NJ homeowners are not strangers
to raccoons. This omnivorous mammal might look cute but can cause significant property damage. Additionally,
these animals can carry rabies, along with foxes, skunks, and more.
Aside from the dangerous diseases they carry, raccoons can do a number on your roof. This leads homeowners to ask one common question: does insurance cover raccoon roof damage?
This question has a lot of moving parts, which this article explains in detail. First, it’s important to understand if you have raccoons — or a different type of wildlife — in your attic.
Do You Have Raccoons in the Attic?
If you have raccoons in your attic, you might confuse them with a different type of animal. Look for any of these signs:
- External damage to your home, roof, soffits, siding, etc.
- Animal feces and urine in your attic
- Raccoon feces has a strong smell and is dark-colored and tubular-shaped; may contain berries
- Raccoon urine poses a threat to you and your family,
as these critters carry Leptospirosis, a dangerous disease
- Damaged insulation
- Materials for nesting, such as twigs, leaves, hay, and different grasses
- Noise in the attic
- Electrical damage, which can pose a severe safety threat and fire hazard
- Damaged nearby tree branches
If you suspect any of the following,
contact a professional pest control technician today. Don’t take chances with these pests invading your home.
Types of Raccoon Damage to Homes
One of the most common issues homeowners face with these pests is raccoon damage to the roof.
Raccoons can create holes in your roof or, if you already have existing holes, make them bigger. They can rip off your roof shingles, looking to gain access to your home. They’re also known for destroying vents.
Raccoons love trash cans. This is why you should never underestimate how strong a raccoon is. They may even be strong enough to lift cinder blocks, especially if you have one covering the top of your garbage can aka their 24-hour buffet.
Your roof’s decking is no match for raccoons and, once inside your attic, they can wreak havoc on your air conditioning system, HVAC units, and more, all depending on what’s in your attic or walls.
That’s right; raccoons can get in your walls, creating dens. If you think it’s difficult to get in-laws to leave, wait until raccoons take a strong foothold in your house.
Does Insurance Cover Raccoon Damage?
Raccoon roof damage and insurance claims are a common occurrence in NJ. This means that should a raccoon destroy your roof, garage, or attic, your insurance provider should cover it. However, any personal items destroyed in the process most likely aren’t covered.
It’s always a good idea to store items in sealed, plastic bins to protect them from the elements — and wildlife — alike.
Raccoon Roof Damage: Now What?
If you have raccoon roof damage, it’s a good idea to contact your insurance company so they can assess the damage. You should also contact a professional pest control company in Sparta, NJ, to prevent these critters from continuing to damage your home.
It’s no surprise that raccoons can cause a wide range of issues in your house, along with dangerous pathogens. This is where Serene Property Services can help. We offer professional pest control in Sussex County, NJ, and Warwick, NY.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for humane wildlife removal.
