Mom Raccoons (And Other Wildlife) Having Babies in Your Attic

Spring is baby season in Ontario.

If you’re suddenly hearing crying, chirping, or constant movement above your ceiling — you may have a mother animal nesting in your attic.

This is one of the most common wildlife calls we get every year.

And it needs to be handled properly.

Why Mother Animals Choose Attics

Your attic is:

• Warm
• Dry
• Protected from predators
• Quiet
• Close to food sources

To a raccoon, squirrel, it’s the perfect nursery.

Mother animals actively search for safe places to give birth between late winter and early summer.

Common Wildlife That Nest in Attics

In Southern Ontario, the most common attic “moms” are:

• Raccoons
• Squirrels
• Bats

Each species behaves differently — but all create damage quickly.

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Signs You Have Babies in the Attic

You may notice:

• High-pitched crying or chirping
• Increased movement at night (raccoons)
• Daytime scurrying (squirrels)
• A strong odour developing
• Mom entering and exiting roofline frequently

If babies are present, removal requires extra care and legal compliance.

Why You Should Never Block the Entry Hole

This is critical.

Homeowners sometimes try to “solve” the problem by sealing the visible entry point.

If babies are inside and mom is locked out:

• She will tear open your roof trying to get back in.
• Babies may die inside the attic.
• Severe odours and biohazard issues follow.
• Structural damage becomes worse.

Blocking entry without inspection can turn a manageable issue into a major repair.

Ontario Regulations During Baby Season

Certain wildlife species — especially bats — have protected maternity periods.

Removal must be timed properly to avoid separating mothers from young.

Professional wildlife removal ensures:

• Humane handling
• Legal compliance
• Safe reunification when possible
• Professional exclusion 

Relocation rules also apply (wildlife cannot be moved more than 1 km from capture location under Ontario regulations).

This is not a DIY situation.

What Professional Removal Looks Like

When babies are involved, we:

1. Perform a full inspection
2. Identify nesting location
3. Safely remove mother and young
4. Install permanent proofing preventing re-entry
5. Proof any other  entry points once safe
6. Provide cleanup and insulation restoration options

The goal is humane removal and long-term prevention.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Mother animals are extremely determined.

Damage can include:

• Torn insulation
• Destroyed soffits
• Chewed wiring
• Structural damage
• Contamination from droppings

The longer they stay, the more costly repairs become.

If You Suspect Wildlife Babies in Your Attic

Do not seal entry points.
Do not attempt to trap the animal yourself.

Call a professional wildlife control company experienced with maternity-season removals.

City Wildlife Control provides humane wildlife removal in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Brantford, Niagara Region and surrounding areas.

If you’re hearing unusual sounds from your attic, call today for inspection before the damage spreads.

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