raccoon problems

11 years ago

After installing an expensive fence in my smallish backyard to keep out deer, I now have a raccoon problem. I know that my compost pile, bird feeders, and soon to be maturing melon patch are part of the problems, as well as loss of habitat due to recent construction in my area.

I have explored the electric fence, but don't understand how that would work with the two gates that I have. I just got a quote from a wildlife animal control person for $450 to do a two week trapping program.

Any advice?

Featured Answer

lucky_p

11 years ago

Coworker trapped 175 raccoons out of his suburban backyard, by his koi pond, over a 2-yr period, some years ago... and I'm not certain that he re-set the trap every night.

Bet you could buy several raccoon-size traps for far less than $450, and keep them at work for more than 2 weeks.

While it may be unsettling to some... termination of nuisance wildlife is the recommended tactic. Wildlife biologists oppose 'relocation' of most wildlife species for many reasons... and in some states(including Alabama), it is illegal to do so.

Link to commercial site in CA follows, but has a very good discussion on why NOT to trap and relocate. Wildlife

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Comments (6)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
11 years ago
Are you prepared to open your wallet again, when more racoons come to fill the void?
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Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
11 years ago
I haven't seen any raccoons, but armadillos can choose confounding places in a garden to dig.

I've given up on compost piles, which just seem to turn into ant nests, cause too much time getting mosquito bites while contributing & harvesting, but I still don't let any organic matter leave the property. Have moved to just doing sheet composting on the surface, compost tea, raking leaves onto beds in the winter.

If bird feeder is attracting raccoons, IDK if that's worth having.
rosiew
11 years ago
Buy a Hava-heart trap, bait it with sardines or just about anything in your fridge. The raccoon can then be freed far, far away. Repeat until they're all gone.
OutsidePlaying
11 years ago
Traps can be bought fairly cheaply at Tractor Supply. We bait ours most successfully with dry dog food. Have caught possums and raccoons in ours after finding evidence of destruction in our (fenced) garden and a couple of raccoons who have managed lately to visit our back porch. Caught one last night and plan to catch another tonight. Armadillos need a slightly different method to capture as they are nearly blind.
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
11 years ago
Illegal to relocate raccoons in Alabama:

http://www.aces.edu/natural-resources/wildlife/awdm/mammals/raccoons.php

http://whnt.com/2013/10/17/life-or-death-new-wildlife-rehab-laws-ban-seven-species/

This is about CA, but relocating is similar regardless where it's done and could be more cruel than just killing it, and possibly spread rabies or other diseases.:

http://wildcaresolutions.com/the-truth-about-trapping-and-relocating-wildlife/