How do I get rid of raccoons?
Question:I am not oppossed to "offing" them, have tried cages, netting, traps etc. They are destroying my lawn/landscape which I've spent considerable time and money on. Don't mean to be harsh but I am desparate! Help...Thanks for any info. Patti
Answers:
Oh please don't OFF them. They are very smart critters and normally don't do much harm. If they are hanging out in numbers it is because they have found food water and shelter in or near your yard. Don't feed your pets outdoors, remove/drain sources of water. Clear out some underbrush and limb up some trees. Tight fitting or tied down garbage can lids is a must. Borrow a friends large dog for a week or two. Two electrified wires, one 6 inches and the other 12 inches above the ground, mounted on insulated stakes or poles can be an effective deterrent around a garden. There are no poisons or fumigants currently registered for raccoon control.
have you tried traps with food in them? Years ago many people would catch cats with a metal cage that had a trap door that you would put food in-you could borrow them from the local humane society-you might want to contact them to help you control them. Good luck.
Sorry but contrary to the sales pitches on the internet there is no way to stop free roaming wildlife without using some sort of physical barrier. SAVE YOUR MONEY. I wouldn't bother with ultrasonics either. There is no evidence that they work. Visit http://www.icwdm.org/controlmethods/repe... for documentation of articles that provide more details. There are no repellents that will hold back raccoons from a given geographical area. Mothballs work the same way a rabbit's foot helps people feel lucky. The placebo effect has value for people who are overly anxious but don't think for a minute the mothballs will "keep" raccoons out of the garden. The raccoons will stop feeding in the garden when the food is gone. Taste repellents may reduce browsing damage but being that raccoons are omnivores, the success may be hit or miss. Unless electric fences are allowed, then the barrier idea is out. You can put them on timers to only work at night. However, if the raccoons are eating bird seed, modifying the bird feeders can remove the food source from them. Visit http://www.icwdm.org/prevention/birdfeed... to learn how to modify the feeders to reduce spilled food and use porcupine wire to prevent raccoons from climbing. However, I would suggest putting the feeders on a thin hanging pole made of metal (half inch) as it would be very difficult for a raccoon to climb it. Or you could suspend the feeder between too trees on a wire. Or you could attach it to a glass window provided the wood portion is not so close as to allow the raccoon a foot hold to reach from.
http://icwdm.org will have info on prevention and control. Short of trapping there is nothing that will certainly remove the raccoon. Be careful when removing raccoons in the Spring and early summer. Young may be present and die due to your removing the mother. However, I would suggest removing the food sources that you have made available to him. Never feed or water pets outdoors. Visit http://icwdm.org click on animal damage prevention and raccoons. There are plenty of free details there.
Disclaimer: As with any activity, remember that animal damage control comes with its own risks and problems which can include but are not limited to legalities, health threats, and personal liabilities. Be sure to follow all state laws governing wildlife and make sure you have a thorough understanding on how to resolve the animal damage complaint. My advice is only as good as your understanding of me and my understanding of your situation. If you have any questions be sure to write back
Acknowledgment:http://en.allexperts.com/q/pests-730/rac...
THEY ARE GREAT WITH MUSHROOM GRAVEY AND YAMS---
Coyote urine works great. You can find some predatorpee online. The raccoons will run away thinking that a big, mean coyote is hunting them for his dinner!
PUT UP SOME X-MAS LIGHTS..they fear blinking
More Related Questions & Answers...