The first step is to get them out and quickly. You can try trapping etc, but this approach seldom works. The best way is to install a one way trap door so they can get out but not back in. If it is going to rain over the next week, you might also install a diverter to channel the water coming down the roof away from the hole.
Once they are out, repair the external damage and place heavy gauge wire mesh over the area so they cannot get back in. There are a couple of other considerations to think about. If they have young babies inside your attic, you are going to have to get them out before you fix the roof. Otherwise the adults will make another hole somewhere in your roof to rescue them. In addition, block all other potential entrances to your attic with heavy gauge wire mesh.
In our case the home insurance I have specifically excludes damage from raccoons. This was a bit of a surprise and costly as well since I have to pay for the removal as well as the repairs to my home. Fortunately there was no internal damage. We got them out quickly so the insulation etc was not damaged and we only had to deal with the entrance.
We still ended up with a bill of $900, which is a lot especially when it is not planned for. If you suspect you have raccoons in your attic, deal with it immediately, don’t procrastinate. It will just cost you money if you do.
For more posts about damage caused by raccoons, click here.
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