Sorry for the sensationalist title, but I really want people to read this thread and give advice!!! Last night we were awoken by what seems to be a family of raccoons doing whatever it is that raccoons do in the middle of the night, in our attic. They've broken in somehow, and they're a nuisance. Anyone have experiences to share on how they've gotten rid of raccoons?
got one, that's part of the problem he barked non-stop, and kept us up from 4am. I'm dead today. I want to get rid of them, not have them barked at. Mind you, if he were the type of dog to climb the ladder into the attic and attack them, that would be great...
that was the plan, I want people to read the thread! and when you think about it, they say raccoons look like little burglars with masks...
so what did they steal till now?? this burglars are quite smart.. they din leave your house ever since they jumped in
We've managed to get rid of squirrels with live traps, however due to the size o the trap needed for a raccoon, and their intelligence, this may not be an option. The one trap I've read about that worked (at least in the book) at catching raccoons wasn't all that humane, and may not be helpful in this case (though, you may be able to adapt it somehow, so I present it). You find or bore a hole in a sturdy fallen log, take the shiny top of a food can, and place it inside. You then drive nails at an angle into the sides of the hole so that the raccoon can get it's hand in, but just barely. The raccoon reaches in, grabs the object, and then cannot get it's hand out because it refuses to let go. Similar to the "Stuck cookie jar" syndrome. You might try PLACING Your dog in the attic as well, if he won't climb the ladder himself.
hmm, that's creative, but a little inhumane. I think if it came to killing them, it would have to be quickly. Maybe I'll just buy a bb-gun...
As I said, it is less than humane, but then again it's trap designed for those who want to kill the coon, and take it's pelt, in order to make a living. You might consider a variation with wooden pegs. I'm not sure how well it would work.
Put all sorts of poison in your attic. It'll keep yer kids from looking around for Christmas gifts either. Just kidding of course!
Talk to the SPCA or someone like the Toronto Humane Society. I'm sure they have advice on how to separate your two families. Bear in mind it must be jolly cold right now and your attic must look appealing!
An acquaintance of mine runs a bird rehab. One night humane dept brought her a coon that had been trapped and was in a cage. During the night it figured out how to get out and did considerable damage inside her house. None the less I would try and trap and take to country for release. Suspect if there is probably a family in the neighborhood.
I wonder if mounting a half dozen air horns in your attic, all with string tied to the triggers, going into string down into the house, so that when they arrive, you can blast them? Our neighbors have a miserable flea bag of a dog that persistently barks during the night and most often chooses next to their fence closest to our bedroom. I usually have to go out and hose him down with water, but with freezing temps, have not been able to lately. I was thinking about rigging up some loud air horns next to the fence. Since the neighbors seem oblivious to their dogs loud barking, I figured they get woke up every night with air horns like we are with their mutt's barking and finally do something about it. I'd offer the same with pepper spray in your attic, but I'd fear it would circulate in your home and really make it worse. One other thing you could do...find out what are natural predators of racoons and see if you can find a sound recording of that predator, rig up a few speakers in your attic run down to a dvd player. When they show up, blast them with the sound of a mountain lion or something.
I heard receintly to put flashing lights in attic for mice and rats. Wonder if it would work for squirrel and raccoon? Also wonder where we get a good flasher.