Raccoon Removal from an Attic

       I get a lot of calls from homeowners who hear noises at night in their attic and think they have raccoons living in there and want me to come out and inspect the attic for them. The first question I ask is, Why do you think its a Raccoon? Most of the time its because the homeowner has been startled by a loud thud on their ceiling. Sometimes they will hear Raccoon chatter which is a very good indication that young baby raccoons are present. 
       I first do an inspection of the attic. If possible I will go into the attic and first look for the animal that is making the noise. If nothing is visible and apparent I look for sign of large animals being present in the attic. If Raccoons have been in the attic there will be excrement and the amount of it will tell me how long they have been in the attic. Then I will do an inspection of the outside of the house and roof, if it is possible to get on the roof. I look for access on to the roof either from down spouts that Raccoons will use to climb up or fences or trees. Typically I will find the main access the raccoons are using and set a trail camera looking at the point of entry so I can see how many Raccoons are coming and going. Then I will set traps on the ground near the spot where the raccoons are getting onto the roof.  the following day I return to check the traps and camera.