Raccoons find home in Rumson, NJ attic

Challenge

I was sent on a raccoon infestation job toward the end of winter when we start getting the first glimpse of spring and warmer temperatures. There is a common misconception that once things are nice outside, raccoons and other wildlife no longer need to seek refuge in our homes. In one sense, there is some truth to that. Wildlife is no longer looking for safe, warm private lairs to escape the harsh outdoor elements. But for many species of wildlife (and insects for that matter), spring is breeding season — nature’s signal that it’s the time to replenish the species! Pregnant wildlife moms are on the lookout for a safe, private nesting location to care for their young. moms and babies to take care of. 

Raccoon moms have an especially tough time of things. These protective females need to a place where their offspring are safe against numerous predators. And its not only other species like hawks and owls that seek out the helpless babies. The mom even has to worry about other raccoons. Male raccoons that did not breed with the female want to establish their dominance. If given the chance, they will kill the young and then mate with the female to produce their own offspring. As long as the female has young, she will not mate. 

For their own self-preservation, any wildlife technician tries to avoid coming between a raccoon mom and her offspring. These animals are highly protective, extremely strong, and have razor-sharp teeth and claws — an extremely dangerous combination! Trapping a raccoon family is one of our most challenging types of wildlife jobs. 

Solution

This particular home in Rumson, NJ, had a wildlife infestation in the attic. Fortunately, the homeowner contacted us immediately after seeing wildlife activity around their home and hearing wildlife noises in the attic. When its late winter/early spring, its a good chance that we are dealing with a pregnant mom preparing her nesting area for the pups on the way. Ideally, we want to have the female raccoon trapped and relocated before she gives birth. Once pups are in the picture, the infestation removal becomes much more complicated. Fortunately, the female here had not yet given birth and the attic was baby-free. 

To deal with this infestation, I placed a one-way device over the soffit section that was ripped out. Raccoons look for weaknesses in a structure to gain access, and soffits, the delicate underside of eaves, are one of their favorite break-in points. One-ways allow the animal to leave, but prevents their return. I also secured two traps on the roof just below the entry point. If trapped, I’ll safely remove and relocate the raccoon from the area. However, even if the raccoon in’t trapped, the one-way will effectively evict the animal from the house. Once assured that there is no more wildlife in the attic, we’ll permanently seal the broken soffit to prevent a re-infestation by any other animals.