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How to keep raccoons away
I have a fenced backyard where I have a vegetable garden that is
somewhat ransacked by raccoons. (or some other animals). It is fenced with a chain link fence, but they still sneak in. I am guessing that they get in between the fence and the ground. What are the practical ways of raccoon proofing the backyard. Maybe some wire stuff that can be added to the fence, or what? Can I simply buy a raccoon trap and transport a few away from my property? Shooting them is not an option due to our city code. -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- @ @ @ Please forgive my typos as my right hand is injured. @ @ @ char*p="char*p=%c%s%c;main(){printf(p,34,p,34);}"; main(){printf(p,34,p,34);} "It's never too late to have a happy childhood." |
How to keep raccoons away
Sharpen your spade and make a "slot" into the ground all along the bottom of
the existing fence. Insert fence wire as deep as possible, and attach the top of the wire to the chain link fence. This still leaves the top of the fence vulnerable though, and raccoons can definitely climb. A Havahart trap is a good idea, too, but you might want to have your local animal control people assist. Raccoons can get weird.... Another suggestion I've heard is to plant prickly stuff around the crops that interest the raccoon. Zucchini and other squashes have abrasive stems that some raccoons won't step through. And, you didn't mention how far your fence is from the garden. If it's possible to plant shrubs that'll end up being 3-4' in diameter, and still leave room for YOU to work, you might consider barberry. Nothing gets past that bush without severe lacerations. That's why birds hang out in them and laugh at the cats. "Ignoramus15189" wrote in message ... I have a fenced backyard where I have a vegetable garden that is somewhat ransacked by raccoons. (or some other animals). It is fenced with a chain link fence, but they still sneak in. I am guessing that they get in between the fence and the ground. What are the practical ways of raccoon proofing the backyard. Maybe some wire stuff that can be added to the fence, or what? Can I simply buy a raccoon trap and transport a few away from my property? Shooting them is not an option due to our city code. -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- @ @ @ Please forgive my typos as my right hand is injured. @ @ @ char*p="char*p=%c%s%c;main(){printf(p,34,p,34);}"; main(){printf(p,34,p,34);} "It's never too late to have a happy childhood." |
How to keep raccoons away
In article , Doug Kanter wrote:
Sharpen your spade and make a "slot" into the ground all along the bottom of the existing fence. Insert fence wire as deep as possible, and attach the I am sorry for my stupid question, but what is fence wire? top of the wire to the chain link fence. This still leaves the top of the fence vulnerable though, and raccoons can definitely climb. that's upsetting that they can climb. A Havahart trap is a good idea, too, but you might want to have your local animal control people assist. Raccoons can get weird.... I can get weird too, I am not afraid of raccoons. I would just trap them and release then a few miles away. The issue is, are there so many local raccoons that trapping them is a waste of time? Do they migrate? For example, obviously, trapping birds is a waste of time since they propagate everywhere. But, if I could trap, say, 3-5 raccoons, would it actually help? Another suggestion I've heard is to plant prickly stuff around the crops that interest the raccoon. Zucchini and other squashes have abrasive stems that some raccoons won't step through. And, you didn't mention how far your fence is from the garden. If it's possible to plant shrubs that'll end up being 3-4' in diameter, and still leave room for YOU to work, you might consider barberry. Nothing gets past that bush without severe lacerations. That's why birds hang out in them and laugh at the cats. no space for that, unfortunately. i "Ignoramus15189" wrote in message ... I have a fenced backyard where I have a vegetable garden that is somewhat ransacked by raccoons. (or some other animals). It is fenced with a chain link fence, but they still sneak in. I am guessing that they get in between the fence and the ground. What are the practical ways of raccoon proofing the backyard. Maybe some wire stuff that can be added to the fence, or what? Can I simply buy a raccoon trap and transport a few away from my property? Shooting them is not an option due to our city code. @ @ @ Please forgive my typos as my right hand is injured. @ @ @ char*p="char*p=%c%s%c;main(){printf(p,34,p,34);}"; main(){printf(p,34,p,34);} "It's never too late to have a happy childhood." -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- @ @ @ Please forgive my typos as my right hand is injured. @ @ @ char*p="char*p=%c%s%c;main(){printf(p,34,p,34);}"; main(){printf(p,34,p,34);} "It's never too late to have a happy childhood." |
How to keep raccoons away
forgot to say, trapping and releasing raccoons would be educational
for my 3 year old son. i In article , Doug Kanter wrote: Sharpen your spade and make a "slot" into the ground all along the bottom of the existing fence. Insert fence wire as deep as possible, and attach the top of the wire to the chain link fence. This still leaves the top of the fence vulnerable though, and raccoons can definitely climb. A Havahart trap is a good idea, too, but you might want to have your local animal control people assist. Raccoons can get weird.... Another suggestion I've heard is to plant prickly stuff around the crops that interest the raccoon. Zucchini and other squashes have abrasive stems that some raccoons won't step through. And, you didn't mention how far your fence is from the garden. If it's possible to plant shrubs that'll end up being 3-4' in diameter, and still leave room for YOU to work, you might consider barberry. Nothing gets past that bush without severe lacerations. That's why birds hang out in them and laugh at the cats. "Ignoramus15189" wrote in message ... I have a fenced backyard where I have a vegetable garden that is somewhat ransacked by raccoons. (or some other animals). It is fenced with a chain link fence, but they still sneak in. I am guessing that they get in between the fence and the ground. What are the practical ways of raccoon proofing the backyard. Maybe some wire stuff that can be added to the fence, or what? Can I simply buy a raccoon trap and transport a few away from my property? Shooting them is not an option due to our city code. @ @ @ Please forgive my typos as my right hand is injured. @ @ @ char*p="char*p=%c%s%c;main(){printf(p,34,p,34);}"; main(){printf(p,34,p,34);} "It's never too late to have a happy childhood." -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- @ @ @ Please forgive my typos as my right hand is injured. @ @ @ char*p="char*p=%c%s%c;main(){printf(p,34,p,34);}"; main(){printf(p,34,p,34);} "It's never too late to have a happy childhood." |
How to keep raccoons away
On 10 May 2004 14:34:32 GMT, Ignoramus15189 wrote:
forgot to say, trapping and releasing raccoons would be educational for my 3 year old son. Why, to teach him how to make your problem someone else's? Whose problem do you intend to make these creatures? "Well, Junior, they're only a problem if they're in _our_ yard, so we'll take them 'out to the country' so someone else can deal with them" kind of thing, or what? |
How to keep raccoons away
"Ignoramus15189" wrote
forgot to say, trapping and releasing raccoons would be educational for my 3 year old son. Maybe not in the way you intended. First of all check out your state and local regulations, it may be illegal to trap and release game animals. Second, even if it is legal, you are merely transferring your problem to another area for someone else to deal with, and can very well also transfer diseases such as parvo, rabies and scabies along with the coon. Third, in the long run it won't even matter 'cause a new population will move in to take over the void left by removing the current residents. There are many (well, several anyway) ways to fence coons out of a garden; probably an electric offset wire around the bottom of the perimeter would be both the most animal and cost effective. Check out both the web site and order their excellent fencing catalog for ideas. http://www.premier1supplies.com/store/fencing.html Skip Skip & Christy Hensler THE ROCK GARDEN Newport, WA http://www.povn.com/rock/ |
How to keep raccoons away
Ignoramus15189 wrote:
In article , Doug Kanter wrote: Sharpen your spade and make a "slot" into the ground all along the bottom of the existing fence. Insert fence wire as deep as possible, and attach the I am sorry for my stupid question, but what is fence wire? top of the wire to the chain link fence. This still leaves the top of the fence vulnerable though, and raccoons can definitely climb. that's upsetting that they can climb. They live in trees. They are also very good at opening gates and latches. They can quickly learn to turn standard door handles. They are not too good at picking locks, but some primates can do that. A Havahart trap is a good idea, too, but you might want to have your local animal control people assist. Raccoons can get weird.... I can get weird too, I am not afraid of raccoons. I would just trap them and release then a few miles away. The issue is, are there so many local raccoons that trapping them is a waste of time? Do they migrate? For example, obviously, trapping birds is a waste of time since they propagate everywhere. But, if I could trap, say, 3-5 raccoons, would it actually help? Some areas, like were I live, do not allow you to release a raccoon that you might trap. I also suggest lots of miles. However it will not really help. If they like the area and there is food, they or others will be back. Another suggestion I've heard is to plant prickly stuff around the crops that interest the raccoon. Zucchini and other squashes have abrasive stems that some raccoons won't step through. And, you didn't mention how far your fence is from the garden. If it's possible to plant shrubs that'll end up being 3-4' in diameter, and still leave room for YOU to work, you might consider barberry. Nothing gets past that bush without severe lacerations. That's why birds hang out in them and laugh at the cats. no space for that, unfortunately. i "Ignoramus15189" wrote in message ... I have a fenced backyard where I have a vegetable garden that is somewhat ransacked by raccoons. (or some other animals). It is fenced with a chain link fence, but they still sneak in. I am guessing that they get in between the fence and the ground. What are the practical ways of raccoon proofing the backyard. Maybe some wire stuff that can be added to the fence, or what? Can I simply buy a raccoon trap and transport a few away from my property? Shooting them is not an option due to our city code. @ @ @ Please forgive my typos as my right hand is injured. @ @ @ char*p="char*p=%c%s%c;main(){printf(p,34,p,34);}"; main(){printf(p,34,p,34);} "It's never too late to have a happy childhood." -- Joseph E. Meehan 26 + 6 = 1 It's Irish Math |
How to keep raccoons away
Weird racoons may be displaying signs of rabies. Not an animal to be messed
with when acting weird! I definitely wouldn't have a child anywhere around if I was trying to deal with a caged "weird" racoon. |
How to keep raccoons away
On 10 May 2004 14:33:59 GMT, Ignoramus15189
wrote: A Havahart trap is a good idea, too, but you might want to have your local animal control people assist. Raccoons can get weird.... I can get weird too, I am not afraid of raccoons. I would just trap them and release then a few miles away. The issue is, are there so many local raccoons that trapping them is a waste of time? Do they migrate? For example, obviously, trapping birds is a waste of time since they propagate everywhere. But, if I could trap, say, 3-5 raccoons, would it actually help? you should be afraid of them, you will never win in a tussle with one, trapping might be worthwhile but relocating them is illegal in many places. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Because of the current email spam attacks my email account is not included, reply via the newsgroups or ask for a valid email address. |
How to keep raccoons away
In article ,
"The Rock Garden" wrote: There are many (well, several anyway) ways to fence coons out of a garden; probably an electric offset wire around the bottom of the perimeter would be both the most animal and cost effective. To my knowlege, elect. fences are simply the only reliable technique. period. The only remotely secondary solution is to build a complete cage around things, and ... racoons are damn good at defeating stuff like that. Any garden/hardware store should have everything one needs. Of course, this is just making the racoon someone else's problem... :-) ..max -- the part of was played by maxwell monningh 8-p |
How to keep raccoons away
In article ,
"Joseph Meehan" wrote: that's upsetting that they can climb. They live in trees. They are also very good at opening gates and latches. They can quickly learn to turn standard door handles. They are not too good at picking locks, but some primates can do that. ahem.. cough [tap tap] THEY HAVE HANDS!!! ..max -- the part of was played by maxwell monningh 8-p |
How to keep raccoons away
On Mon, 10 May 2004 14:33:59 +0000, Ignoramus15189 wrote:
Doug Kanter wrote: that's upsetting that they can climb. Very well ... trees, downspouts, whatever. As already mentioned, they're good with their paws. Saw one open a foam cooler, and then the screw top on the jar of jelly he selected. And in areas where they're used to people, lights and/or radio don't work. What about keeping a dog in the fenced area at night? A Havahart trap is a good idea, too, but you might want to have your local animal control people assist. Raccoons can get weird.... I can get weird too, I am not afraid of raccoons. Unless you live in a rabies-free area, it would be foolish not to be cautious. Even non-rabid raccoons can be fiesty if they're cornered. So if you're involving a child in this, be sure he understands that he should not approach one by himself. I would just trap them and release then a few miles away. The issue is, are there so many local raccoons that trapping them is a waste of time? Do they migrate? For example, obviously, trapping birds is a waste of time since they propagate everywhere. But, if I could trap, say, 3-5 raccoons, would it actually help? Maybe yes, maybe no. Depends on how many there are around. It would be bad form to release on private land without permission. |
How to keep raccoons away
"Ignoramus15189" wrote in message
... In article , Doug Kanter wrote: Sharpen your spade and make a "slot" into the ground all along the bottom of the existing fence. Insert fence wire as deep as possible, and attach the I am sorry for my stupid question, but what is fence wire? Galvanized wire screen that you buy in rolls. It's available with openings of various sizes. It'll be obvious which size to get. top of the wire to the chain link fence. This still leaves the top of the fence vulnerable though, and raccoons can definitely climb. that's upsetting that they can climb. It's not upsetting to the raccoons. :-) A Havahart trap is a good idea, too, but you might want to have your local animal control people assist. Raccoons can get weird.... I can get weird too, I am not afraid of raccoons. In order to release an animal from a Havahart trap, your hands will be right ON the trap as you open the end. You didn't say whether you've seen raccoons on your property during daylight hours, but if you have, it's assumed they may be rabid. Animal control people may have equipment which allows them to keep a little more distance during the release. Besides...if you have to "get weird" to keep from being bitten, it might mean hurting the animal. The issue is, are there so many local raccoons that trapping them is a waste of time? Do they migrate? For example, obviously, trapping birds is a waste of time since they propagate everywhere. But, if I could trap, say, 3-5 raccoons, would it actually help? Beats me. I lived in a semi-city neighborhood where we'd only see one or two per year. No idea what your area is like. Take a walk, look for other vegetable gardens, and knock on the owners' doors & ask them. Another suggestion I've heard is to plant prickly stuff around the crops that interest the raccoon. Zucchini and other squashes have abrasive stems that some raccoons won't step through. And, you didn't mention how far your fence is from the garden. If it's possible to plant shrubs that'll end up being 3-4' in diameter, and still leave room for YOU to work, you might consider barberry. Nothing gets past that bush without severe lacerations. That's why birds hang out in them and laugh at the cats. no space for that, unfortunately. Too bad. It's fun to watch dogs crash into barberry bushes. |
How to keep raccoons away
In article , The Rock Garden wrote:
"Ignoramus15189" wrote forgot to say, trapping and releasing raccoons would be educational for my 3 year old son. Maybe not in the way you intended. First of all check out your state and local regulations, it may be illegal to trap and release game animals. Second, even if it is legal, you are merely transferring your problem to another area for someone else to deal with, and can very well also transfer diseases such as parvo, rabies and scabies along with the coon. Third, in the long run it won't even matter 'cause a new population will move in to take over the void left by removing the current residents. There are many (well, several anyway) ways to fence coons out of a garden; probably an electric offset wire around the bottom of the perimeter would be both the most animal and cost effective. Check out both the web site and order their excellent fencing catalog for ideas. http://www.premier1supplies.com/store/fencing.html I would not use an electric fence with a 3 year old kid in the house. i Skip Skip & Christy Hensler THE ROCK GARDEN Newport, WA http://www.povn.com/rock/ -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- @ @ @ Please forgive my typos as my right hand is injured. @ @ @ char*p="char*p=%c%s%c;main(){printf(p,34,p,34);}"; main(){printf(p,34,p,34);} "It's never too late to have a happy childhood." |
How to keep raccoons away
"Max" wrote in message
... In article , "Joseph Meehan" wrote: that's upsetting that they can climb. They live in trees. They are also very good at opening gates and latches. They can quickly learn to turn standard door handles. They are not too good at picking locks, but some primates can do that. ahem.. cough [tap tap] THEY HAVE HANDS!!! .max They also have a sense of humor. While camping in the Catskills many years ago, my wife & I watched as some knucklehead set up a screen house, and inside it, two sets of collapsible plastic shelves onto which he placed what appeared to be enough snacks for an army. Lots of chips, cookies, cereal, etc. The ranger warned the dummy about wildlife, but I guess he decided the ranger didn't know what he was talking about. Around 2:00 AM, there was lots of crashing & interesting animal sounds. Two raccoons had bitten through the screen and knocked over the shelves. When the guy got up the nerve to come out of his tent, the creatures were still inside having a feast, while they watched the guy run around outside the screen house yelling. The feast continued for about an hour until the ranger finally came over and urged them (with a stick) to go elsewhere. He then evicted the camper. |
How to keep raccoons away
you should be afraid of them, you will never win in a tussle with one,
trapping might be worthwhile but relocating them is illegal in many places. Almost never. I managed a startled line drive to the head of one with a shovel when I came upon it unexpected - ex-coon. But I agree, there are better things to do than wind up with a coon gnawing on your tender bits, and attacking them is not a great idea. I find that an electric fence (a real cattle fence, not a mild little low voltage pet zapper) keeps them off the pear trees, and intend to use that around my pond this year as well. Trapping and doing away with them is one approach, but I suspect that there is probably an inexhaustible supply of the little buggers and that you'd have new ones showing up as fast as you could get rid of the old ones. |
How to keep raccoons away
"Ignoramus15189" wrote in message
... forgot to say, trapping and releasing raccoons would be educational for my 3 year old son. Is it an ego thing, or is there some other reason you don't want to enlist your local animal control people? The process you're describing might be more educational than you think, but not for the right reasons. Your son might learn how boring it is to sit around holding your dick in an emergency room for 3 hours while they take care of victims of car crashes & gunshots. You didn't say how large your garden is, but if the 'coons are attacking just a few things, you could try sprinkling cayenne powder on the leaves and the soil around those plants. Works great for keeping cats out of the garden, or from scratching furniture. |
How to keep raccoons away
I would not use an electric fence with a 3 year old kid in the house.
Gee - even the coons only touch it about once - most kids should be at least as smart....;-) |
How to keep raccoons away
"Ann" wrote in message
... What about keeping a dog in the fenced area at night? No! Bad idea! The dog will dig in the garden or crap all over it. Bad, bad, bad. |
How to keep raccoons away
In article , Ann wrote:
On Mon, 10 May 2004 14:33:59 +0000, Ignoramus15189 wrote: Doug Kanter wrote: that's upsetting that they can climb. Very well ... trees, downspouts, whatever. As already mentioned, they're good with their paws. Saw one open a foam cooler, and then the screw top on the jar of jelly he selected. And in areas where they're used to people, lights and/or radio don't work. What about keeping a dog in the fenced area at night? I have enough critters to take care of (a 3 yo kid and 2 chickens and a fishtank). A dog to keep the 'coons away is a hassle, and, I cannot have a dog live inside the house due to allergy. A Havahart trap is a good idea, too, but you might want to have your local animal control people assist. Raccoons can get weird.... I can get weird too, I am not afraid of raccoons. Unless you live in a rabies-free area, it would be foolish not to be cautious. Even non-rabid raccoons can be fiesty if they're cornered. So if you're involving a child in this, be sure he understands that he should not approach one by himself. I am sure I can come up with a safe release procedure, such as, I would be in the bed of the truck, and release the raccoon from a lowered trap, or whatever. I would just trap them and release then a few miles away. The issue is, are there so many local raccoons that trapping them is a waste of time? Do they migrate? For example, obviously, trapping birds is a waste of time since they propagate everywhere. But, if I could trap, say, 3-5 raccoons, would it actually help? Maybe yes, maybe no. Depends on how many there are around. It would be bad form to release on private land without permission. I would release them in a forest preserve. -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- @ @ @ Please forgive my typos as my right hand is injured. @ @ @ char*p="char*p=%c%s%c;main(){printf(p,34,p,34);}"; main(){printf(p,34,p,34);} "It's never too late to have a happy childhood." |
How to keep raccoons away
"Ignoramus15189" wrote in message
... In article , The Rock Garden wrote: "Ignoramus15189" wrote forgot to say, trapping and releasing raccoons would be educational for my 3 year old son. Maybe not in the way you intended. First of all check out your state and local regulations, it may be illegal to trap and release game animals. Second, even if it is legal, you are merely transferring your problem to another area for someone else to deal with, and can very well also transfer diseases such as parvo, rabies and scabies along with the coon. Third, in the long run it won't even matter 'cause a new population will move in to take over the void left by removing the current residents. There are many (well, several anyway) ways to fence coons out of a garden; probably an electric offset wire around the bottom of the perimeter would be both the most animal and cost effective. Check out both the web site and order their excellent fencing catalog for ideas. http://www.premier1supplies.com/store/fencing.html I would not use an electric fence with a 3 year old kid in the house. You've been watching too many movies. Farmers use electric fences all the time for livestock large & small. You haven't seen many electrocuted cows or pigs, have you? An electric fence produces a nasty tingle. We're not talking about a prison. |
How to keep raccoons away
In article , Doug Kanter wrote:
"Ignoramus15189" wrote in message ... In article , Doug Kanter wrote: Sharpen your spade and make a "slot" into the ground all along the bottom of the existing fence. Insert fence wire as deep as possible, and attach the I am sorry for my stupid question, but what is fence wire? Galvanized wire screen that you buy in rolls. It's available with openings of various sizes. It'll be obvious which size to get. thanks A Havahart trap is a good idea, too, but you might want to have your local animal control people assist. Raccoons can get weird.... I can get weird too, I am not afraid of raccoons. In order to release an animal from a Havahart trap, your hands will be right ON the trap as you open the end. You didn't say whether you've seen raccoons on your property during daylight hours, but if you have, it's assumed they I have not seen them during daylight. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- @ @ @ Please forgive my typos as my right hand is injured. @ @ @ char*p="char*p=%c%s%c;main(){printf(p,34,p,34);}"; main(){printf(p,34,p,34);} "It's never too late to have a happy childhood." |
How to keep raccoons away
In article , Doug Kanter wrote:
"Ignoramus15189" wrote in message ... In article , The Rock Garden wrote: "Ignoramus15189" wrote forgot to say, trapping and releasing raccoons would be educational for my 3 year old son. Maybe not in the way you intended. First of all check out your state and local regulations, it may be illegal to trap and release game animals. Second, even if it is legal, you are merely transferring your problem to another area for someone else to deal with, and can very well also transfer diseases such as parvo, rabies and scabies along with the coon. Third, in the long run it won't even matter 'cause a new population will move in to take over the void left by removing the current residents. There are many (well, several anyway) ways to fence coons out of a garden; probably an electric offset wire around the bottom of the perimeter would be both the most animal and cost effective. Check out both the web site and order their excellent fencing catalog for ideas. http://www.premier1supplies.com/store/fencing.html I would not use an electric fence with a 3 year old kid in the house. You've been watching too many movies. Farmers use electric fences all the time for livestock large & small. You haven't seen many electrocuted cows or pigs, have you? An electric fence produces a nasty tingle. We're not talking about a prison. an electric fence is a non starter, period. -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- @ @ @ Please forgive my typos as my right hand is injured. @ @ @ char*p="char*p=%c%s%c;main(){printf(p,34,p,34);}"; main(){printf(p,34,p,34);} "It's never too late to have a happy childhood." |
How to keep raccoons away
"Ignoramus15189" wrote in message
... I would not use an electric fence with a 3 year old kid in the house. You've been watching too many movies. Farmers use electric fences all the time for livestock large & small. You haven't seen many electrocuted cows or pigs, have you? An electric fence produces a nasty tingle. We're not talking about a prison. an electric fence is a non starter, period. You're no fun. |
How to keep raccoons away
In article , Doug Kanter wrote:
"Ignoramus15189" wrote in message ... forgot to say, trapping and releasing raccoons would be educational for my 3 year old son. Is it an ego thing, or is there some other reason you don't want to enlist your local animal control people? I hate spending money on various contractors. Hiring contractors is an unbelievable waste of time and money. The process you're describing might be more educational than you think, but not for the right reasons. Your son might learn how boring it is to sit around holding your dick in an emergency room for 3 hours while they take care of victims of car crashes & gunshots. roftlmao, I hope to avoid it. You didn't say how large your garden is, but if the 'coons are attacking just a few things, you could try sprinkling cayenne powder on the leaves and the soil around those plants. Works great for keeping cats out of the garden, or from scratching furniture. does it actually work? I kind of like the idea. -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- @ @ @ Please forgive my typos as my right hand is injured. @ @ @ char*p="char*p=%c%s%c;main(){printf(p,34,p,34);}"; main(){printf(p,34,p,34);} "It's never too late to have a happy childhood." |
How to keep raccoons away
"Ignoramus15189" wrote in message ... I have a fenced backyard where I have a vegetable garden that is somewhat ransacked by raccoons. (or some other animals). It is fenced with a chain link fence, but they still sneak in. I am guessing that they get in between the fence and the ground. What are the practical ways of raccoon proofing the backyard. Maybe some wire stuff that can be added to the fence, or what? Can I simply buy a raccoon trap and transport a few away from my property? Shooting them is not an option due to our city code. -- There are now more raccoons in urban areas than there are in "the country". The access to garbage and pet food and lack of real predators has caused a population explosion. The ****ONLY**** method that will work and work well is to install an electric wire. It's cheap enough since you already have the fencing. You'll need the standoffs for a wire around the bottom and one around the top. You can probably do it for less than $75 with stuff you can buy at the co-op. |
How to keep raccoons away
Ignoramus15189 wrote:
I have a fenced backyard where I have a vegetable garden that is somewhat ransacked by raccoons. (or some other animals). It is fenced with a chain link fence, but they still sneak in. I am guessing that they get in between the fence and the ground. What are the practical ways of raccoon proofing the backyard. Maybe some wire stuff that can be added to the fence, or what? Can I simply buy a raccoon trap and transport a few away from my property? Shooting them is not an option due to our city code. Might want to give one of those electric-eye-operated sprinklers a shot. I've used 'em to keep cats out of flowerbeds and herons out of small ponds. Never tried with raccoons, but not too many animals (except ducks) like to be squirted with a stream of water. |
How to keep raccoons away
"Doug Kanter" wrote in message ... "Ignoramus15189" wrote in message ... forgot to say, trapping and releasing raccoons would be educational for my 3 year old son. Is it an ego thing, or is there some other reason you don't want to enlist your local animal control people? The process you're describing might be more educational than you think, but not for the right reasons. Your son might learn how boring it is to sit around holding your dick in an emergency room for 3 hours while they take care of victims of car crashes & gunshots. You didn't say how large your garden is, but if the 'coons are attacking just a few things, you could try sprinkling cayenne powder on the leaves and the soil around those plants. Works great for keeping cats out of the garden, or from scratching furniture. Animal Control here WILL NOT deal with anything but dogs and cats and the occasional potbelly pig. Raccoons are *wildlife* and therefore non-domestic and not their problem. If you have an injured one, the state wildlife guys will direct you to a vet and foster parent, but they don't deal with them either unless they're possibly rabid, and since that's not happened since sometime in the 70's, you just get told to call a pest control firm who'll charge you big bucks and still not solve your problem. If the original poster and his child are too stupid to install an electric wire like was recommended, then let him deal with no fish in the fish ponds and no veggies in the garden and several ER bites from trying to trap them. Evolution in action. He'll either learn what futility is, or he'll actually educate himself on electric fences and not subscribe to ignorant hysteria. I'll bet he's even touched his tongue to a battery as a child, but somehow he thinks that should have electrocuted him. |
How to keep raccoons away
Get a bobcat. (a real bobcat, not the tractor kind.)
Hope this helps, :-) Bob |
How to keep raccoons away
"Ignoramus15189" wrote in message
... In article , Doug Kanter wrote: "Ignoramus15189" wrote in message ... forgot to say, trapping and releasing raccoons would be educational for my 3 year old son. Is it an ego thing, or is there some other reason you don't want to enlist your local animal control people? I hate spending money on various contractors. Hiring contractors is an unbelievable waste of time and money. Are we on the same planet? I'm referring to your TOWN'S animal control department. I've never heard of those people charging a citizen for removing an animal. The process you're describing might be more educational than you think, but not for the right reasons. Your son might learn how boring it is to sit around holding your dick in an emergency room for 3 hours while they take care of victims of car crashes & gunshots. roftlmao, I hope to avoid it. You didn't say how large your garden is, but if the 'coons are attacking just a few things, you could try sprinkling cayenne powder on the leaves and the soil around those plants. Works great for keeping cats out of the garden, or from scratching furniture. does it actually work? I kind of like the idea. Try it yourself. Sprinkle some on the counter and press your paws into it. Now, rub your eyes, pick your nose, and if you're really brave, go take a leak. If there's enough sweat on your hands to cause the essence of the powder to be released, your pecker will be in a world of hurt for a few hours. If you like the results, head over to a supermarket that sells spices in the bulk department. Lock & load! |
How to keep raccoons away
"Sunflower" wrote in message
... "Doug Kanter" wrote in message ... "Ignoramus15189" wrote in message ... forgot to say, trapping and releasing raccoons would be educational for my 3 year old son. Is it an ego thing, or is there some other reason you don't want to enlist your local animal control people? The process you're describing might be more educational than you think, but not for the right reasons. Your son might learn how boring it is to sit around holding your dick in an emergency room for 3 hours while they take care of victims of car crashes & gunshots. You didn't say how large your garden is, but if the 'coons are attacking just a few things, you could try sprinkling cayenne powder on the leaves and the soil around those plants. Works great for keeping cats out of the garden, or from scratching furniture. Animal Control here WILL NOT deal with anything but dogs and cats and the occasional potbelly pig. Raccoons are *wildlife* and therefore non-domestic and not their problem. Hmm. They were more than happy to come over to my house to remove a raccoon that was wandering around the yard in broad daylight. Is it possible that animal control departments are different from one place to another? Would it hurt to call and ask? |
How to keep raccoons away
"Sunflower" wrote in message ... "Doug Kanter" wrote in message ... "Ignoramus15189" wrote in message ... forgot to say, trapping and releasing raccoons would be educational for my 3 year old son. Is it an ego thing, or is there some other reason you don't want to enlist your local animal control people? The process you're describing might be more educational than you think, but not for the right reasons. Your son might learn how boring it is to sit around holding your dick in an emergency room for 3 hours while they take care of victims of car crashes & gunshots. You didn't say how large your garden is, but if the 'coons are attacking just a few things, you could try sprinkling cayenne powder on the leaves and the soil around those plants. Works great for keeping cats out of the garden, or from scratching furniture. Animal Control here WILL NOT deal with anything but dogs and cats and the occasional potbelly pig. Raccoons are *wildlife* and therefore non-domestic and not their problem. If you have an injured one, the state wildlife guys will direct you to a vet and foster parent, but they don't deal with them either unless they're possibly rabid, and since that's not happened since sometime in the 70's, you just get told to call a pest control firm who'll charge you big bucks and still not solve your problem. If the original poster and his child are too stupid to install an electric wire like was recommended, then let him deal with no fish in the fish ponds and no veggies in the garden and several ER bites from trying to trap them. Evolution in action. He'll either learn what futility is, or he'll actually educate himself on electric fences and not subscribe to ignorant hysteria. I'll bet he's even touched his tongue to a battery as a child, but somehow he thinks that should have electrocuted him. I'm pretty sure it takes more than 9v to scare off a racoon. So how much voltage would you use that would do the job but not hurt the child? I know you can die from as little as 50v. Even less if you got imaginative. |
How to keep raccoons away
In article , Doug Kanter wrote:
"Ignoramus15189" wrote in message ... In article , Doug Kanter wrote: "Ignoramus15189" wrote in message ... forgot to say, trapping and releasing raccoons would be educational for my 3 year old son. Is it an ego thing, or is there some other reason you don't want to enlist your local animal control people? I hate spending money on various contractors. Hiring contractors is an unbelievable waste of time and money. Are we on the same planet? I'm referring to your TOWN'S animal control department. I've never heard of those people charging a citizen for removing an animal. Oh, I see. I became confused. I called animal control department of our village a couple of weeks ago, and they said that they would not help with raccoons. just a few things, you could try sprinkling cayenne powder on the leaves and the soil around those plants. Works great for keeping cats out of the garden, or from scratching furniture. does it actually work? I kind of like the idea. Try it yourself. Sprinkle some on the counter and press your paws into it. Now, rub your eyes, pick your nose, and if you're really brave, go take a leak. If there's enough sweat on your hands to cause the essence of the powder to be released, your pecker will be in a world of hurt for a few hours. If you like the results, head over to a supermarket that sells spices in the bulk department. Lock & load! Okay, I like this idea actually, as it seems practical. My thinking is, buy this cayenne pepper powder, get some food leftovers, sprinkle with CPP, and leave for raccoons to try. That could probably dissuade them from visiting my property. I could use CPP on my garbage bins, as well. I would rather not sprinkle CPPon the garden, as my son plays with it (he "owns" some of the plants and likes to sprinkle water on the garden). But, if raccoons are smart enough to avoid a whole yard if they have enough trouble on it, I will be fine! -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- @ @ @ Please forgive my typos as my right hand is injured. @ @ @ char*p="char*p=%c%s%c;main(){printf(p,34,p,34);}"; main(){printf(p,34,p,34);} "It's never too late to have a happy childhood." |
How to keep raccoons away
"Ignoramus15189" wrote in message
... Are we on the same planet? I'm referring to your TOWN'S animal control department. I've never heard of those people charging a citizen for removing an animal. Oh, I see. I became confused. I called animal control department of our village a couple of weeks ago, and they said that they would not help with raccoons. Perhaps they'll only help with raccoons if they're spotted during the day, which usually means they're rabid. |
How to keep raccoons away
Doug Kanter wrote:
My brother had a group that use to stop by his house and let his cat out so they could all play together. They never bothered anything, but the cat had fun playing follow the leader with them. -- Joseph E. Meehan 26 + 6 = 1 It's Irish Math |
How to keep raccoons away
On 10 May 2004 18:18:55 GMT, Ignoramus15189 wrote:
In article , Doug Kanter wrote: Are we on the same planet? I'm referring to your TOWN'S animal control department. I've never heard of those people charging a citizen for removing an animal. Oh, I see. I became confused. I called animal control department of our village a couple of weeks ago, and they said that they would not help with raccoons. They won't let you shoot 'em, but they also won't take care of them for you? That's inconvenient. My thinking is, buy this cayenne pepper powder, get some food leftovers, sprinkle with CPP, and leave for raccoons to try. That could probably dissuade them from visiting my property. I could use CPP on my garbage bins, as well. That or you'll find that they like it ;) I would rather not sprinkle CPPon the garden, as my son plays with it (he "owns" some of the plants and likes to sprinkle water on the garden). But, if raccoons are smart enough to avoid a whole yard if they have enough trouble on it, I will be fine! Let us know how it turns out. Might end up with a bunch of chilihead racoons. |
How to keep raccoons away
Ignoramus15189 wrote:
Shooting them is not an option due to our city code. Flippin' governments. Take the fun out of everything. ;-) |
How to keep raccoons away
Ignoramus15189 ) wrote:
: I have a fenced backyard where I have a vegetable garden that is : somewhat ransacked by raccoons. (or some other animals). Here's the advice I hear frequently on "You Bet Your Garden" with Mike McGrath: Dig a trench two feet deep around your garden, and put 6 foot tall wire fence into it. No burrowing animal burrows deeper than two feet. Use stakes to support the fence, and fill in the trench. You now have four feet of fence above ground and two feet of fence below. Don't secure the top foot of the fence to the stakes. Instead, bend it outwards at least 45 degrees. Now you have a fence that burrowing creatures can't burrow under, and climbing creatures can't climb over. When they try to climb, they have to hang upside down from the unsecured part of the fence, which bends under their weight and drops them on the ground. The only way a critter can get through such a fence is by jumping over it, knocking it down, or going through it. I've never tried this myself, but it sounds reasonable. --- Chip |
How to keep raccoons away
"Adam Russell" wrote in message ... Evolution in action. He'll either learn what futility is, or he'll actually educate himself on electric fences and not subscribe to ignorant hysteria. I'll bet he's even touched his tongue to a battery as a child, but somehow he thinks that should have electrocuted him. I'm pretty sure it takes more than 9v to scare off a racoon. So how much voltage would you use that would do the job but not hurt the child? I know you can die from as little as 50v. Even less if you got imaginative. Don't let your kids wear wool socks on a low humidity day...imagine what would happen if they discovered they can shuffle around the house and zap each other with a few thousand volts. A typical static electricity shock is about 2000 - 4000 volts. Of course a amperage involved is so low, that aside from the surprise, no damage is done. Ever taken a weak 9v battery and tapped it against your tongue? A fresh battery hurts a little, but a weak one gives a little tingling sensation. A consumer grade electric fence is harmless, it will give a mild shock, but nothing dangerous. I couldn't find the specifications online, so guestimating, if an electric fence transformer draws 120v A/C @ 1 amp, the output would be 4000 v A/C at .03 amp. That's just a mild shocker, pretty safe..if it was D/C on the otherhand is a different story. Sameer |
How to keep raccoons away
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