
For compost bins, only add plant-based materials and turn the compost regularly. Adding lime can also help deter curious raccoons. Investing in well-constructed, metal trash cans with tight-fitting lids and latches will prevent tipping and spills that attract raccoons.
With some diligence, removing food sources, sealing up access, and implementing repellents and deterrents can encourage troublesome raccoons to den elsewhere and leave your property alone. A raccoon-free yard is a beautiful thing!
Conclusion
Raccoons are extremely adaptive mammals that will seek out warm, safe den locations with easy access to food and water. If they move into your home or outbuildings, it important to act swiftly and humanely to exclude them and prevent structural damage or disease risks.
By understanding why they choose certain denning spots, the signs of an active den, and taking proactive deterrence measures, you can help ensure raccoons don’t become unwanted tenants on your property.
With some knowledge about their behavior and preferences when it comes to shelter, you can stay one step ahead and maintain a wildlife-friendly yard.