How to Tell if You Have Raccoons in Your Attic

Hearing heavy thumping noises at night? You might have a masked bandit living upstairs. Raccoons are one of the most common—and destructive—wildlife intruders in Louisville homes.

1. The Sounds of Raccoons

Unlike mice or squirrels which make light scratching or scurrying sounds, raccoons are heavy animals (10-20 lbs). When they move, it sounds like a person walking in your attic. You'll hear:

• Heavy thumping or walking noises
• Loud scratching or clawing
• Vocalizations: chittering, growling, or crying (especially if babies are present)
• Activity primarily at night (they are nocturnal)

2. Visual Signs on Your Home's Exterior

Raccoons need a decent-sized opening to get in. Walk around your house and look for:

• Torn or bent soffits
• Damaged roof vents or louvers
• Claw marks on downspouts or trees near the roof
• Smudges of dirt or oil around entry holes

3. Evidence Inside the Attic

If you safely inspect your attic, you might find:

• Droppings: Raccoon scat is similar to dog droppings, often dark and tubular with blunt ends. Warning: Do not touch or disturb droppings as they can carry dangerous roundworm eggs.
• Insulation Damage: Trampled down insulation or "trails" through the fluff.
• Nesting Material: Piles of torn insulation, paper, or leaves.