Suburban Raccoons

Many homeowners have problems with raccoons getting into their attics or outbuildings. They have trouble getting rid of them. The question asked from many of our readers is: What to do With Raccoons when you catch one is at the top of many readers’ minds. The answer is not actually that simple when you consider some of the issues and the details.

On this web site, we actually do not advocate even trying to catch them. It is just not worth the time and trouble. It really does not solve the problem. Let’s assume you catch one or more of the raccoons. You might take them several miles away into the country to release them. There are a couple of issues with this scenario.

Raccoons will Return to Your Home

If you take the captured raccoon several miles away, there is a pretty good chance that this particular raccoon will not return. You may be violating local bylaws through which in some localities state that a captured raccoon should be released only short distances from where it is captured. If you release the raccoon several miles away you are violating a local bylaw. If you release the raccoon close by, they will just return to their old den which is in your attic. What to do With Raccoons then when you have them in your home is a huge question?

Even if you ignore the bylaws, other raccoons living in the area will note that the den that was established in your attic is now vacant. It could be a month later or even a year later. Raccoons will return to your home and the vacated den. So capturing a raccoon is not the best way to deal with raccoons and what to do with raccoons is still an issue.

What to do With Raccoons to Get Rid of Them

The better solution to get rid of all raccoons on a permanent basis is to install a one-way trap door across the entrance to the den. At the same time, all other potential entrances should be covered. Use heavy gauge chicken wire to prevent re-entry to the den. The one-way trap door will allow the raccoons to get out. But not back into the den inside your home.

Before applying this solution it is also important to make sure that there are no babies in the den that are not old enough to travel. If they are stuck inside with the parents outside, the parents will literally tear your roof apart to get back inside. Once the young babies are old enough to travel on their own and can travel outside the den, it is time to apply the one-way trap door which prevents all of the raccoons from getting back inside the dean in your attic.

Permanent Solution to Deal With Raccoons

Once your sure that all of the raccoons are out, it is time to remove the one-way trap door. Apply a permanent heavy gauge wire mesh across the opening after completing any repairs that might be needed. This will keep the current family out and nay others that might discover a vacant den.

There is another major advantage of this solution in addition to being a permanent solution. You will not violate any local bylaws protecting wild animal life. You do not violate any sensitivities of people who believe in protecting animals. Animal rights activists play a huge part in getting the bylaws established. You really do not want to anger these people, even if you are not that concerned about wild animals yourself.

You may live in a neighborhood were raccoons have become a problem. But they have not attacked your house yet,. Why not arrange for heavy gauge wire to be applied now on all potential openings? The peace of mind and the money you save from the potential damage will more than pay for the cost of installing the wire mesh across all potential openings. If you do this work yourself, make sure that you also seal all holes with an outdoor sealant to avoid any water damage.

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