Raccoons in the attic

J

Jeep Man

Commander
Joined
Oct 17, 2008
Messages
2,803
I just got a call from my neighbor at the cottage. She informed me that a momma raccoon has moved into the attic of the the add-on storage room at the back and set up house with her family. My neighbor thinks they have been inside the cottage but she's not sure yet. I haven't been up there yet as the snow is now gone. Will the critters move out on their own? At what point will this happen, if ever? What's the best method to move them out, other than a shotgun (too messy)?
I'm not looking forward to spring opening. I got a bad feeling about this. On top of this, she told me that my boat cover didn't hold up to test of a 5 foot snowfall. Yuck.
 
Bondo

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,525
Re: Raccoons in the attic

What's the best method to move them out, other than a shotgun (too messy)?
Click to expand...

Ayuh,... Leg-hold traps,+ a .22.....
 
Stachi

Stachi

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 14, 2009
Messages
1,671
Re: Raccoons in the attic

Seriously Jeep, professional exterminators fashion one-way exits for the animals and attach them temporarily to the structure, when they locate the entrance-way the critters use...the trap is fashioned on-sight out of wire mesh...I watched an episode about it on Dirty Jobs for squirrel infestation...when they know the critters are gone , entrance damage must be repaired when the fixture is removed
....not sure I would leave the damage repair to the exterminator...
 
Bob_VT

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,022
Re: Raccoons in the attic

Just remember ....... if it's Momma and you trap her and evacuate...... don't forget the kit's. They usually stay with the mother up to 9 months!
 
Cofe

Cofe

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 23, 2009
Messages
1,883
Re: Raccoons in the attic

Call your local Fish and Game department. They use catch alive traps, then relocate them somewhere else. Most of the time the game wardens are eager to help out.
 
JB

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Raccoons in the attic

For future reference, a few mothballs will discourage critters from moving in.
 
J

joed

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Sep 28, 2002
Messages
1,132
Re: Raccoons in the attic

JB said:
For future reference, a few mothballs will discourage critters from moving in.
Click to expand...

Could work but don't do like most people, go in tha attic and start throwing them around. Eventually you will want the mothballs out of there and then you can't find them. Just put them in a can place them around the attic.
Also ammonia has been used to drive them out as well. Soak a rag and put it in a can. Put the can up in the attic.
 
J

Jeep Man

Commander
Joined
Oct 17, 2008
Messages
2,803
Re: Raccoons in the attic

I'm at a loss as to what to do. Because of work,the most time I can spend there is a weekend, here and there until early summer. The attic is small, about 14'x14', doesn't have an access point (until now) and is only about 2' high at the highest point. I don't relish the thought of opening up the roof as I re-shingled just last year. What to do, what to do.
 
Bob_VT

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,022
Re: Raccoons in the attic

Let them live in the attic and once they are all old enough to move then do the eviction.......
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top