How to get rid of raccoons

Introduction

Raccoons are usually classified as a pest species due to their habits of living in human dwellings. The most common complaints include the following:

·    Raccoons living in the attic
·    Raccoons living in the chimney
·    Tipping over garbage cans
·    Stealing pet food or bird seed
·    Sick, potentially rabid raccoon
·    Presence is alarming dogs/pets

For these reasons, many people wish to have this nuisance animal trapped and removed.

How to get rid of raccoons

There are products that contain fox or coyote urine which you can use to try to repel the raccoons, but they are largely ineffective. You can also try ammonia, mothballs or transmitters which send out high frequency noises, but these tend not to work either. The only foolproof way to get rid of raccoons is to trap and remove them.

The problem with raccoons is that they are not small animals. If you manage to trap or kill one, it can be difficult to release it into the wild or dispose of the body. If released, it’s common for the raccoons to find their way back to your home. In many cases, people who try to trap and remove raccoons by themselves will end up getting injured or treating the raccoon in an inhumane way. Never try and approach or handle a raccoon – they are wild animals and WILL bite and claw the heck out of you.

What you should do is call your local animal control or someone who deals in wildlife removal. They will come out to your house, trap the animals and remove them from your property. This is the only surefire way to get rid of them.

Certain other tips to get rid of raccoons

·    Having a dog indoors might help too, having him outdoors in the daytime also (watch your dog carefully, even though his barking might scare some wildlife, you don\'t want your dog being a target of bigger wildlife like a bear). Never leave your dog tied up outdoors unattended, ever.

·    Remember that even a bird feeder with sunflower seeds might be tempting to a raccoon. Put your bird feeders out of their reach and store seed in metal trash cans.

·    Check the wildlife books and camping books for hints on how to avoid contact with wildlife and raccoons.

·    Remember the bottom line: If you leave food and water or either around, or even leave the hose dripping water, you will most always find wildlife hanging around your home. So , keep it clean, keep it spotless and you\'ll be raccoon free.

·    If all else fails, you can call your local animal control board for more information about what might be effective in your area. Traps are one option.

·    A clean shot with a well aimed laser sight can fix the job really quick.

·    Make sure there are no easy entrances to your attic (flimsy or missing soffit, etc.)

How to get rid of raccoons >