How to Keep Raccoons Off Your Roof

Raccoons On Roofs Pose Safety, Structural, And Sanitation Risks. This guide explains practical, humane, and legal strategies U.S. homeowners can use to prevent raccoons from accessing and damaging roofs, attics, and chimneys.

Problem	Primary Fix	Maintenance
Entry At Roofline	Seal Soffits And Vents	Annual Inspection
Tree Access	Trim Branches 6–8 Ft From Roof	Seasonal Pruning
Chimney Habitation	Install Chimney Cap With Screen	Clean/Check Yearly
Attracted By Food	Secure Trash And Pet Food	Daily/Weekly Checks

Raccoon Behavior And Why Roofs Are Attractive

Raccoons Seek Elevated, Dry, And Concealed Spaces For Denning, Especially In Spring And Fall. Rooflines, attics, and chimneys offer shelter and safety from predators and weather.

They Are Skilled Climbers And Can Jump Short Gaps,

Inspecting The Roofline: What To Look For

Conduct A Thorough Exterior And Attic Inspection For Signs Of Raccoons: Droppings, Tracks, Smeared Fur, Scratched Or Loose Soffits, And Damaged Shingles Or Flashing.

Listen For Noises At Night Or Dawn—

Seal Entry Points Properly

Identify And Repair All Potential Openings Including Damaged Soffits, Vents, Gaps Around Pipes, Roof Valleys, And Loose Fascia. Use Heavy-Gauge Materials That Raccoons Cannot Bite Or Pry Open Easily.

Recommended Materials Include 1/4–1/2 Inch Galvanized Hardware Cloth, Stainless Steel Flashing, And Exterior-Grade Plywood. Fasten Securely With Corrosion-Resistant Screws And Use Sealants On Small Gaps.

Safe Chimney And Vent Solutions

Install A Durable Chimney Cap With A Sturdy Screen To Prevent Raccoons From Climbing Down. Ensure Dryer Vents And Roof Vents Have Animal-Proof Covers That Allow Airflow But Block Wildlife.

Never Use Temporary Or Weak Materials—

Trim Trees And Remove Launch Points

Raccoons Commonly Access Roofs From Overhanging Branches Or Nearby Trees. **Trim Branches To Leave A 6–8 Foot Gap** Between Any Branch And The Roof Edge To Make Jumping Or Bridging Difficult.

Remove Unnecessary Climbing Aids Such As Leaning Ladders, Stacked Wood, Or Tall Shrubbery Near The House That Could Serve As A Launch Platform.

Secure Food Sources And Reduce Attractants

Eliminate Or Secure Anything That Attracts Raccoons: Bird Feeders, Open Compost, Pet Food Left Outdoors, And Unsecured Trash Cans. Use Animal-Proof Trash Containers And Feed Pets Indoors Or At Set Times.

Compost Should Be In Closed Bins; Bird Feeders Should Be Removed Or Placed On Poles With Baffles. Reducing Food Sources Makes Roofs Less Attractive As Denning Sites.

Use Humane Deterrents And Exclusion Devices

Motion-Activated Lights, Sprinklers, And Ultrasonic Devices Can Discourage Raccoons From Approaching Roof Areas. Install Pressure-Sensitive Mats Or One-Way Exclusion Doors For Attic Openings To Allow Animals To Leave But Not Return.

Exclusion Devices Must Be Installed Carefully To Avoid Trapping Young Animals Inside;

When To Use Repellents And What Works

Many Commercial Repellents Claim To Deter Raccoons, But Results Vary. Ammonia-Soaked Rags, Predator Urine, And Capsaicin-Based Sprays Can Temporarily Discourage Visits But Are Not Reliable Long-Term Solutions.

Repellents Are Best Used As Part Of A Multi-Layered Strategy,

Professional Removal And Rehabilitation

If An Active Den Exists Inside The Attic Or Roof, Contact A Licensed Wildlife Control Professional Who Understands Local Laws And Humane Exclusion Methods. DIY Eviction Risks Injury, Property Damage, And Illegal Harm To Protected Wildlife.

Professionals Can Perform Safe Live Trapping, Conduct Pre-Exclusion Inspections,

Legal And Safety Considerations

Raccoon Protections Vary By State And Municipality; Some Areas Have Specific Rules About Disturbing Dens, Especially During Breeding Season. Familiarize With Local Wildlife Regulations Before Taking Action.

Never Attempt To Handle A Raccoon—

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

Perform A Roof And Attic Inspection Twice Yearly. Check Chimney Caps, Vents, Soffits, And Flashing For Damage. Reapply Sealants And Tighten Fasteners As Needed.

• Spring:
• Summer:
• Fall:
• Winter:

DIY Repair And Exclusion Tips For Homeowners

Simple Repairs Homeowners Can Do Include Replacing Rotten Soffit Panels With Exterior-Grade Plywood, Installing Hardware Cloth Over Vents, And Reinforcing Flashing Around Roof Penetrations.

Ensure Ladder Safety And Use Two People For Work At Heights;

Cost Considerations And Long-Term Value

Preventive Measures Such As Tree Trimming, Chimney Caps, And Hardware Cloth Are Often Cost-Effective Compared To Repairs For Water Damage, Insulation Replacement, Or Structural Repairs After Raccoon Infestations.

Average Costs Vary Regionally;

Case Studies And Common Scenarios

A Homeowner Who Sealed Vents, Installed A Chimney Cap, And Trimmed Trees Noticed A Rapid Decline In Roof Visits; The Combination Of Physical Barriers And Reduced Food Sources Proved Effective.

Another Case Showed That Temporary Repellents Alone Failed—

Resources And How-To References

Useful Authorities Include State Wildlife Agencies, The Humane Society, Local Extension Services, And Professional Wildlife Control Associations. These Sources Provide Region-Specific Guidance And Legal Information.

Consult Local Codes And Wildlife Experts For Best Practices And To Ensure Compliance With State Regulations.

Practical Next Steps Checklist

1. Conduct A Daylight And Night Inspection
2. Trim Nearby Trees And Remove Climbing Aids
3. Install Or Repair Chimney Caps, Vent Covers, And Soffit Panels.
4. Secure Trash, Bird Feeders, And Pet Food
5. Consult A Licensed Wildlife Professional

Helpful Products And Installation Tips

Product	Use	Tip
Galvanized Hardware Cloth	Cover Vents/Soffit Gaps	Use 1/4–1/2 Inch Mesh; Secure With Stainless Screws
Chimney Cap With Screen	Block Chimney Access	Choose Durable Metal; Anchor Firmly
Motion-Activated Sprinkler	Exterior Deterrent	Position To Protect Roof Perimeter

Final Practical Advice

Long-Term Success Relies On Combining Physical Exclusion, Habitat Modification, And Responsible Waste Management. **Durable Repairs And Removing Attractions Will Prevent Most Raccoon Roof Problems.**

If A Problem Persists, Seek A Licensed Wildlife Control Professional To Diagnose And Treat The Issue Safely And Legally.

Humane Society of the United States | USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service | Wildlife Control Training