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Raccoons have adapted to living in and around human
structures quite well. They will commonly be found under sheds, decks, and
porches. However, most calls for nuisance raccoons involve activity in the
house. Raccoons will use existing openings in a home or make their own entry points at damaged or weak points on a structure.
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Remember to
use the information provided by the customer as a starting point for inspection. This may come from direct communication with the customer or the
notes from client service detailed in the work order/proposal.
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On initial inspection, look on the
exterior of the structure at downspouts, trim
corners,
and support columns for claw marks and/or
muddy tracks. Raccoons may also gain roof access
from tree limbs if they are touching or close to the roofline.
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Latrines created by raccoons are
sometimes present on the roof, typically in rain valleys or on the back side of
chimneys.
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Typical roof entry points to look for
are the soffits panels and soffit vents
above a down spout, dormer corners, and roof junctions.
Raccoons are very strong, so soffit panels and vents
are often ripped, bent, or completely torn out. They will
also create entry points by tearing through shingles
and sheathing along gutter lines, fascia boards, and ridge vents.
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Other common entry points are gable
vents, where raccoons will bend, break, or remove metal
or wood louvers. Hat vents and power fan vents
are other areas to inspect for entry points.
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Raccoons are notorious for using open
chimneys, especially in the spring when females will use a chimney as a denning
site. Customers often hear the adult and juvenile raccoons through the
fireplace, where they are sitting directly on top of the damper door. Confirm
the presence of raccoons by looking down
the chimney flue for footprints,
hair, or the raccoons themselves at the bottom of the chimney. In some cases, the damper door can be carefully cracked open for visual confirmation of
raccoons.
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Not all raccoon damage is on a
structure. Raccoons can cause damage to lawns when they are tearing up the turf
in search of grubs. Grubbing activity by raccoons is usually identified by
large pieces of torn or rolled up sod.
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Other areas to inspect
for signs of raccoon activity include garbage cans and dumpsters. There may be
a trail in the grass from the den site to these food sources.
Raccoon Grubbing in Lawn
Raccoon Tracks on Garbage Can
Raccoon Entry in Roof
Raccoon Tracks
Racoon Latrine
