Raccoons are a problem year round in Dallas, TX. There are seasons when raccoon activity increases. During the fall and winter raccoons prepare for winter by seeking out shelter and food sources. We find them in attics and chimneys. Raccoons give birth in early spring; April and May are the peak months. Female raccoons will look for a safe place to create a den in January and February. They will stay in the den until the juveniles are big enough (usually 60 days).
Damage Raccoons Cause in the Attic
When raccoons get into your attic, further structural damage happens. Raccoons may chew and claw through wooden beams, insulation, electrical wires, pipes, ductwork and other structural components, potentially causing serious damage to the attic and your home’s infrastructure. But perhaps the most worrisome damage raccoons cause is to electrical wires. These frayed wires represent a significant fire risk. Raccoon damage often has a deleterious effect on home value, and homes that have been ravaged by raccoons will likely be harder to sell or rent out.
Raccoon Damage to Insulation
Raccoons in the attic destroy your insulation. Their movements, droppings, and nests will damage insulation in the attic.
As they move around through the attic, the create runways through the insulation degrading its efficiency.
When they den in attics, raccoons create separate latrine sites. Their accumulated feces and urine quickly destroy insulation and saturate woodwork. Their feces spread raccoon roundworm, which is a serious health hazard for residents repairing raccoon damage to homes. In addition, fleas and ticks in raccoon fur can transfer to people or pets.
Female raccoons will build nests in your attic. They often tear open the insulation in that attic to build nests. This decreases the thermal efficiency of your home and may result in higher heat bills.
Most Common Signs of a Raccoon Problem in Dallas
Raccoons are nocturnal and generally stay away from people. So people usually don’t spot a raccoon crawling through their attic.
This homeowner was hearing things go bump in the night. Some raccoons can weigh as much as 20 pounds, so at they travel around in your attic, you will hear them.
Signs of Raccoons in the Attic
- Loud noises, especially at night
- Raccoon feces
- Musty, ammonia-like odor
- Visible tracks or pawprints
- Damaged or torn insulation
- Nesting materials in corner or near HVAC systems
- Damages to wiring or duct systems
- Stains on ceiling
Raccoon Control in Dallas, TX
During our inspection for raccoons in the attic, we found evidence of female raccoon with juveniles. We identified how she was was getting in each day. There were gaps under the soffits under the roof returns. A raccoon only needs a gap the size of a grapefruit. Without a professional home inspection, it can be easy for a homeowner to miss a raccoon entry spot. We also categorized the damaged insulation, positively IDed the raccoon den, and highlighted other areas of damage.
Raccoon Trapping and Removal
We used a cage trap because it is the most effective and humane raccoon removal process in Dallas. Proper placement is essential. It was placed so 12 inches around the trap were clear. Raccoons have extremely dexterous front paws with five long, tapered fingers and long nails. Raccoons destroy everything they can get their hands on when trapped. We set it near the raccoon entry gap near a raccoon run through the insulation. It only took a few days before we successfully caught and removed the raccoon. We removed the juveniles by hand and coordinated with a local wildlife rehabilitator to foster the kits.
Raccoon Exclusion
The most important step for raccoon control is the exclusion work. Exclusions block the entry to your house. It is a chemical-free method that works immediately to keep raccoons out. We sealed the hole and made sure the other soffits were also secure.
Attic Restoration after Raccoon Infestations
The raccoon family causes significant damage to the insulation. The droppings and urine biologically contaminated increasing the risk to the family to diseases like raccoon roundworm and leptospirosis. The latrine area saturated the insulation causing it to become matted and compressed which decreased the energy efficiency. Finally, the odor. The feces and urine created a strong, ammonia stench to permeate through the attic.
For this homeowner, we provide a full attic restoration and insulation replacement. Not only did we protect the family’s health, but we also help improve the efficiency of their attic with new insulation. Attic restoration after infestation includes removing the hazardous materials, applying sanitizing agents to the affected area, using commercial-grade odor control, and, in some cases, replacing the insulation in the attic.
Attic Cleaning Services after Raccoons
During our cleanup process, we remove the damaged and destroy insulation, any signs of nest materials including outdoor debris, and treat for bugs like ticks and mites.
- Removed raccoon den material
- Remove contaminated insulation
- Applied ectoparasite treatments to exterminate pests like fleas, ticks, mites
Insulation Replacement in Dallas
At Critter Control in Dallas, we offer complete insulation services to help your attic be more energy-efficient and keep your home safe from potential infestations. We take care of every part of the process, including removal and installation. Removing old and damaged insulation is the first and most important step in getting your attic ready for the installation of new material. We safely remove old, contaminated insulation infested with pests, leaving your attic clean, pest-free, and ready for new insulation.
Proper installation is a must for making the most out of your new insulation’s energy efficiency and comfort capabilities. We do blown-in insulation, one of the leading picks for attic insulation, favored for its ability to fill even the tiniest gaps in your attic. How much insulation is enough? Installing the right amount, not too much or too little, is crucial to ensure the right result. Too little insulation leaves your home vulnerable to uncomfortable temperature fluctuations, whereas too much can compromise ventilation and lead to moisture buildup.
Energy Efficient & Pest Control
At Critter Control, we recommend cellulose insulation treated with thermal, acoustical, and pest control (TAP) properties. This multi-functional material offers protection in three ways:
- Thermal protection: This insulation cools your home in the summer and heats it in the winter by preventing the conditioned air your HVAC system pumps from escaping. This, in turn, reduces your energy bills.
- Acoustical benefits: The fluffy layers of insulation help reduce outside noise for a quiet and more peaceful home environment.
- Pest deterrent: TAP insulation is treated with a natural pest control agent that helps prevent infestations, adding an extra layer of protection to your home.
Raccoon Removal and Attic Restoration by Critter Control in Dallas
Raccoon infestations in the attic are more than just a nuisance—they’re a serious threat to your home’s structure, energy efficiency, and your family’s health. From damaged insulation and chewed wires to dangerous latrine sites contaminated with disease-carrying feces, raccoons leave behind a trail of destruction that demands professional attention. At Critter Control Dallas, we provide comprehensive raccoon control services, including humane trapping and removal, expert exclusion to prevent future entry, and full attic restoration. Our team safely removes all contaminated materials, sanitizes and deodorizes affected areas, and installs energy-efficient insulation—ensuring your attic is clean, healthy, and properly sealed. Whether you’re dealing with noises in the night or visible signs of raccoon damage, trust Critter Control to restore your peace of mind and protect your home.