After the realization that I have practically barricaded my backyard to keep the raccoons away it dawned on me "What if one gets in and can't get out?" Fat chance of that happening though, well... Early this morning around 4 a.m. I was awaken with a sense to go on 'raccoon watch.' In doing so I watched one raccoon climb down the roof of the carriage house onto the honeysuckle tree and dash across the yard and up into the mulberry tree. The following are my thoughts as I was watching this transpire. Well, let's see if you can make it down in the yard nextdoor AFTER I've cut down all the trees along the fence line. It was about 3-4 minutes that had passed and the raccoon slowly descended down the mulberry tree and dashed across the yard climbing back up the honeysuckle tree onto the roof from which it had entered. Then mind you, another one crawled down the mulberry tree exiting the same way. I told my son that the raccoons will have to climb up and over to get into the yard to get nextdoor and that's exactly what happened. So now I wait for a second attempt...
Does this mean, after you barricaded your property, the raccoons can still enter and leave (at least) two different ways?
Yes, I'm saying it. My thoughts are to watched how they came and went and blocked as many that I was able to so that would limit how they could get in and make it more difficult too. Actually I guessed this would happen. It's getting close to where they will be going into hibernation and I won't be seeing them around for a while. Once I tackle that tree behind the carriage house that should hopefully keep them off the roof.
Ah ha, now the story unfolds! You live next door to a raccoon stronghold. I still say your only hope is an electric fence. Yes, the raccoons will be hibernating soon, but all winter they will be dreaming about how to outsmart you. Also next year there will be 4 to 6 times the raccoons next door. Maybe visit a chicken farm daily this winter and take the dead chickens off their hands and freeze them. Next year toss a couple of dead chickens daily over into the vacant place. The raccoons will have no reason to visit your sanctuary.
Not a bad idea but they feed off of trashcans in the alley. Travelling through my yard is the closest to their den and nicest route. Besides the City code states not within the city limits.
Ok so I am evil and have eaten a raccoon and I know you are too nice to shoot one (probably illegal where you live). But here goes. Do NOT feed them anything. They invite their friends. I knew a guy who fed them and after a couple of years had 50ish of them on his deck every evening. If you could get a live trap from the Humane Society, or somewhere, put a can of cat food in it and take a coon for a ride to a park of cemetery far away, every day till they are gone, it may take a while and people will wonder what you are doing on your trips, eventually they will be gone. Just practice with the trap till you are proficient opening it to let the critters out into the ditch or somewhere. You just need to hold it away from your clothes while you walk. Cheaper bait is a slice of apple with peanut butter on it. Raccoons can climb pretty much anything if they put their minds to it even without trees. I had them open a slide bolt to get in and eat my baby chicks one year.
It sounds like the vacant place next door (and its occupants) is the city's problem to remedy. If there is a raccoon infestation, there are other critters living there that aren't so cute presenting health hazards. Phone call first, then follow up letter, Registered/Return Receipt.
It's a no go with the city as well. They and I quote 'Don't mess with raccoons in their 'natural' environment." I dare to share my thoughts when I heard this but I say they are trespassing in my environment doesn't that account for anything? They destroyed my property, pooped in my yard, make annoying noises through the night, @John Brunner don't get me started.
Did you tell the city that the raccoons have taken up residence in a vacant house? And I guess that logic applies to chickens as well, huh?
Yes, I did. She said she will notify the housing inspection. A few days later waste collection came with a bulldozer? and scooped up all the trash in the alley.Okay, so the inspector didn't like seeing all of the trashcans turned over and trash spilled in the alley, I get it but...I gave my name and address and no one stopped and asked me any questions since I reported it. Go figure.