Baby Raccoons in the Attic: A Homeowner’s Essential Guide

Discovering strange noises in your attic at night can be unsettling. When those sounds turn out to be the pitter-patter and chitter of baby raccoons, it’s both a heartwarming and concerning situation. As adorable as these tiny creatures seem, their presence signals a complex problem requiring careful—often expert—attention.

At Western Wildlife Control, we’ve helped countless families in Palm Beach and Broward counties deal with raccoons and other wildlife. This post distills our experience and research into practical advice every homeowner should know about baby raccoons in attics.

Why Attics Attract Raccoon Families

Raccoons are exceptionally smart and opportunistic. In the wild, they seek out hollow trees or sheltered burrows to raise their young. As urban and suburban landscapes expand, attics often provide everything a mother raccoon needs: warmth, quiet, and protection from predators.

Common Entry Points Include:

Loose or damaged roof shingles/tiles
Gaps in soffits or eaves
Broken attic vents or screens
Chimneys without secure caps

Once inside, a raccoon mother will make a den, pulling insulation into a nest for her kits (baby raccoons). In our fieldwork, most attic raccoon invasions begin in the spring—prime birthing season. Homeowners are often unaware until noises become noticeable at night.

Recognizing the Signs: Do You Have Baby Raccoons Upstairs?

Curious as to whether those noises above are raccoons? Here’s what to look for:

Telltale Signs of Raccoon Kits:

Distinct Sounds: Young raccoons make vocalizations like chittering, mewing, and cooing—often heard early morning or after dusk.
Movement Patterns: Heavy footsteps or rolling sounds (as kits learn to walk) at night.
Odors: A growing litter creates strong, musty smells from urine and droppings.
Physical Evidence: Ripped insulation, disturbed nesting materials, and piles of droppings.
Visual Sightings: Occasionally, you might spot a mother raccoon entering or exiting the roof at dusk.

Case in point: The Ramirez family in Boca Raton noticed high-pitched noises and clawing overhead for a week before calling us. Upon inspection, we discovered three kits nestled deep within pink insulation—a classic attic raccoon den.

The Risks: Health, Safety, and Home Damage

While baby raccoons may appear harmless, an attic infestation can bring serious problems:

1. Structural Damage

Raccoons tear apart insulation, chew through wires (posing fire risks), and may damage HVAC systems.
They widen entry holes, making your home vulnerable to future pests and the elements.

2. Health Hazards

Raccoon feces can carry dangerous parasites like raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) and harmful bacteria.
Accumulated waste causes mold and air quality issues.
Mother raccoons will defend their young; attempting removal without protection can lead to bites or scratches.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data highlights zoonotic risks associated with raccoons, especially roundworm, which can cause severe illness in people and pets if not properly managed.

Humane Solutions: What You Should—and Shouldn’t—Do

DIY raccoon removal carries real risks and, in Florida, disturbing wildlife—especially when young are present—may be subject to regulation. Improper handling can result in orphaned kits or injury. Instead, best practices include:

Step-by-Step Approach:

Confirm Presence: Use safe observation (listen for noises, check entry points; avoid direct contact).
Call a Licensed Professional: Animal control or wildlife specialists, like Western Wildlife Control, are trained to humanely remove and reunite family units, observing local and state laws.
Humane Removal & Relocation: Professionals use one-way doors, scent and sound deterrents, and—if safe—manual removal with protective gear. Kits are typically reunited with their mother before relocation.
Cleanup & Restoration: Essential to remove waste, sanitize, and replace contaminated insulation to restore air quality and prevent disease.

Important: Never attempt to trap or relocate adult raccoons yourself; mothers separated from their kits may cause even greater damage trying to re-enter, and trapped wildlife may suffer.

Preventing Future Raccoon Incursions

Once raccoons have been safely removed, take steps to ensure your attic doesn’t become a nursery again:

Seal Vulnerable Areas: Repair soffits, replace missing shingles, screen vents, and cap chimneys.
Trim Tree Branches: Overhanging limbs act as raccoon highways—keep them cut back from your roofline.
Secure Garbage and Pet Food: Raccoons are drawn to food scents—always use animal-proof bins.
Schedule Annual Inspections: Have your attic and roof professionally checked before and after breeding season.

Pro tip: Investing in professional exclusion work now saves you on expensive repairs and future wildlife hassles.

Conclusion

If you suspect baby raccoons have made your attic their home, you’re not alone—this is a common challenge across South Florida. The key is balancing compassion for wildlife with the safety and integrity of your home. With expert advice, swift action, and effective prevention, you can resolve the issue humanely and permanently.

Take Action Now

Do you hear scratching or chirping in your attic? Don’t wait until the damage escalates. Contact Western Wildlife Control—your local, family-owned wildlife specialists serving Palm Beach and Broward counties—for a professional inspection and tailored humane removal plan.

Ready for peace of mind?
Call us or share your raccoon questions and experiences in the comments below. Let our family help protect yours—safely, humanely, and with expert care.