Is There A Raccoon In My Attic

If you are hearing thumps, scratching, or the sound of little feet running across your ceiling at night, there is a good chance you are not alone. Many Oviedo homeowners face the same unsettling problem: a raccoon in the attic. While these masked bandits may look cute in cartoons, in real life they bring destruction, mess, and serious health risks.

At Affordable Wildlife Removal, we specialize in raccoon removal in Oviedo Florida, and we have seen firsthand how quickly one curious raccoon can turn into a nightmare. This blog will break down why raccoons love attics, the damage they cause, how to spot the signs, and most importantly how to get rid of them safely and for good.

Why Do Raccoons Love Oviedo Attics?

Is There a Raccoon in My Attic? Signs to Look For

Oviedo is full of trees, water, and cozy neighborhoods that raccoons thrive in. Your attic may not seem like much to you, but to a raccoon it looks like a five-star hotel. Here is why attics are so attractive to them:

Shelter from predators and weather – Attics are warm, dark, and safe from owls, coyotes, and storms.
Perfect nesting location – Female raccoons in Oviedo look for secure spaces to raise their young, especially during maternity season in spring and summer.
Quiet and undisturbed – Raccoons prefer areas humans rarely enter. An unused attic is the perfect spot.
Access to food and water – Homes near trash cans, pet food, fruit trees, or bird feeders are irresistible.

To a raccoon, your attic is basically a free apartment with all the perks.

How Raccoons Break In

If you are wondering how on earth a raccoon got into your attic, the answer is usually through one of these common wildlife entry points:

Loose or rotting soffits
Gable vents and ridge vents
Roof returns and junctions
Chimneys without caps

Raccoons are strong. They do not just squeeze into small spaces, they rip and tear their way in. We have seen raccoons peel open shingles like potato chips just to reach the attic. If you have one weak spot on your roofline, they will find it.

The Damage Raccoons Cause in Oviedo Homes

Once inside, the real trouble begins. A single raccoon can cause thousands of dollars in damage in just a few weeks. Here is what they are known for:

Chewing wires – This creates a serious fire hazard.
Ripping insulation – Raccoons shred insulation for nesting, which ruins your home’s energy efficiency.
Contaminating with urine and feces – Raccoon waste can spread diseases like roundworm and leptospirosis.
Damaging ductwork – They tear into ducts looking for warmth or nesting material.
Noise pollution – Loud thumps, growls, and squeaks at night are common.

One Oviedo homeowner we helped thought their raccoon problem was just “a little scratching.” After a full inspection, we found shredded ducts, ruined insulation, and droppings in three corners of the attic. The cleanup alone cost more than fixing the roof entry.

Signs You Have a Raccoon in Your Attic in Oviedo

Not sure if it is rats, squirrels, or raccoons overhead? Here are the top signs of raccoon activity:

Heavy thumping or walking noises at night
Growling, chittering, or squeaking sounds
Insulation pulled apart or compacted into nests
Large droppings (bigger than rat droppings)
Urine stains or strong ammonia smell
Damaged soffits, roof returns, or vents
Trash cans tipped over or pet food raided outside

If you notice any of these, it is time to take action before a single raccoon becomes a family of five.

Why DIY Raccoon Removal Is Risky

You might be tempted to set a trap from the hardware store or try to scare the raccoon away. Unfortunately, this usually makes things worse. Here is why DIY raccoon removal in Oviedo is risky:

Raccoons are aggressive – Especially mothers protecting babies.
They are excellent climbers – You could seal one hole and miss three others.
Florida law is strict – Wildlife removal must follow state regulations.
Poison is dangerous – Using poison is illegal for raccoons and can harm pets.
Improper trapping leads to re-entry – If you remove the raccoon but leave the entry, another will move in.

Hiring a licensed wildlife removal company ensures the raccoon is handled humanely, safely, and legally.

The Affordable Wildlife Removal Process in Oviedo

When you call us for raccoon removal in Oviedo Florida, here is what you can expect:

Full Inspection – We identify all entry points and signs of raccoon activity.
Humane Removal – Predator scent pheromones placed into attic coupled with exclusion gets them out.
Exclusion Repairs – We seal every entry point with raccoon-proof materials.
Sanitation and Cleanup – We remove droppings, disinfect, and replace damaged insulation if needed.
Follow-Up Monitoring – We make sure the raccoons do not return.

This step-by-step approach not only removes the raccoon but also prevents the problem from coming back.

Why Oviedo Homeowners Trust Affordable Wildlife Removal

Veteran-Owned and Operated – Integrity and precision guide everything we do.
Local Knowledge – We know the behavior of raccoons in Central Florida.
Fast Response – Same-day and next-day service available in Oviedo.
Licensed and Insured – Full compliance with Florida Fish and Wildlife laws.
Customer-First Approach – We treat your home like it is our own.

Health Risks of Raccoons in the Attic

Beyond property damage, raccoons bring serious health concerns:

Raccoon roundworm – A dangerous parasite spread through feces.
Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection that can spread to humans and pets.
Salmonella – Carried in droppings.
Rabies – Although rare, raccoons are one of the top rabies carriers in Florida.
https://www.cdc.gov/baylisascaris/about/index.html

This is why cleanup and sanitation are just as important as removal. You do not want your family breathing in contaminated attic air.

Preventing Future Raccoon Problems in Oviedo

The best solution is prevention. Here are simple steps to keep raccoons out:

Inspect your roofline for loose vents or soffits
Keep trash bins sealed and secure
Do not leave pet food outside overnight
Trim tree branches that touch your roof
Schedule regular wildlife inspections

Stopping raccoons before they get in will save you thousands in damage and cleanup costs.

Final Thoughts: Do Not Ignore a Raccoon in Your Attic in Oviedo

Raccoons may look funny with their bandit masks and bushy tails, but once they are in your attic, they bring nothing but problems. From chewing wires and shredding insulation to spreading disease, a raccoon in your Oviedo attic is a serious issue that will not go away on its own.

If you suspect raccoon activity, the safest and smartest move is to call Affordable Wildlife Removal. We will inspect, remove, repair, and sanitize to make sure your home is fully protected.

📍 Serving Oviedo, Winter Springs, Lake Mary, and all of Central Florida
📞 866-808-7277
🌐 www.awremoval.com