Preventive maintenance will go a long way in keeping these animals out of those spaces. Should you find one living in any of those places, there are several ways to attempt to remove them. Make the area uncomfortable for the animals by using strong smelling liquids such as ammonia, bright lights or loud music. If the animal does not leave on its own, then trapping and removing could be an option. For raccoons, it would be better to have a professional come in and remove the animal.
Raccoons are a rabies prone species in Georgia and it is never a good idea to mess with one.
In order to keep this situation from occuring again, it is important that the entryway to the space be identified and fixed. If this is not done, then there's a very good chance that you will find creatures in your attic again. Habitats are becoming rare and opportunistic animals will take advantage of any space available, including ones shared with humans. Woodpeckers make holes in houses for two basic reasons. One is to make a nesting hole for himself, the other is to find food.