Raccoon or Squirrel in Your Attic? How to Tell the Difference

Quick answer: Squirrels are usually active in the early morning and late afternoon and sound light and fast, like scurrying or rolling. Raccoons are mostly active at night and sound heavy, like walking or thumping. Checking the entry hole, droppings and damage can confirm which one you have.

If you’re hearing noises above your ceiling, you’re not alone. In Durham Region, York Region and Toronto, raccoons and squirrels are the two animals most likely to move into an attic. They need different handling, so it helps to know which one you have.

1. When Do You Hear the Noise?

• Early morning and late afternoon: usually squirrels. They are active in daylight and head out and back at the start and end of the day.
• Late evening and through the night: usually raccoons. They leave after dark and come back before sunrise.
• Chirping or crying in spring: could be baby raccoons or baby squirrels. Don’t block any holes if you hear this.

2. What Does It Sound Like?

Squirrels are small and quick, so they sound like light scratching, scampering or something rolling, often compared to acorns bouncing. Raccoons are much bigger, around the size of a medium dog, so they sound like heavy footsteps, thumping or something being dragged.

3. Look at the Entry Hole

• Squirrel holes are small and round, about the size of a tennis ball, with chew marks on the edges. They’re often at roof corners, soffit gaps and roof vents.
• Raccoon damage is bigger and rougher. Soffits pushed in, roof vents torn off, shingles lifted. Raccoons rip and pull rather than chew.

4. Other Signs

• Squirrels: chewed wood or wires, shredded insulation, nests of leaves and paper
• Raccoons: large droppings, flattened insulation, a strong smell, muddy paw prints on siding or downspouts

What to Do Next

1. Don’t seal the hole yourself while animals may be inside. Trapped animals cause more damage trying to get out, and babies left inside can die.
2. Don’t go into the attic to confront the animal. Raccoons can be aggressive, especially mothers.
3. Call a professional to inspect, remove the animals and seal the entry.

Learn more about our raccoon removal and squirrel removal services, and why sealing the entry with animal exclusion & damage repair is the step that stops them coming back.

Serving Your Area

We handle attic wildlife in Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Markham, Newmarket, Scarborough and across the GTA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can raccoons and squirrels damage my home?

Yes. Squirrels chew wood and wiring, and raccoons tear open vents, soffits and shingles. Both can damage insulation and leave droppings.

Will the animal leave on its own?

Sometimes, but mothers with young usually stay for weeks, and an open hole invites another animal. Sealing the entry after removal is what ends the problem.

Is it safe to use repellents or loud noise?

They rarely work for long and can split a mother from her babies. Professional removal is safer and more reliable.

Need Help?

Empire Wildlife Control serves homes and businesses across Durham Region, York Region and Toronto. Call (289) 408-9940 or request a free quote.