Any suggestions for evicting a raccoon and maybe up to 6 kits from a garage?

[NNN0LHI]

Let me begin by saying this has been an ongoing problem at my mothers house for a couple of weeks now and I think we are going to call in a professional. She left the unattached one-car garage door open one night and has had at least one raccoon in it now for two weeks. At least we think it is a raccoon?

Guy from the city came out and put two traps that were supposed to be raccoon sized, but traps had the food removed and the trap door snapped shut which kind of indicates the raccoon may be large enough to get the food, trip the door, but the door is coming down on its back and not locking the critter in. Which means it must be a heck of a big raccoon. Or something? The guy from the city said he isn't coming back.

Everyone we know has had some suggestions. None of which sounded good to me. The footprints this critter is leaving look to be about the same size as the footprints my German shepherd/border collie mix who weighs about a hundred pounds has. So I know this critter has to be pretty good size. Whatever it is.

Reason I think there may be some kits involved is because it is starting to smell like a zoo in her garage now.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or wishes of good luck.

Don

[hlthe2b]

1. I assume the guy "from the "city" gave you the 'blessing' to go ahead ....

I only ask because a friend of mine in Lakewood, CO was ticketed and had to go to court for capturing and attempting to relocate a skunk that had invaded his property. I still haven't figured out the whole in and outs of that one, but it still might be wise to check with both state and local wildlife folks for any particular ordinances--and maybe get their advice while you are at it.

[NNN0LHI]

2. After talking to the guy from the city and seeing the look on his face and the tone of his voice ...

... when he seen the size of the footprints and empty traps, my guess is he could live out the rest of his life just fine if he never heard another report about this raccoon problem.

That was my take anyway.

Don

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

3. Are you saying the animal has taken up residency

in the garage ? Garden supply centers sell different kinds of devices that scare away the critters. But there are organizations that specialize in those areas PAWS is one of those. People take squirrels or raccoons -birds that have been hit by cars or are hurt and stranded by the roadside- and those animals are treated,nursed back to health .than released back into the wild. If PAWS doesn't handle that in your locality-they will refer you to the oganization that does. They will tell you exactly what to do and what not to do.

If the critter were invading your garden- there are all kinds of nifty devices on market to chase those critters away. First try calling a large landscape supply outfit- for advice about that and products. Than call PAWS . you may be able to rent a large trap too.

You got a big one-that is for sure.

[NNN0LHI]

4. Yes, the garage currently belongs to the critter which has moved in

I was told that April and May are the months for mama raccoons to have their kits so I am sure she plans on staying until that event. Perhaps a little longer? That is if the garage is still there? Very destructive animals. She already has three or four holes chewed through to the outside.

Thanks for the suggestion of PAWS.

Will give them a call tomorrow first thing.

Don

[jwirr]

5. If that were happening here in MN I would call the local Department of Natural Resources and

ask them for help. I have seen bears in the community trapped and taken back into the wilds by their officials. A racoon can be visious so I would not try it myself - especially when there are kits involved.

[hedgehog]

6. Get someone to run a couple of saws in there.

We had a Mamma move into our barn with our babies a few years back. My husband had to cut some 2x4s for some project or another. 2 minutes after he started working, Mamma started moving her babies out!

[LiberalEsto]

7. Oh oh, Oscar is back!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=624815

[Kalidurga]

10. LOL that thread is epic. nt

[benld74]

8. Viscious Dobermann would assist nicely

[jsr]

9. Try talk radio and bright lights

A relative had the same problem in her attic. What convinced the raccoons to leave was a good dose of talk radio and very bright lights, 24/7. Another method is ammonia and/or mothballs, if you don't mind the odor.

None of those tricks works outdoors. I know because I still have a raccoon problem in my yard I'm trying to deal with.

(Another option is to trap a kit if you can, and then keep the kit in the trap, which forces the mother to try and get in the trap.)

[hedgehog]

11. So, is your garage your own again?

[NNN0LHI]

12. Yes all is good now