If you’ve ever been startled awake by thumping, scratching, or chittering sounds coming from your attic or walls in the middle of the night, you may have a raccoon problem on your hands. While raccoons might seem harmless or even cute from a distance, an infestation in or around your home can lead to serious issues.
Noises in the Night: What Do Raccoons Sound Like?
Raccoons are nocturnal, which means they’re most active at night. If you're hearing strange sounds once the sun goes down, pay close attention to the type of noise:
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Heavy thumping or walking: Raccoons are relatively large animals, so you may hear what sounds like footsteps in the attic or ceiling.
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Chirping or chattering: Baby raccoons, known as kits, make high-pitched chirping sounds when calling for their mother.
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Growling, snarling, or hissing: Adult raccoons can be vocal, especially if they feel threatened or are communicating with each other.
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Scratching or rustling: These sounds can indicate a raccoon rummaging through insulation or trying to make a nest.
Other Signs You May Have a Raccoon Infestation
Hearing noises is just one sign. Raccoons leave plenty of clues when they’ve made your home their own:
Visible Entry Points
Raccoons are skilled climbers and can tear open soffits, shingles, vents, and chimneys. If you notice damage to the roofline or other unusual openings, it could be an access point.
Foul Odors
A strong, musky smell or the scent of urine and feces is a common sign of raccoons nesting indoors—particularly in attics or crawl spaces.
Scattered Trash or Garden Damage
Raccoons are notorious for raiding trash cans and gardens. If you find overturned bins, ripped garbage bags, or partially eaten vegetables, they may be nearby.
Raccoon Tracks
Raccoon footprints look like small human hands. You might notice these around your home, especially near entry points or food sources.
Droppings
Raccoon droppings are cylindrical and often found in the same spots, forming what's known as a "latrine." These can pose serious health risks if not cleaned properly.
Why You Should Act Quickly
Aside from the noise and mess, raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm. Their nesting habits can also cause damage to insulation, wiring (leading to fire hazards), and structural materials.
The longer you wait, the worse the problem can become—especially if kits are involved. Raccoons are fiercely protective of their young, and removing them requires a careful, humane approach.
Call the Professionals at Critter Control of Green Bay
At Critter Control of Green Bay, we’re experts in raccoon removal, exclusion, and damage repair. Our trained technicians use humane methods to remove animals, seal up entry points, and ensure your home is protected from future intrusions.
Don’t lose another night of sleep. If you’re hearing raccoon noises at night or suspect an infestation, contact us today!