Best Methods for Legally Removing a Raccoon

Raccoons may be adorable to look at, but they can cause a lot of damage to a home. In addition, raccoons have been known to carry such diseases as rabies and roundworms. To protect your family, you’ll need to remove the raccoons and take steps to prevent them from returning.

Take a look at your local wildlife laws before you create a plan to remove the raccoon. Many counties do not allow homeowners to relocate the animal, while others will allow for the relocation, but only by a licensed professional.

Once you know the law, begin removing the raccoon by repelling it. This will force the animal to find a new home. You can spray a predator urine, such as from a coyote, hang ammonia-soaked rags, or place naphthalene balls around the areas the raccoon likes to frequent. Another option is to set up a few motion sensors that will play music or shine a bright light whenever the raccoon draws near. This will scare the animal so that it runs in the opposite direction.

While taking measures to repel the raccoon, you’ll also need to work to make the environment less attractive to the raccoon. This is done by keeping a tight lid on trash cans, placing dog and cat food inside, instead of outside where the raccoon can grab a quick meal, and trimming back any tree branches that the raccoon could be using to jump onto your roof. Then clean up your yard so that it is free from debris that the animal could use as a hiding place.

Should the above methods prove unsuccessful, you’ll need to trap the raccoon, or have a one way door installed. If the law prohibits you from doing this, then call a professional. It is important to make sure that any baby raccoons are caught as well. Once you have the raccoons in a trap, you can release them in your yard, or in a nearby forest. This again depends on your local laws.

After the raccoon has a new home, you’ll need to prevent the animal from returning. Take a walk around the outside of your home and caulk any openings that you find. Another option is it install a wire mesh sheet if the opening is too large for caulk. Don’t forget to check possible entries to your attic, as that is where most raccoons enter a home.

These are just a few methods for removing a raccoon. To learn more about safe and legal raccoon removal in Durham, visit this website.