How to Get Rid of a Raccoon

Raccoons are very good at gaining access to unprotected buildings.

Prevention and exclusion are the only methods that homeowners should employ to get rid of raccoons. It is illegal in most states for an unlicensed individual to trap and remove a raccoon. And while trap manufacturers lead consumers to believe it is a simple task, amateurs easily make mistakes that cause harm and suffering to the raccoon. Eliminating potential food sources and excluding raccoons from your home are the most effective ways to fix a raccoon problem. If these methods fail, hire a licensed wildlife trapper to remove the animal.

Things You'll Need

• Chimney cap
• ¼-inch hardware mesh
• Bungee cords or wire to secure trash can lids
• Porcupine wire

Instructions

1. Cover access holes. The Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management reports that raccoons can enter a structure through a hole no more than 4 inches in diameter. Cover the holes with ¼-inch hardware mesh or completely repair the area in question.

2. Secure chimneys by installing a chimney cap. Raccoons will enter chimneys to give birth to their young. To a raccoon, a chimney is a big, hollow tree.

3. Move trashcans to an indoor area, such as in a garage, or wire down the lids.

4. Trim back any tree branches that allow raccoons access to the roof or to other parts of the house. Raccoons are exceptional climbers and will remove shingles, fascia boards and roof sheeting to locate a nesting site.

5. Install porcupine wire around the corners of roofs and around downspouts, which raccoons will also climb to gain access to a roof. Leave a 1-inch space between the tines of each row.

6. Cover attic vents with ¼-inch hardware cloth.

7. Feed and water household pets indoors. Pet food left outside is an open invitation to a raccoon.

8. Close dog doors. Raccoons will enter a home through the dog door to seek out pet food.

Tips & Warnings

• Raccoon damage has the look of being torn out, as opposed to squirrel damage, which has the look of having been chewed.

• Never seal an entry hole before being certain that the raccoons have left the premises. If you know that the female has a nest in your home--and it's often in the attic--wait at least 8 weeks to block the hole. After 8 weeks the young begin following their mother outside to forage.

• Raccoons are increasingly comfortable around people. This is dangerous because they are also known vectors for disease. They are susceptible to rabies and distemper and a major carrier of a deadly roundworm parasite called Baylisascaris procyonis, also known as raccoon roundworm. This parasite is transmitted by contact with their fecal matter.

References

• Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management: Raccoon Control and Management Information
• AA Animal Control: Raccoon Control and Removal
• Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management: Raccoon Exclusion Tips and Strategies
• Michigan State University Extension: Repelling Raccoons