Raccoon Control Exclusion
Whenever possible, exclusion is the
best method for preventing raccoon damage. This raccoon control
method may not be possible for outdoor issues.
Crops and gardens. Electric
fencing can be very effective at controlling raccoons from crops and
gardens. The fence should be turned on in the evening and turned off
after sunrise, posting caution signs where appropriate. In smaller
gardens, using reinforced filament tape to secure the corn to the
stalk can be extremely successful at preventing raccoon damage.
Chimneys and rooftops. Control
raccoons from entering your chimney by securely fastening a commercial
cap of sheet metal and heavy screen over the top of the chimney. Before
you control the raccoons, the exclusion device, however, be sure that
the animals are not already inside the chimney, especially in the spring
or summer when young may also be present. If the animals are still
inside the chimney, you will have to wait for them to leave or contact a
Orlando wildlife control expert or Tampa trapper. Remember that young
raccoons are born blind and hopeless, so you should be as humane as
possible when dealing with raccoon families. You may be able to control
the raccoons with loud noise, bright lights, or a pan of ammonia in the
fireplace. Raccoon access to rooftops can be controlled by pruning back
overhanging branches and by wrapping and nailing sheets of slick metal
at least 3 feet square around corners of buildings (to prevent them from
climbing).
Attics and buildings. Raccoons
can enter structures through vents or other openings. The minimum size
opening that raccoons need for access is only 2.5 x 4
inches—surprisingly small! Replace damaged and vulnerable roof and
ventilation vents with designs that prevent entry. You may modify some
vents with homemade screens, though raccoons will likely remove any that
are not fastened securely.
Seminole County. Store garbage
in metal or tough plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Lids also
can be wired, weighted, or clamped. Be sure that the raccoons cannot tip
the cans over to gain access. If necessary, keep the garbage cans inside
a secure building at night.
Poultry houses and yards.
Exclude raccoons with tightly covered doors and windows, mesh-wire
fences with an overhang, or electric fencing.
Scare Tactics
Unfortunately, most frightening
devices only work temporarily. Common techniques used to scare raccoons
include radios, bright lights, dogs, plastic streamers, and aluminum pie
pans.
Repellents
There are no repellents, toxicants, or
fumigants registered for raccoon control.
Trapping
Sometimes trapping can be an effective
way to deal with a “problem” raccoon. Nuisance or sick raccoons can be
trapped, but check with state and local authorities for current
policies. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources-Division of Wildlife
has several provisions that must be followed when trapping wild animals.
The most commonly used trap is a cage-like device that captures the
animal without physical harm. These traps can be purchased, built by
you, or loaned from some Division of Wildlife district offices. Traps
can be baited with canned cat food (especially fish-flavored), sardines,
fish, or chicken. Check the trap frequently (at least twice each day) to
prevent undue stress to the captured animal. Captured raccoons can be
moved to other locations or euthanized (required if rabies or distemper
is present in your county). If you decide to trap, be aware that
raccoons can transmit rabies, canine distemper, and parvovirus to
domestic animals and humans. You should avoid any raccoon that is active
during daylight hours, is unafraid of humans, or appears sick, confused,
or uncoordinated. In these cases, consult a wildlife professional for
assistance.
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