Raccoons and Squirrels in the Same Attic
Often people hear an animal in the attic and wonder if it is squirrels or raccoons.
They’ll call on the phone and start describing the noise and the time of day it occurred.
This is good information for us and helps us start to put together the pieces of what is in there, how it got in, and how can we make it stop.
Here are some questions to think about when you hear noise in the attic.
- Is it at night or during the day? If it is in the middle of the night, it is probably not gray or fox squirrels. Night time noise makers in the attic include raccoons, flying squirrels, and mice. If it is during the day (sunrise and sunset) then there is a good chance it is gray or fox squirrels.
- How loud is it? If it is just a little noise, like scratching, there is a good chance it is mice. All the squirrels are a little louder and often can be heard running. Raccoons are loudest when walking because they are the heaviest and are not associated with chewing sounds.
- Is it a one time occurrence or a continual thing? It’s probably prudent to wait until there is a pattern before calling a pro. Checking out an attic based on a one time occurrence is often not to the benefit of the homeowner or the animal removal pro because there is no animal.
Flying Squirrels and Raccoons Using Same Entrance
Sometimes there is an added challenge because what the homeowner hears doesn’t fit into easy categories; noise may be night and day or be described as running and heavy.
When the information doesn’t fit a neat pattern, more investigation is needed.
Often, mixed messages from attic noise mean multiple types of animal.
Yes, it does happen, squirrels and raccoons can utilize the same attic space.
As an example, take a look at this classic raccoon entrance.
The soffit is bent up and a raccoon is using this attic as a cozy den.
Noises one expects to hear are raccoon noise: heavier, at night, and when the animal goes in and out.
Yet, there were other lighter noises that were heard as well.
The camera reveals the presence of a flying squirrel on the roof just 4 hours earlier than the raccoon poked its head head out. And yes, it is entering the attic at the raccoon’s point of entry.
With the pictures, it all makes sense. There is a raccoon living in the attic AND there is a flying squirrel or two that knows about this entry point and is using it.
Solving Squirrel and Raccoon Problems
When two or more types of animal are using the same living space, it is important to address each species properly.
In this case its wise to get rid of the raccoon first and fix that damaged soffit. A raccoon sized trap and a soffit fix will take care of the biggest noise maker.
The flying squirrels probably have other ways of getting in as they only need tiny openings. Specific methods for flying squirrels need to be utilized.
Squirrel Removal and Raccoon Removal | Canton, Akron, Kent
If you have noises in the attic indicative of squirrels or raccoons, help from Frontline Animal Removal is a call away.
We’ll identify if it’s a squirrel problem, raccoon problem, or both.
For more, check out more on the web page:
- Squirrel Removal
- Raccoon Removal
- Squirrel Removal Posts
- Raccoon Removal Posts
- Flying Squirrel Removal Posts
