Job Overview
Location: Peterborough, Ontario
Structure: Detached one-storey house with turret
Problem: Nocturnal wildlife activity in attic consistent with raccoon presence
Service: Humane raccoon removal and exclusion
Visits: 4
Summary
We responded to reports of nighttime attic activity during winter conditions. Our inspection identified raccoon entry at soffit intersections around the turret roofline. Over multiple visits, we completed humane one-way door removal, reinforced vulnerable areas with galvanized steel mesh, secured a roof vent, and confirmed the structure was fully sealed after activity ceased.
Background / Property Context
The property is a detached one-storey home featuring a turret-style roofline. The intersecting roof angles and soffit transitions created multiple vulnerable junction points. Snow accumulation was present during the initial inspection period between December and February, which limited visibility and required careful ladder positioning.
Winter conditions can increase raccoon denning behaviour, particularly in roofline cavities that provide warmth and shelter.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported hearing movement in the attic during nighttime hours. Activity was described as heavier footfall sounds consistent with raccoon movement. Concerns included potential insulation disturbance and ongoing structural damage.
Inspection & Findings
Technician Grant completed a full exterior roof inspection during the first visit.
At the turret soffit intersections, sections of soffit material showed separation consistent with wildlife entry. Snow conditions around the roofline revealed disturbance patterns. Ground-level snow displayed track impressions consistent with raccoon travel between roof access points and surrounding areas.
Photos show:
- Open soffit intersections at roof transitions
- Snow-disturbed areas beneath the eaves
- Active entry gaps at soffit returns
- Roof vent vulnerable to animal access
- Installation of galvanized steel mesh along exposed roofline sections
No additional secondary entry points were identified beyond the soffit intersections and roof vent.
Cause Analysis
Turret rooflines create multiple angled soffit intersections that can loosen over time due to weather exposure. Small gaps at these junctions allow raccoons to grip and pull materials downward.
In winter, raccoons actively seek insulated attic spaces for denning. Snow cover can conceal entry damage while also highlighting track activity around access points.
Treatment / Removal
During Visit 1, Grant installed two raccoon one-way doors at the identified soffit intersections. These devices allowed the animals to exit safely while preventing re-entry.
A galvanized steel roof vent cover was installed to eliminate access through the vent opening. Fourteen feet of soffit along the affected roofline were reinforced and sealed using galvanized steel mesh secured mechanically to framing members.
After confirmation of no activity, the one-way doors were removed and sealed during Visit 2.
Following a report of renewed activity, Grant returned for Visit 3 and installed an additional one-way door at a newly identified access point along the same soffit line.
During Visit 4, the door was removed after confirming vacancy, and all exclusion areas were permanently sealed.
All removal work was completed humanely and non-lethally.
Exclusion & Repairs
- Two initial soffit one-way door installations
- One additional one-way door during follow-up visit
- Fourteen feet of soffit reinforced with galvanized steel mesh
- One galvanized steel roof vent cover installed
- All door openings permanently sealed after vacancy confirmation
Mesh was installed tightly along the soffit and roofline intersections to prevent lifting or pulling. Fasteners with washers were used to secure the material flush to the brick and wood framing.
Outcome & Confirmation
At the final visit, no further wildlife activity was reported. The one-way doors were removed, sealed, and all exclusion areas were re-inspected.
No additional entry points were identified. The roofline, soffits, and vent cover remained secure. Since completion, no further raccoon issues have been reported at the property.
Technician Notes
Grant noted that winter snow accumulation required staged ladder placement and careful roof access. All roof work was completed using proper fall protection and winter safety procedures.
The turret design required continuous mesh reinforcement along intersecting soffit lines to prevent recurrence. Final inspection confirmed structural integrity of the exclusion work.
This service was completed by our Peterborough wildlife team. For wildlife removal inquiries in Peterborough, contact 705-410-3708.