Raccoons, though very cute, can be a real menace when they decide to make their home in your attic. They are bold creatures and capable enough to find warm places like attics to live in. They make their way into the attic through the chimney, eaves, vents, or any damaged part of your roof. Once inside, they can be very destructive and in most cases professional raccoon removal is necessary. Fortunately, here are some ways on how to keep raccoons out of your attic.
First of all, the most effective way is to prevent raccoons from getting into your attic. Check yearly for holes in eaves or any weak areas in your roof. Make sure that there are no cracks or holes where raccoons can enter and bed down in your attic.
Since raccoons like dark places, leave a bright portable light on continuously until they get out. However, make sure that the light does not produce too much heat to set off a spark and start a fire. Place it in an area where it is safe.
Although raccoons live close to humans, they are scared to hear the voice of a human being. So, keep your radio on 24/7 loud enough for the sound to reach the attic. This will drive them away.
Soak cotton balls or rags in ammonia and put them in cans filled with a little more ammonia at the bottom. Place many of these cans in your attic so that the smell from these cotton balls or rags will be dispersed all around the attic. However, make sure not to use too many cans because the animals could suffocate with the strong odour.
If, for some reason, you are unable to get rid of the raccoons from your attic, contact your local animal control agency and they will solve the problem in the most humane way possible.