Job Overview
Location: Peterborough, Ontario
Structure: Detached one-story house with single garage
Problem: Nocturnal wildlife activity reported in attic, consistent with raccoon presence
Service: Humane raccoon removal and roofline exclusion
Visits: 2
Summary
We responded to a report of nighttime wildlife activity in the attic of a detached residential home in Peterborough. Based on the timing and description of movement, raccoon activity was suspected. Our team completed a full roof inspection, identified soffit-level entry points, and implemented a humane one-way door removal process. Roof vents and vulnerable soffit sections were reinforced with galvanized steel materials to prevent re-entry.
Background / Property Context
The structure was a single-story detached home with an attached garage. The roofline included multiple soffit intersections and roof vents. The surrounding area included mature trees, providing natural habitat and roof-level access potential for urban wildlife.
Weather conditions in March were stable, and winter conditions did not interfere with roof access or installation work.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported hearing movement in the attic during nighttime hours. The sound pattern and timing were consistent with raccoon behaviour. The concern was potential nesting inside the attic and structural damage to the roofline.
Inspection & Findings
Technician Grant conducted a full exterior roof inspection during the first visit.
The primary entry point was identified at a soffit intersection where materials had separated, creating a gap sufficient for raccoon access. Staining was visible below one soffit section, consistent with repeated wildlife entry activity.
Roof vent inspection showed standard plastic vent covers without reinforcement. While not yet breached, these vents presented a vulnerability consistent with raccoon behaviour in similar structures.
No raccoon young were found in the attic at the time of inspection.
Photos show:
- An open soffit intersection consistent with wildlife entry
- Staining beneath soffit panels
- Roof vents prior to reinforcement
- Installation of galvanized steel vent covers
- Installation of galvanized mesh at soffit junctions
- A secured one-way door installed at the primary access point
Technician notes were prioritized in determining active entry locations.
Cause Analysis
Raccoons commonly access attics through weakened soffit intersections where rooflines meet. These junctions can shift over time due to weather exposure, creating small openings that wildlife can widen.
The presence of nearby tree coverage increases roof-level access opportunities. Standard plastic roof vents also present potential secondary entry points if not reinforced.
Treatment / Removal
A humane, non-lethal removal strategy was implemented.
Grant installed a professionally secured raccoon one-way door at the identified soffit entry point. This allowed the animal to exit safely while preventing re-entry.
A full attic check confirmed no juvenile raccoons were present before door installation.
Exclusion & Repairs
During the same visit, permanent exclusion measures were completed:
- Installation of three galvanized steel roof vent covers
- Sealing of approximately six feet of soffit intersection using galvanized steel mesh
- Securing of the soffit entry area around the one-way door
All materials were mechanically fastened and integrated into the roofline to prevent displacement.
Outcome & Confirmation
At the second visit, the homeowner reported no further wildlife activity.
The one-way door was removed, and the opening was permanently sealed with galvanized steel mesh. All exclusion work was inspected and confirmed secure.
No further raccoon activity has been reported since completion of the work.
Technician Notes
Grant confirmed that the primary access point was limited to the soffit intersection identified during the first visit. No secondary breaches were found.
All work was completed safely at roof level. Final inspection confirmed secure vent reinforcement, sealed soffit gaps, and no ongoing wildlife presence.
This service was completed by our Peterborough wildlife team. For wildlife removal inquiries in Peterborough, contact 705-410-3708.