Raccoons, Foundation Vents, and Crawlspace Access in Truckee

When the Vent Becomes the Door

Foundation vents are designed for airflow, not security. The screens behind them are usually thin galvanized mesh stapled to a frame — fine for keeping out leaves, no match for a determined raccoon. Once a raccoon decides your crawlspace looks like a good den site, those vents come apart in a matter of minutes.

The photo above was captured on one of our trail cams in Truckee — a raccoon coming out through a foundation vent it had already torn open. Once that opening exists, it doesn't stay a raccoon-only entrance. Squirrels, chipmunks, and mice follow the same path in.

Why It Matters

Raccoons in a crawlspace mean more than just noise. They bring:

• Heavy contamination — droppings and urine concentrated in nesting areas

• Damaged insulation, vapor barriers, and ductwork

• Parasites and pathogens that travel with raccoons (roundworm, leptospirosis)

• An open entry point that other wildlife will use long after the raccoon leaves

What We Do

NV Inspections handles raccoon and rodent activity across the Truckee area. We confirm what's been getting in, trap and remove the animals, and patch the entry point — including reinforcing torn-open foundation vents so the opening is closed off. When the job is done, the animal is out and the vent is no longer an access point.

If You're Seeing Activity

If you've heard movement under the house, found droppings near the foundation, it's worth a look before the damage compounds.

Call or text Colby at 775.298.1554 or reach us at truckeewildlifeinspections.com. We'll take a look.