Attic Damage Caused By Raccoons

Raccoons frequently inhabit attics. They love to live in attics because attics provide a warm, dry, safe shelter to live in. Raccoons will often pry open areas under soffits, vents, and other areas in order to gain access to the attic. Once inside, they consider it their home (and toilet). They leave behind urine and droppings, not to mention a number of parasites. I have been in several attics with raccoons and emerged covered with fleas. They can damage ductwork and limit the R-value (effectiveness) of the insulation. Here are some photos of damage caused by raccoons living in an attic, all taken from one attic. Keep in mind that this damage is widespread, with evidence of raccoon usage throughout the attic.


Raccoons tore up this ductwork.


The insulation gets trampled down and pooped on.


Here is a regular raccoon toilet, filled with droppings.


Raccoons have to urinate too, just like all animals.


The attic was filled with pathways and tunnels (pictured) in the insulation.


They tore the insulation off of pipes in several areas.


This photo was taken from a different attic. Note the raccoon tracks in the background. I have observed wire chewing in several attics with raccoons. I don't know why they do it, they're not rodents, but they do.

If you have raccoons in the attic, you have a bigger problem than just the unsettling noise that they make. Raccoons can, and almost always do, damage an attic. If they tear open ductwork, you lose your heating/cooling airflow. If they rip the insulation off of pipes, you don't preserve temperatures. If they trample insulation, your heating/cooling bills will rise. If they chew wires, they create a fire hazard. If they tear open holes in the roof you get leaks, and any hole can let new animals in. They create a potential fire hazard, threaten pets, and if they poop and pee enough, they will stink up the place. If they are allowed to stay, they will stay for most of the year, and will return to the same area year after year. This is not a problem to ignore.

If you want to fix the damage raccoons have caused in your attic, you need attic restoration or environmental damage services. Most homeowner's insurance will cover this restoration in the case of raccoons. Attic restoration means that damage is repaired, contaminated insulation is vacuumed out (evacuated), and new insulation blown in. A good company will also decontaminate the entire area.

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