Raccoons 

     Raccoons are nocturnal, medium-sized terrestrial mammals. They can damage lawns and gardens, scatter trash, invade buildings and injure livestock.

Facts

     Raccoons, with their black bandit mask and black- and brown-banded tail, are well known to Nebraskans (Figure 1). The word “raccoon” is derived from Native American words “arakum” or “aracoun,” meaning “he scratches with his hands.” Adult raccoons (Procyon lotor) typically are 26-40 inches long (nose to tip of tail). Their weight can vary dramatically as they fatten up in preparation for winter, but they usually weigh 7-35 pounds. On rare occasions, raccoons weigh up to 50 pounds. Raccoons breed in January through March. Mating behavior is quite active and includes much screeching and growling. Nine weeks later, females give birth to 2-5 young. Males do not assist in rearing young and may kill any young encountered. Females remain with their young throughout the summer and fall. The family unit breaks up with the new mating season.

Raccoons do not construct their own dens but will use abandoned dens, hollow trees, crawl spaces, storm drains, attics, and chimneys. Raccoons have been known to tear through a shingled roof to establish a den in an attic. Raccoons usually need only a 4- to 6-inch diameter hole to enter. Smaller openings are often enlarged. Raccoons are very strong and have tremendous dexterity in their front paws. Despite their size, raccoons are exceptional climbers, able to scale trees, chimneys, and downspouts.

Raccoons are omnivores, enjoying a diet ranging from eggs, carrion, food scraps, corn, crayfish, bird seed, worms, amphibians, pet food and more. While extremely harsh weather will cause them to remain in their dens, raccoons do not hibernate.

Damage Identification

     Raccoons sometimes decide to take up residence in chimneys that are infrequently used. Signs of raccoon presence include the sounds of chirping and thumping emanating from the chimney and smudge marks along the downspouts.

Raccoons are not efficient predators—poultry are usually mauled with a significant amount of bruising, torn skin and chewed feathers. Raccoons typically open one end of an egg and lick out the contents, leaving much of the egg shell intact. Raccoons damage field corn by climbing the stalks, breaking them down, peeling the husks back, and chewing the milk-stage kernels from the ears. Damage to sweet corn can be particularly frustrating because it is typically extensive and occurs the night before you plan to harvest

Controlling Damage

Habitat Modification

     Protect property by removing as many potential food sources as possible. Trash cans, preferably metal, should have tight-fitting lids that remain attached even if tipped over. Loose lids can be secured with bungee cords or wire. The best solution is to locate trash containers inside secure buildings. Care should be taken to use only plant and vegetable matter (no meat, eggs, fats, or oils) in compost piles to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums, skunks, and other scavengers. Avoid leaving food and water out overnight for pets. Pen free-ranging poultry at night in fenced, predator-proof runs. Avoid planting sweet corn patches near creek bottoms or other wooded areas.

Since raccoons eat birdseed, hang birdfeeders on a wire between trees or on a baffled pole to prevent raiding. Reduce the amount of seed that falls to the ground by avoiding the use of mixed seed (use one type of seed per feeder) and using feeders that recapture fallen seed. Application of grub control insecticides is only effective if grubs are controlled prior to damage getting started.

Exclusion

     The recommendations that follow will focus on excluding raccoons Keep structures in excellent condition. Before making any repairs, make sure the area is not being used by wildlife. To prevent separating the mother from her young, never make repairs unless certain the opening is not still being used by wildlife. Following this advice will prevent further structural damage caused by the mother attempting to reclaim her young. Replace rotten wood and cover gaps between boards and surfaces before animals discover them. Whenever appropriate, fill gaps with insulation or expanding foam to prevent air movement. It is believed that warm air escaping through the cracks attracts wildlife seeking to establish a winter den. Use high-quality materials when making repairs. Preferred repair materials include 10-gauge 1/4-inch wire mesh, aluminum flashing, and solid 1/2-inch wood/plywood. Fasten materials securely. Do not underestimate the strength of a raccoon. A helpful motto when making repairs is “strength before beauty.”

Secure crawl spaces below sheds, porches, and decks using 1 inch x 1/2-inch galvanized hardware cloth. Bury the mesh at least 4 inches below the soil and create a 12- to18-inch skirt under the soil to discourage digging. Some suggest digging down at 12-24 inches with a 12-inch perpendicular skirt.

Gardens and crops are more difficult to protect due to the climbing abilities of raccoons. A two-strand electric fence with wires at 4 inches and 12 inches off the ground will check animal entry. Ribbon-type electric fence wire (Polytape) will work as well. Employ automatic timers to turn the fence on at dusk and off at daybreak to increase safety and lower electric use. If the garden is already fenced, a single strand of electrical wire near the top of the fence protruding 3 inches outward on outrigger insulators will prevent access. Fences can also be used to prevent raccoons grubbing in turf.

Repellents

     Several repellents are registered for raccoons. Repellents are relatively expensive and provide only short-term protection. Precipitation and plant growth often require reapplication of the repellent to maintain effectiveness. Be sure to read label directions before applying repellents to plants destined for consumption. When foods are in short supply, such as in winter, repellent efficacy usually declines. Avoid using electronic repellent devices or moth balls as their effectiveness on repelling raccoons has not been demonstrated.

Trapping

     Sometimes trapping is the only cost-effective way to control raccoon damage. Trapping involves a major time commitment. Traps must be checked daily. The best time to check the traps is in the morning. However, checking twice a day (morning and evening) is recommended as it allows you to release any non-target animals caught during the day.

Cage or box traps should be well built and have minimum sizes of 10”x10”x32” for single-door traps and 10”x10”x42” for two-door traps. Set traps where raccoons frequent, preferably in areas away from public view and shielded from direct sun to reduce capture stress. Make sure traps rest on level ground to avoid premature triggering due to wobbling as the animal enters. Secure a disposable, towel-like cloth that is large enough to cover the top and sides of at least 50 percent of the trap. This cloth will protect the animal and bait from the elements and shield you from potential skunk spray if a skunk is captured. Never place traps on or within 12 inches of anything you consider valuable. Trapped animals will often reach through the mesh, grab and destroy anything they can reach, including, siding, shingles, wires, and grass. Placing the trap in the middle of a sheet of 1/4-inch wire mesh that is 12 inches larger than the trap’s footprint will protect grass from significant damage. Staking or anchoring a trap will also prevent the raccoon from being able to move the trap by crawling. Effective baits include sardines, dry and moist cat food, table scraps and fish oil. Use sweet baits, such as molasses, honey, marshmallows, or strawberry sugar wafers to reduce the risk of catching domestic cats and skunks. Traps set on the ground run the risk of capturing skunks. 

Improve trapping success by increasing the number of traps used. Vary the baits used with your traps to increase the likelihood of the animal finding an appealing meal. Some trappers recommend covering the trap floor with grass and soil to reduce an animal’s apprehension when entering the cage.

Footholds, specialty traps, and body-gripping traps are also effective in capturing raccoons and opossums. However, these tools are best left to those with experience and training in their use. Contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for opportunities to obtain needed training or a list of qualified trappers in your area.

If the animals cannot be released within 100 yards of the capture site, they should be euthanized. Farmers and ranchers are allowed to destroy or have someone else destroy raccoons that are causing agricultural damage on their property. These species may be taken for damage control any time of year and no permit is needed. Check with local authorities for regulations involving trapping and euthanization within municipalities. For detailed information on various euthanasia techniques, visit Handle carcasses with thick leather gloves to reduce the risk of being scratched and exposed to animal fluids and parasites, such as fleas and ticks. For additional protection, wear latex or vinyl gloves inside the leather gloves, wash hands, and use insect repellent.

Shooting

     Landowners can shoot raccoons that are causing significant damage to their property, provided that shooting is in season, legal, and safe in their area. Most municipalities do not allow the discharge of firearms within their defined limits. Landowners suffering damage should consider having hunters help reduce the number of raccoons in the immediate area. Hunters use dogs or calls to find raccoons. Small caliber rifles (.22) are very effective for these species and will cause less harm to the fur and meat than other firearms. Follow all hunting laws and safe hunting practices.

Toxicants

     No toxicants or fumigants are registered for raccoons.

Chimney

     If raccoons are residing in your chimney, secure the damper and ash cleanouts so that they cannot be opened. Do the same for all the fireplaces in the home. You may then wait until the young grow enough to leave (typically 6-8 weeks) or hire a qualified professional to remove the raccoons. Some homeowners have placed a loud radio in the fireplace to evict the raccoon. Before employing this technique, be sure that the damper is securely closed and all other unoccupied flues and attic vents are properly secured as the raccoon may just move to a quieter location in your home. Be patient. It can take several days for the raccoon to decide to move on. Install professionally manufactured stainless steel caps over all flues to prevent future problems. 

Health and Safety

     Raccoons present a variety of safety and health concerns. Both species can bite, scratch and harbor parasites, such as fleas and ticks. No matter how cute or in need of help an animal appears, maintain your distance. Wildlife that appear to be injured, trembling, seemingly lost, aggressive, active in the daylight or have bitten or scratched people, pets or livestock should be removed by law enforcement or animal control officers.

Integrated Pest

     Management Prevention is by far the most effective method of controlling potential damage from wildlife. Homeowners should cap chimneys; keep structures in good repair; install mesh over vents; trench-screen decks, sheds, and crawl spaces; and reduce potential food sources. When a problem does arise, a combination of methods may be more effective than relying on any one method for controlling raccoon or opossum damage. Most problems with these species in urban areas usually involve one or two troublesome animals, which can be controlled often with habitat modification, fencing or exclusion, trapping, and repellents. Non-urban damage situations may involve larger populations over greater areas, and can be dealt with by habitat modification, repellents, trapping and shooting. Finally, readers should continue to maintain their property and fences to prevent future problems.

The Cottage key is dedicated to making your leisure life easier. Below you will find a list of products focusing on repelling animals or humanely trapping and removal of un-wanted Rodents, Small Mammals, Insects and Snakes. 

Repellents

Humane Live Traps