Raccoon Attic Intrusion and Roof Damage – Dunnellon, Florida

Raccoon Attic Intrusion and Roof Damage – Dunnellon, Florida

Project Overview

The homeowner initially contacted Wildlife Works after noticing visible damage to the roof. Shingles and underlying wood had been torn open, leaving a large hole directly into the attic space.

During the inspection, our technicians confirmed that a raccoon had been entering through the damaged roof area and using the attic as a den. The animal had likely been living inside the structure for some time without being detected.

Because raccoons are primarily nocturnal, their activity often occurs late at night when homeowners are asleep or away. In this case, the homeowner works night shifts and had not heard the typical scratching or movement sounds that often alert residents to attic wildlife activity.

Inside the attic, our team found widespread signs of raccoon activity, including:

  • Animal waste in the attic insulation

  • Contamination inside sections of HVAC ductwork

  • Disturbed insulation used as nesting material

  • Structural damage near the roof entry point

The large roof opening also created an additional risk, allowing rainwater, insects, and other pests to enter the attic space.

Challenges

This project presented several challenges that required careful planning.

Undetected Long-Term Occupancy
Because the raccoon had been living in the attic undetected, contamination had spread across multiple areas of insulation and ductwork.

Structural Roof Damage
The raccoon had torn through both shingles and the wood roof decking, leaving a large opening directly into the attic. This type of damage can quickly worsen if weather exposure occurs.

Secondary Pest Risk
Open roof entry points can attract additional wildlife and insects. Immediate sealing was required to prevent other animals from entering the home.

Our Approach

Wildlife Works followed a structured removal and exclusion process to resolve the issue safely and permanently.

  1. Full Property Inspection
    Our team inspected the roofline, attic space, and surrounding structure to identify all wildlife entry points and assess the extent of damage.
  2. Humane Raccoon Removal
    A humane trapping strategy was implemented to safely capture and remove the raccoon from the property.
  3. Attic Sanitation and Damage Assessment
    Contaminated insulation areas and affected ductwork were identified. Wildlife waste and debris were removed to reduce odor and health risks.
  4. Structural Exclusion and Roof Repair
    The damaged roof section was repaired and reinforced. The entry hole through the shingles and decking was sealed to restore the structural barrier of the home.
  5. Prevention Measures
    Additional vulnerable roof areas were reinforced to prevent future wildlife entry.

Results

After removal and repair work were completed, the attic was fully secured and the raccoon activity was eliminated.

Project results included:

  • Successful removal of the raccoon

  • Structural roof damage repaired and sealed

  • Attic contamination identified and addressed

  • Entry points secured to prevent future intrusion

The homeowner can now safely use the home without the risk of wildlife entering through the roof structure.

Key Facts

Project Photos

Need Help With Raccoons in Your Attic?

Call Now: 352-717-8727

Raccoons are one of the most common wildlife intruders in Florida homes. Their strength and climbing ability allow them to tear through vents, soffits, and even roofing materials to reach attic spaces. If you suspect wildlife activity in your attic or notice roof damage around your home, Wildlife Works can help.
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