Job Overview
Location: Peterborough, Ontario
Structure: Detached two-storey multi-use commercial building
Problem: Nocturnal wildlife activity in attic consistent with raccoon presence
Service: Raccoon removal and humane exclusion
Visits: 3
Summary
Our team responded to reports of nighttime wildlife activity in the attic of a detached commercial property. Inspection confirmed raccoon entry at a soffit intersection along the roofline, with additional squirrel access identified near a downspout transition. Humane one-way doors were installed to allow animals to exit safely, followed by reinforced exclusion and final confirmation of resolution.
Background / Property Context
The property is a two-storey multi-use commercial structure with metal roofing, soffit intersections, and vertical downspout transitions connecting upper and lower rooflines. These architectural features can create sheltered gaps at roof-to-wall transitions if not fully sealed.
The work was completed in March. Weather conditions did not restrict access to roof areas during service.
Customer Concern
The property representative reported wildlife sounds in the attic during nighttime hours. The timing and nature of the noise were consistent with raccoon activity on the roof and within the ceiling cavity. Prompt inspection was requested to identify the entry point and prevent further damage.
Inspection & Findings
During the exterior roof inspection, our technician Grant identified the primary raccoon entry point at a soffit intersection beneath the metal roof overhang. The soffit panel showed displacement consistent with wildlife access.
Interior attic inspection revealed disturbed insulation in localized areas near the entry point. No raccoon kits were found during the inspection.
A secondary entry point consistent with squirrel activity was identified along a wall transition near a downspout. The gap at this junction provided access into the upper wall/soffit cavity.
Cause Analysis
Soffit intersections and roofline transitions can create vulnerable gaps where materials meet at angles. Over time, expansion, contraction, or minor separation can allow raccoons to pull panels downward to gain entry.
The downspout transition created a vertical surface that provided climbing support, allowing smaller wildlife such as squirrels to access upper roofline gaps. Once elevated, animals exploited existing openings at the soffit line.
Treatment / Removal
On the second visit, Grant installed a heavy-gauge one-way door over the primary soffit entry point to allow the raccoon to exit safely while preventing re-entry.
A secondary one-way door was installed at the squirrel access point near the downspout transition. Approximately eight feet of vulnerable soffit intersection were reinforced and sealed using galvanized steel mesh secured with exterior-grade fasteners and washers.
All wildlife work was completed using humane, non-lethal exclusion methods. An inspection of the ceiling cavity confirmed no dependent young were present prior to sealing.
Exclusion & Repairs
After confirming animal exit, the one-way doors were removed during the final visit. All openings were permanently sealed using reinforced galvanized mesh fitted tightly along the roof-to-wall intersection and around the downspout transition.
Mesh was contoured to match the roof slope and secured across the full length of the previously compromised soffit area. Final inspection confirmed that all identified entry points were properly secured.
Outcome & Confirmation
At the third visit, the property representative reported no further wildlife sounds or activity.
The one-way doors were removed, exclusion repairs were rechecked, and no additional access points were identified. Since completion of the work, no further wildlife issues have been reported at this property.
Technician Notes
Grant completed a full roofline inspection prior to installation. Disturbed attic insulation was localized near the soffit entry point. No raccoon kits were present at the time of service.
Both primary and secondary entry points were addressed during the same service window. Final confirmation visit verified successful exclusion and structural reinforcement.
This service was completed by our Peterborough wildlife team. For wildlife removal inquiries in Peterborough, contact 705-410-3708.