Raccoons have the ability to wreak a remarkable amount of damage in a short period of time. Vent ducts, insulation, fan vents, cooling systems, insulation, and even robust wood beams can all be shredded by their razor-sharp claws and teeth. They also defecate and urinate in large quantities, usually in the same place where they have set up their "restroom." This feces and urine become lodged in the insulation and eventually soak through to the underlying wood. All of this means that your raccoon problem is unlikely to improve over time. It's only going to get worse. If a raccoon dies in your home, you'll know immediately since the smell is terrible.