How can I get rid of my raccoons without hurting or killing them?

Question

They are getting in the garage and somehow opening the plastic bins of dog and cat food and eating it all. Leaving trash and mess all over the garage. I have outside cats and I am afraid that the raccoons are gonna hurt them. Any suggestions that wont cost me a bunch of money? Thanks ahead of time!

Answer 1

Set raccoon traps baited with chicken scraps.  When they are trapped, fill a watertight garbage pail up to the brim with water, and give the raccoons a big drink.

Answer 2

First things first.........find another place to keep the pet food in.  Feed the cats only during the day or when someone is home, and then remove the food immediately.  They might go away after they figure out there's no more food.  If that doesn't work, call your local animal warden, or the city and ask if they will loan you a live pet cage(s).  You also have to ask them what you do with them once you catch them.  You would think you could just drive them to a park and release them, right?  Well, that's not alway the case, so please check first. You might want to just remove the food and hope for the best.  Good luck!

Answer 3

Traps were our solution. Word of warning - call your local animal control and ask what you should do with them once you've trapped them. You might be surprised to find there are few options.

Answer 4

By setting a trap and email me

Answer 5

if you go to your local animal control center, they should have small animal traps that you can borrow.  They usually take a deposit, and will return your deposit upon return of the trap.  If you catch a raccoon, you would take the animal to the animal control, or they might even pick them up in your area.  Otherwise, I would make sure there are no entrances to your garage.  Keep the animals in at night.  It is safer anyway.  If you can't, then keep them out of the garage, and make sure there are no entry ways, like cat or dog doors.

Answer 6

There are live traps you can put out, and the animal control or humane society in many areas will loan them to you.  Also, don't leave food around for them.  Take care of the food, and they will go away.  You can also leave a radio playing in the garage and it sometimes keeps critters at bay because they think people are around.  I have heard talk radio works best, so find a local talk radio show and get rid of the critters and get educated at the same time. :-)

Answer 7

Call your animal patrol they set traps for my neighbors. Then

release them else where. Good Luck

Answer 8

Adopt them; if you don't kill them, you won't get rid of them.

Answer 9

Get more secure food bins for your pets. Metal garbage cans with a chain across the top and through the handles may work.Remove all food left over every night. If the critters do not have food and cover, they will go to your neighbors.  Food and brush or trees will keep them in your yard.  Remove the food, trim the brush and disturb them and they will move.

Answer 10

I had the same problem... except that it was on my large porch. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do except remove the food and store it somewhere inside the house (perhaps a laundry room or storage room. Racoons do not come around if they do not smell food or trash. I now feed the outside cats when I'm home. They will not starve while they wait for you *they'll sleep*!