Got my first official ADC call today. Customer has pics of a coon on roof during daylight hours several times over the past week. Found a couple piles of scat on roof, but did not see any obvious access points. Went into each section of attic and no sign of nest/poop or even disturbed insulation. Walked perimeter and found nothing, customer states they don't hear any noises at night either. I set a single door cage trap next to house and a DP foothold in landscaping in an area that looked like a natural trail back to the possible nest trees. Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on whether or not this coon has a nest anywhere on/in the house? Would she be on the roof multiple days in a row 'just looking?' The recent frequent sightings make me think shes gotta have a nest but maybe she is just thoroughly checking everything. Base of chimney looked very well flashed but I did not inspect the very top section. Is there any chance she is nesting in the top of the chimney and not getting into the attic or any part of the house? Any thoughts appreciated!

Check the chimney for a cover. If no cover look down in and give a yell. She will look up at you if she is there. Be armed with some eviction fluid/paste and a trail camera if this is the case. You may also look at the downspouts for muddy paw prints. I have found entry points by finding insulation bits scattered on the roof in a dormer return. And then again, she may be home shopping. I'd stay out of the attic until you're sure.

Chimney, Ridge vent loose, Gable vent screen on either end of house, Soffit/facia loose or missing a panel or two?

How you sure it’s a female? Could be a male
On the prowl for females and the young (they eat them). Others are right, look around for a less than obvious entry point. May be an opening from the chimney leading into the attic. Set traps on the roof to avoid catching non targets.




. Don’t go in attic or any wildlife infested area without a respirator. Just my two cents.

With no obvious entry found, the two spots I'd check first are the chimney and a flexible soffit on a dormer. She's probably being seen within a few feet of her entry.

Not positive its a female. I will inspect chimney in the am to see if there is anything, that's the only spot I didn't get eyeballs on. It's a neighborhood with a decent amount of trees and 'wild' bushy borders so there is plenty of possible spots they could be roaming from, appreciate the thoughts.

Coons climb down spouts very easily. Look for muddy tracks.

Any trees close enough to the roof that it could be climbing, then jumping onto the roof? If it has any of the square, plastic roof vents check those. They can pop those loose, lift them up, climb in, and they will close right behind them. That was the scenario in this picture, the square vent is under the tarp. Also, if you look closely, there is a shingle at the front of the trap with damage. Make sure you cut your plywood/OSB a few inches longer than your trap. Lesson learned.

We dont set traps on a roof to much hassle, to check, remove animals and the potential damage liability. Just find the climb / access route to the house and avoid that hassle. If you have too set the trap in the tree on a platform to potentially avoid all the neighbor hood animals.

Good point about the plywood length

How do you calm the clients concerns about potentially catching non target animals?