Yes, raccoons can climb all three—trees, walls, and even houses! Thanks to their strong paws with five dexterous toes on each limb and sharp claws, they’re skilled climbers, able to scale a variety of surfaces. Whether they’re in your backyard or near your home, raccoons are always finding clever ways to get where they want. Keep reading to discover how these curious creatures manage to climb just about anything and what you can do to stop them.
What Can Raccoons Climb?
Trees
Raccoons are skilled at climbing trees, using their sharp claws to easily scale trunks and branches. Not only can they climb up, but they’re also able to climb down headfirst, which many other animals can’t do. They often climb trees to search for food like fruits, nuts, and insects, or to escape from predators.
In urban neighbourhoods, raccoons use branches to access rooftops or find shelter.
To prevent raccoons from using trees as a way to get to your home, trim back any branches that are close to your roof. Keeping trees well-maintained reduces but does not eliminate their access.
Walls
Raccoons can climb many types of walls, using their curved claws to grip rough surfaces like brick or stone. If you live in an area with raccoons, it’s good to know that walls won’t always keep them off your roof.
Although raccoons can scale these types of walls, you can install screens over vulnerable areas, such as roof vents, plumbing mats, chimneys, and other openings, to prevent them from gaining access into your attic. By securing these potential entry points, you can significantly reduce the risk of raccoons getting inside your home, even if they do manage to climb up. This proactive step can help safeguard your property and prevent potential damage caused by these clever and agile animals.
Fences
Fences might seem like a good way to keep raccoons out of your yard, but they can climb them too. Whether the fence is made of wood, metal, or chain-link, raccoons will be able to scale it. On wooden fences, they use their claws to grip between the boards, while metal fences offer enough gaps for them to climb.
Houses
Raccoons can climb houses surprisingly well with the use of the downspouts that drain water from your eavestrough. Even smooth surfaces like this don’t stop them—they can still use their claws to get a grip and climb up. Raccoons can easily climb downspouts to reach the rooftop and gain access into attics from there.
To prevent them from getting into your home, make sure to screen any gaps, cover roofvents, and check your roof for entry points. Trimming back tree branches near your house can also help stop raccoons from using them as a bridge to your roof.
Don’t believe raccoons can climb ladders? See our video below for proof!
Poles
Poles, like utility or bird feeder poles, are no problem for raccoons. They use their strong paws to grip and climb even smooth metal surfaces. If you have bird feeders, raccoons will try to climb the poles to reach the food.
To stop them, you can add a raccoon baffle—a smooth, slippery guard that prevents them from climbing up. Keeping bird feeders away from your house or bringing them inside at night can also reduce the chances of attracting raccoons.
What Can’t a Raccoon Climb?
While raccoons are skilled climbers, they do have some limits. Here are the surfaces they struggle with:
- Smooth, featureless surfaces: Things like glass or polished metal don’t give raccoons the grip they need.
- Steep or overhanging surfaces: Extremely steep cliffs or roofs without any footholds make it difficult for them to maintain balance and grip.
- Slick or slippery materials: Raccoons have a hard time climbing over surfaces coated with smooth, slippery materials like certain plastics.
Using these surfaces or materials around your home can make it harder for raccoons to climb and get inside.
How High Can Raccoons Climb?
Raccoons can reach impressive heights when climbing. In forests, they can climb tall trees that are several dozen feet high, often reaching nests or fruits far above the ground.
In urban areas, raccoons are known to scale the sides of buildings. In 2015 in Toronto, a raccoon climbed to the 57th floor of a 700ft building! There isn’t a strict limit to how high a raccoon can climb as long as there are surfaces for them to grip. This ability helps them access food, shelter, and safe spots away from predators.
5 Ways to Deter Raccoons From Climbing
1. Install Motion-Activated Lights
Since raccoons are most active at night, bright lights can discourage them from hanging around. Place motion-activated lights near entry points like fences, walls, and trees. Make sure the lights cover areas where raccoons are likely to climb, such as roofs, garages, or sheds. If possible, set up lights that can detect movement from multiple directions to catch them off-guard.
2. Use Motion-Activated Sprinklers
A sudden spray of water can quickly and humanely scare off raccoons. These sprinklers can be placed near gardens, bird feeders, or compost piles—anywhere raccoons are likely to go. You can adjust the sensitivity to detect animals of various sizes. Be sure to regularly check that the sprinkler is working and that it covers the areas where raccoons often visit.
3. Trim Tree Limbs
Raccoons use trees as natural bridges to your roof, so trimming back any branches that hang near your house is key. Make sure to cut branches at least 10 feet away from the roofline to reduce the risk of raccoons jumping over. Additionally, keep trees pruned to reduce hiding spots and avoid any overgrowth that raccoons can climb.
4. Remove Food Sources
Raccoons are always on the lookout for easy meals. Keep pet food indoors, especially overnight, and store trash in sealed, raccoon-proof containers.
Bird feeders also attract raccoons, so consider taking them down at night or using baffles that prevent climbing. Compost piles should be covered or kept in a secure container, as they can attract raccoons looking for fruit scraps or vegetables.
5. Call a Wildlife Professional
If raccoons keep coming back despite your efforts, it may be time to get expert help. Gates Wildlife Control specializes in safe and humane raccoon removal, sealing entry points, and providing long-term prevention solutions. Our experienced wildlife consultants will assess your property, repair any damage, and ensure that raccoons can’t invade again. Contact Gates Wildlife Control today to protect your home and prevent future raccoon problems.
