Preventing and controlling property damage
Raccoons are common inhabitants of urban and semi-urban areas Minnesota. Because local ordinances provide raccoons with near-total protection in many areas, dealing with damage or nuisance situations in those settings presents some unique problems.Problem identification
Because raccoons sleep during the day and are active at night, property owners seldom see them causing damage. However their distinctive tracks or the type of damage caused may help identify whether raccoons are the problem.Raccoons will raid garbage cans in search of food, and this may be mistaken for a problem caused by free-running dogs. Uncapped and unused chimneys are commonly used for denning in urban areas. Raccoons may occasionally gain access to attics or outbuildings. They will also roll up freshly laid sod in search of grubs or worms, especially in late summer.Raccoons may cause considerable damage to gardens or truck crops, particularly sweet corn. They will pull back the husks and eat the corn, and may break off corn stalks as they climb up the stalks to get the ears.Damage prevention
Although the raccoon may cause numerous nuisance problems, there are a number of ways to deter or prevent additional damage.Garbage cans:Homeowners having a problem with raccoons in garbage should store the garbage in a stout metal or plastic container and close the lid tightly. It should be wired, clamped or tied shut if necessary. If the problem persists it may be necessary to tie the can to a post or other solid object to prevent it from being tipped over, or to put the garbage cans inside the garage or outdoor shed. Raccoons may be attracted by dog or cat food left out overnight, and it may be necessary to feed pets indoors or to provide food only during the day.Feeding of raccoons is strongly discouraged and is prohibited in some areas. Raccoons that have been intentionally fed tend to become very bold and dependent on people and can become especially troublesome in the neighborhood where the feeding occurs.Attics:If raccoons are denning in an attic, the best way to get rid of them is to wait until all raccoons leave the attic, then repair the hole where they are gaining access. Raccoons normally leave their dens nightly to forage. However, in the spring and early summer, young raccoons may be present that are unable to leave the den. In winter, raccoons may remain in their dens for weeks at a time during very cold or stormy weather, coming out only on "warm" nights.Chimneys:
If raccoons are lodging in an unused chimney, it may be possible to smoke them out by lighting a SMALL fire in the fireplace. However, this technique may not work if young raccoons are present, or the raccoon may climb part way up the chimney and stop causing smoke to back up into the house. You should be prepared to quickly extinguish the fire if this becomes a problem. Some professional chimney cleaners also specialize in removing animals, or the homeowner can wait until the young are weaned (between two and four months of age). At that time, they will leave on their own. In any case, once the raccoons are gone, the chimney should be covered with a commercial cap to prevent future problems.Lawn and Sod:
Raccoons roll or pull up freshly laid sod, beginning in late June or early July, in search of worms and grubs. If the new sod does not cover much area, it may be possible to put wooden stakes or wire pins through the ends of the rolls until the roots get a good firm hold. Usually, the most practical alternative is to remove the raccoon(s).Gardens:
Raccoons raiding vegetable gardens may be excluded with a single or double wire electric fence, if the area is fairly isolated. Single wire fences should be 6 inches off the ground or a double wire fence at 5 and 12 inches may be more effective. The fence can be activated at dusk and turned off after daybreak. In residential areas where children may be present, electric fences may not be the most practical alternative. No effective repellents or frightening devices are known for raccoons in outdoor areas.