An encounter with a raccoon inside your home is not only frightening, but it can also be dangerous since these animals can be aggressive when approached, increasing the risk of an attack. They can transfer rabies, roundworm, and other diseases to humans through bites and scratches. By sealing common access points, as outlined here, you’ll keep your family members and pets safe while avoiding the need for emergency raccoon removal.

3 Entry Points Raccoons Use to Get Into Houses

1. Soffits

Soffits cover the roof overhang. Made of wood, vinyl, or metal, soffit boards contain holes to help air circulate to the attic. Raccoons will try to lift and squeeze into areas below the soffit, where the upper and lower roof intersect. They’ll seek out the attic for shelter, as it provides a warm, dry place to live as well as distance from predators.   

2. Chimneys

As raccoons are climbers, they often scale trees and use overhanging limbs to jump on the roof. From there, the critters will crawl up and down the chimney. The hollow space is reminiscent of a tree cavity, which is where they typically raise their young. Call a raccoon removal specialist if you hear scraping, scratching, or rustling sounds coming from flues.

3. Pet Doors

Consider getting rid of manual pet doors installed on exterior walls and doors. Similar to dogs and cats, raccoons will push on the flaps to gain entry to houses. Once inside, they might make a beeline for the kitchen to dig through trash cans for food. They may also eat and drink from pet bowls on the ground, which could potentially transfer sicknesses or fleas to your animals.

Handling raccoon removal on your own can be dangerous, so contact the pest control providers at AllPest Pest Control & Wildlife Removal in Lewisburg, OH. You can trust the technicians to seal off access points and provide recommendations to make your home less attractive to wildlife. With nearly 35 years of experience, you can also trust the company to handle your rodent control and bat removal needs. Visit their website to see what types of damage the team will help you dodge, or call (937) 884-5646 for raccoon removal in Preble, Darke, Montgomery, and Miami counties.