Raccoons in Your Attic? Here's the Humane Way to Evict Them

Raccoons are clever, curious, and incredibly resourceful animals. In San Antonio and surrounding areas, it’s not uncommon for them to find their way into attics, especially during the colder months or early spring when they’re seeking shelter to raise young. While raccoons can be destructive and even dangerous when living inside your home, there is a safe, effective, and humane way to deal with the problem.

At Critter Control of San Antonio, we specialize in removing raccoons from homes without harm—protecting both your property and local wildlife. Here’s what you need to know if you suspect raccoons have moved in upstairs.

How Do Raccoons Get Into Attics?

Raccoons are excellent climbers and surprisingly strong. They can tear through roofing materials, push open vents, or widen small gaps to create an entry point. Common ways they access attics include:

Loose or missing roof shingles
Gaps in soffits or fascia
Uncapped chimneys or attic vents
Damaged eaves or roofline intersections

Once inside, raccoons may build nests, tear apart insulation, and leave behind droppings and urine that cause odors and potential health issues.

Signs of a Raccoon Infestation

If you’re hearing thumping, scratching, or vocal noises from the ceiling, especially at night, you might be hosting an uninvited guest. Other common signs include:

Foul odors from droppings or urine
Visible roof damage or entry points
Raccoon sightings near your home, especially on the roof
Torn insulation or damaged ductwork in the attic

Raccoons are nocturnal, so activity typically peaks after dark.

Why Humane Removal Matters

Raccoons are protected under Texas wildlife laws, and removal must be handled carefully—especially during baby season (typically February through May). Trapping or removing adult raccoons without accounting for dependent young can leave orphaned kits behind, causing more harm and additional cleanup.

That’s why humane eviction is essential. It ensures the animals are safely removed, prevents unnecessary suffering, and keeps your home protected long-term.

Our Humane Raccoon Removal Process

Critter Control of San Antonio follows a thorough, humane process designed to resolve raccoon issues completely and legally:

Inspection
We assess your attic and exterior to locate entry points, nests, and damage.

Eviction
When possible, we use one-way doors that allow raccoons to exit but not re-enter. If babies are present, we carefully remove and reunite them with the mother outside the home.

Exclusion and Repairs
After the raccoons are gone, we seal all potential entry points with durable materials to prevent future infestations.

Clean-Up and Sanitization
We safely remove contaminated materials, disinfect affected areas, and offer attic restoration when needed.

This approach protects the animals and ensures your home is safe, clean, and secure.

Don’t Try to Remove Raccoons Yourself

Raccoons can be aggressive when cornered and may carry diseases such as rabies or leptospirosis. DIY removal methods are often ineffective, and in some cases, illegal, if they cause harm or involve relocating wildlife without a permit.

Trust professionals with the experience and training to handle the situation properly. Humane wildlife removal isn't just the ethical choice—it's the smart one.

Schedule an Inspection with Critter Control of San Antonio

If you suspect raccoons in your attic, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Our licensed team offers fast, humane solutions tailored to your home and situation. We proudly serve San Antonio, New Braunfels, Boerne, and nearby communities.