Sep 6, 2024 | Wildlife
Raccoons, with their curious nature and dexterous paws, are common in Georgia. While these animals can seem harmless, they can cause significant damage to property and pose health risks to humans. If you’re dealing with a raccoon problem, knowing how to trap them safely is essential. One of the key components to successful raccoon trapping is using the right bait. In this blog, we’ll discuss what raccoons like to eat, the dangers they pose, the best baits for raccoon traps, and how to prevent these clever critters from returning.
What Do Raccoons Like to Eat?
Raccoons are omnivores with a varied diet. They have a keen sense of smell, which helps them find food in both natural and urban environments. Common foods that attract raccoons include:
- Fruits: Grapes, apples, peaches, and berries are irresistible to raccoons.
- Vegetables: Corn and peas are common raccoon favorites.
- Nuts and Seeds: Raccoons enjoy munching on nuts, including peanuts and sunflower seeds.
- Insects and Small Animals: In the wild, raccoons will eat insects, frogs, and small rodents.
- Human Food: Raccoons are notorious for scavenging through trash bins. Leftover meats, pizza, and bread are particularly appealing.
When baiting a raccoon trap, you’ll want to use food that will entice them into the trap while also ensuring that it’s positioned correctly to trigger the mechanism.
The Dangers Raccoons Pose to Humans and Property
Though raccoons may appear cute, they can be quite destructive when they enter human spaces. Below are some of the dangers they pose:
- Property Damage: Raccoons are excellent climbers and can easily find their way into attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces. Once inside, they can tear up insulation, damage wiring, and create nests, leading to costly repairs.
- Health Risks: Raccoons carry diseases that are transmissible to humans and pets, including rabies and leptospirosis. Additionally, their feces may contain roundworm eggs, which pose a serious health hazard if inhaled or ingested.
- Attacks on Pets: While raccoons tend to avoid confrontation, they can become aggressive if cornered or threatened. Small pets, particularly cats and small dogs, may be at risk of injury during encounters with raccoons.
The Best Bait for a Raccoon Trap
Choosing the right bait is crucial for successfully trapping a raccoon. The best bait will be something with a strong smell that appeals to their omnivorous palate. Here are some of the most effective options:
- Marshmallows: Surprisingly, raccoons are highly attracted to sweet foods, and marshmallows make excellent bait. They are inexpensive, easy to handle, and have a strong sugary smell that raccoons love.
- Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is a go-to bait for many wildlife trappers. Its thick consistency and strong aroma make it an excellent option for raccoon traps. You can smear it on the trigger plate of the trap or pair it with other foods like bread or crackers.
- Canned Sardines or Tuna: Raccoons are attracted to the pungent smell of fish. Canned sardines or tuna are highly effective in drawing them into traps. Place the can in the back of the trap to ensure they step on the trigger plate as they reach for the food.
- Cat or Dog Food: Many people use canned cat or dog food as bait. The strong smell and ease of accessibility make it a practical choice. However, keep in mind that this bait may also attract other animals, such as stray cats or dogs.
- Fresh Fruit: Grapes, apples, and bananas are popular choices when it comes to raccoon bait. Their strong, sweet fragrance is a great lure, especially when placed near the back of the trap.
How to Trap a Raccoon Safely
When using a raccoon trap, it’s important to follow safety guidelines. Here are a few tips for effective trapping:
- Choose the Right Trap: Opt for a live trap that is large enough to contain an adult raccoon but small enough to prevent injury. Traps that measure 32 to 36 inches in length are typically ideal for raccoons.
- Place the Trap Strategically: Place the trap near areas where raccoon activity is most noticeable, such as near garbage bins, gardens, or attics. Ensure that the trap is stable and won’t tip over when the raccoon enters.
- Check the Trap Regularly: Once the trap is set, check it frequently. Leaving a raccoon trapped for extended periods can be stressful for the animal and may increase the risk of injury.
How to Get Rid of Raccoons After Trapping
After successfully trapping a raccoon, it’s essential to handle it humanely and safely. In Georgia, there are regulations governing the release of trapped raccoons, so it’s wise to consult a professional wildlife removal company. Professionals can ensure that the raccoon is relocated to a suitable habitat away from residential areas.
Avoid handling the raccoon directly, as they can become aggressive or carry diseases. Most wildlife control companies offer relocation services as part of their raccoon removal programs, providing a humane way to get rid of raccoons.
Preventing Raccoons from Returning
Once you’ve removed the raccoons from your property, it’s essential to take steps to prevent them from coming back. Here are some effective prevention tips:
- Secure Trash Bins: Raccoons are drawn to garbage, so make sure all outdoor trash bins are securely closed with tight-fitting lids. Consider using bungee cords to secure the lids further.
- Eliminate Food Sources: Avoid leaving pet food outside overnight, and clean up any fallen fruit from trees in your yard. This will minimize potential food sources for raccoons.
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for any gaps or openings that raccoons could use to enter, particularly around the roof, attic, and chimney. Use materials such as hardware cloth or metal flashing to block off these entry points.
- Install Motion-Activated Lights: Raccoons are nocturnal and prefer to operate under the cover of darkness. Installing motion-activated lights can deter them from getting too close to your home.
- Use Repellents: Some homeowners use commercial raccoon repellents or homemade solutions, such as spraying ammonia around the perimeter of their property. These strong smells can deter raccoons from returning.
Dealing with a raccoon problem can be a challenge, but with the right bait, trap, and preventive measures, you can effectively manage and remove them from your property. If you’re unsure about how to get rid of raccoons or need assistance, working with a professional wildlife control company is the safest and most efficient solution. A trained wildlife removal expert can help you trap raccoons humanely and provide ongoing prevention strategies to keep them from returning. Contact a wildlife removal service today to reclaim your property from these pesky invaders.
Jul 12, 2024 | DIY Wildlife Prevention, Wildlife
If you live in Georgia, encountering wildlife around your home is common. While Georgia’s rich biodiversity is something to celebrate, it can also bring some challenges, particularly when it comes to raccoons. These nocturnal creatures are intelligent and resourceful, often creating problems for homeowners. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to identify raccoons, recognize signs of their presence, understand the types of raccoon traps available, and learn the best bait to use. We’ll also share tips to prevent raccoons from returning to your property.
Identifying Raccoons
Raccoons are medium-sized mammals known for their distinctive black “mask” across their eyes and their ringed tails. Here are some key characteristics to help you identify them:
- Size and Weight: Adult raccoons typically weigh between 10-20 pounds, though some can be larger, especially in urban areas with abundant food sources. They stand about 1.5-2 feet tall when on all fours.
- Fur and Coloration: Raccoons have dense, greyish-brown fur, with a darker area around their eyes that resembles a mask. Their tails have several black rings.
- Behavior: Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They are excellent climbers and swimmers, often found near water sources.
Signs of Raccoons Around Your Home
Identifying the presence of raccoons early can help you mitigate any potential damage. Here are some common signs:
- Tracks: Raccoon tracks are distinct with five toes on both their front and hind feet. Their tracks resemble tiny human handprints.
- Droppings: Raccoon droppings are similar in appearance to those of a small dog, often containing undigested seeds or other food remnants.
- Noise: Raccoons can be noisy, especially when they have made a den in your attic or chimney. You might hear thumping or scratching noises at night.
- Damage: Raccoons are known to raid trash cans, tear up insulation, and chew on wires. They can also damage gardens by digging up plants and eating crops.
- Scattered Food: If you find pet food, birdseed, or garbage scattered around, it could be a sign of raccoons foraging for food.
Types of Traps Used to Catch Raccoons
There are several types of traps used for raccoon control, but live traps are the most common and humane method. Here’s a look at the different types:
- Live Traps: These are designed to capture raccoons without harming them. They are typically made of metal wire and have a door that closes when the raccoon enters the trap.
- Foot-Hold Traps: While effective, these traps are more controversial due to concerns about animal welfare. They catch the raccoon by the foot and should only be used by professionals.
- Body-Grip Traps: Also known as conibear traps, these are lethal traps that quickly kill the raccoon. They should be used with caution and are often regulated by local laws.
Best Bait to Use in Raccoon Traps
Choosing the right bait is crucial for successfully trapping raccoons. Here are some effective bait options:
- Marshmallows: The sweet smell of marshmallows is highly attractive to raccoons. Place a few inside the trap to lure them in.
- Canned Fish or Sardines: The strong odor of canned fish or sardines is irresistible to raccoons. Ensure the bait is securely placed so the raccoon has to fully enter the trap to retrieve it.
- Cat Food: Wet cat food is another great option due to its strong smell and appealing taste.
- Fruit: Raccoons are omnivores and enjoy a variety of fruits. Apples, grapes, and berries can work well as bait.
- Peanut Butter: Spread peanut butter on bread or crackers. The smell and taste are very enticing to raccoons.
How to Set a Raccoon Trap
Setting a raccoon trap requires some preparation and knowledge. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Choose the Right Location: Place the trap near areas where you’ve noticed raccoon activity, such as near trash cans, gardens, or entry points to your attic.
- Secure the Trap: Ensure the trap is stable and won’t tip over when the raccoon enters. You can anchor it with stakes if necessary.
- Bait the Trap: Place the bait at the back of the trap to ensure the raccoon fully enters before triggering the door.
- Check the Trap Regularly: It’s important to check the trap frequently, at least twice a day, to ensure the raccoon doesn’t suffer from exposure or stress.
- Handle with Care: Once a raccoon is trapped, approach with caution. Wear gloves and use a blanket to cover the trap and calm the animal. Relocate the raccoon according to local wildlife regulations.
Preventing Raccoons from Returning
After successfully trapping and removing raccoons, take steps to prevent them from coming back:
- Secure Trash Bins: Use raccoon-proof trash cans with tight-fitting lids. Consider using bungee cords to keep them securely closed.
- Remove Food Sources: Don’t leave pet food outside overnight, and clean up any fallen fruit from trees. Secure bird feeders to prevent raccoons from accessing them.
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for potential entry points, such as holes in the roof, attic vents, and chimneys. Use metal mesh or hardware cloth to seal these areas.
- Install Motion-Activated Lights: Raccoons prefer dark areas. Installing motion-activated lights can deter them from approaching your home.
- Use Repellents: Commercial raccoon repellents or homemade solutions, such as a mixture of water and hot sauce, can be sprayed around your property to deter raccoons.
When to Call a Wildlife Control Company
While trapping and preventing raccoons can often be managed on your own, there are situations where it’s best to call a professional wildlife control company:
- Persistent Problems: If raccoons keep returning despite your best efforts, a professional can provide more advanced solutions.
- Health Concerns: Raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies and roundworm. If you’re concerned about health risks, it’s safer to involve a professional.
- Complex Situations: If raccoons have made a den in a difficult-to-reach area, such as your attic or chimney, a professional wildlife removal expert can safely handle the situation.
Raccoons can be a challenging nuisance for homeowners in Georgia, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can effectively manage and prevent these wildlife intrusions. Identifying the presence of raccoons early, using the right traps and bait, and taking preventive measures are key steps in successful raccoon control. Remember, if the situation becomes too complex or risky, don’t hesitate to contact a professional wildlife control company. Their expertise and experience can help ensure your home remains raccoon-free and your family stays safe.
By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to handle raccoon issues and maintain a peaceful, wildlife-free home environment. Happy trapping!
Sep 14, 2021 | Wildlife
As the weather cools off and fall peeks around the corner, many people are taking advantage of the milder weather and spending more time outside. Unfortunately, many pests and wildlife, including snakes, are also enjoying the milder weather, preparing for the impending winter. Although most snakes encountered in Georgia are nonvenomous, there are a few species of venomous snakes to keep an eye out for. These include the copperhead, the timber rattlesnake, the cottonmouth, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the eastern coral snake, and the pigmy rattlesnake.
When spending time outdoors, keep an eye out for snakes in backyards, parks, and areas near the woods. They also like to frequent areas that border streams, lakes, swamps, and ponds. Snake season begins in the spring, usually March to April. Snake season doesn’t end until late fall or even winter, depending on weather patterns and where you’re located. Snakes in the southern states will stay active much longer than up north where the cold sets in sooner.
If you run into a snake, keep these tips in mind:
- Familiarize yourself with the venomous snake species common in your area and how to recognize them.
- Try to identify the snake without getting too close to it.
- Give the snake space.
- If spending time outdoors, wear closed-toed shoes and long pants.
- Remove any brush, log piles and other attractants for rodents from around your home.
- Seal up any cracks, gaps, and holes that snakes can use to get into.
- Remember that non-venomous snakes are protected by law in Georgia.
Because snake season hasn’t quite ended yet, it’s still important to take precautions when spending time outdoors. It’s best to leave snake removal to the professionals, especially if you aren’t sure what type of snake you’re dealing with. If you have a problem with snakes or any other pests, contact your local pest control company for proper identification and safe elimination of the offending creature.
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Nov 8, 2019 | Wildlife
Nesting birds can cause much more damage than one may realize. But why would birds want to build their nests so close to humans? Nesting near, in, or on homes actually provides birds with protection from dangerous predators and helps protect them from extreme temperatures in the environment. Birds will build their nests anywhere that fits the criteria they are looking for. They prefer to nest at higher locations so they can survey the area around them for potential predators while keeping their nests relatively hidden. Bird nests can be found just about anywhere on or around your home. In fact, small birds will even nest in gaps in siding, behind shutters, or even on light fixtures.
So a bird built a nest on your home. Is that bird’s nest dangerous? They can be! Bird droppings contain acid that can corrode metal and concrete and even damage car paint. Debris from nests and bird feathers can clog drains and gutters leading to moisture issues. When nests are built in dryer, fan, or stove vents, they can cause clogs that restrict air flow, cause lint to buildup, and significantly increase the risk of fire. Nests that are built inside attics can cause damage to insulation.
Besides the physical damage to your home, bird nests can also cause health issues for humans. Birds carry pathogens that can be dangerous to the health of you and your family. Nests also contain bird droppings which can carry all sorts of bacteria and other pathogens like histoplasmosis. Nests can also contain parasites, ticks, mites, and other pests that can remain long after birds have vacated a nest.
There are also several federal, regional, and local laws and regulations that restrict or prohibit the relocation, removal, or destruction of bird nests. Without knowing for certain what species of bird has inhabited your home, disturbing the nest could be considered illegal and put you at risk for legal ramifications.
The best way to get rid of bird nests is to prevent them from being built in the first place. Here are some steps you can take at home to help prevent birds from nesting in, on, or near your home.
- Eliminate food sources. Birds often nest near homes because they provide an ample supply of food without having to travel far from their nests. Remove food scraps and trash from around your home. Make sure your trash containers are sealed tightly. Keep bird feeders and baths farther out in your yard and only fill them with enough feed for a few birds at a time. Make sure to clean up any spilled birdseed regularly.
- Keep it covered. Birds are notorious for building nests in dryer vents, fan vents, stove vents, and chimneys. Install covers or screens over any open vents. You can also install chimney caps on chimneys. Seal any gaps in siding and shutters.
- Scare them away. Consider installing perch repellents on window sills, ledges, and around the perimeter of your roof. These spikes will prevent birds from alighting on these areas. Consider placing plastic predators like coyotes, snakes, owls, and hawks) on your porch and around your yard. These will spook birds away from your home. Make sure to move them around periodically so the birds don’t get used to them being there. You can also use visual hanging repellents on your porches.
Due to the laws and regulations surrounding bird nest removal and bird protection, it is usually best to call a professional wildlife exclusion company to handle any bird nest issues you may have. These wildlife removal professionals can properly identify the species of bird nesting at your home and properly, humanely, and legally remove it or relocate it from your property.
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Oct 18, 2019 | Wildlife
Unlike many warm-blooded animals, snakes don’t actually hibernate in the winter. Instead, snakes go into a state known as brumation where snakes become less active and their metabolism slows down tremendously. Brumation is similar to hibernation in that snakes will sleep for long periods of time. They will, however, wake up to forage for food and water and if a sudden warm snap occurs and temperatures rise for a few days at a time. When the weather cools back down, they will go back into their brumation state once again. Brumation can begin anytime from September to December and last until March or April.
Because snakes are cold-blooded, they can’t regulate their body temperatures like warm-blooded animals can. When cold weather hits, snakes must find shelter from the temperatures by burrowing in holes or caves, under logs or rocks, in tree stumps, or by making their way into basements, crawlspaces, garages, barns, sheds, wood piles, and even car engines. Snakes are very quiet and experts at hiding so their presence often goes unnoticed until they are disturbed.
Now that you know where snakes might be hiding this winter, the next question is how to keep snakes away? Here are some tips on how to prevent snakes from hiding out on your property.
- Landscape Management: Rodents are attracted to tall grass and overgrown landscaping. By minimizing these unkempt areas on your property, rodent populations are reduced which, in turn, helps keep snakes who feed on these rodents away. Keep grass mowed and landscaping well maintained. Cut shrubbery regularly and trimmed away from your home and other buildings.
- Storage: Snakes will look for any area of cover that will protect them from the elements without being disturbed. They will often seek shelter in wood piles or other piles of debris on your property. Make sure that these stacks are kept at least 12″ off the ground and, if possible, stored in sealed containers.
- Wildlife Exclusion: Snakes can’t chew to create openings into your home so they take advantage of any openings that are already present, such as gaps near pipes, damaged window and door screens, open windows and doors, damaged soffits, crawlspaces that aren’t enclosed, and through cracks in the exterior of buildings. Carefully examine all of your property and seal any potential openings that snakes may utilize.
- Food Sources: Snakes are known to feed on rodents, lizards, and frogs. Eliminate these pests and you will help eliminate snakes. Get rid of any areas of standing water on your property. Keep landscaping well maintained to deter rodents. Inside your home, make sure to keep areas clean especially kitchens and pantries where spilled food and crumbs are readily available for rodents to feed on.
- Professional Service: Depending on the species, snake removal can be dangerous to undertake on your own. It is usually in your best interest to contact a professional wildlife control company when dealing with a snake issue. Establishing a regularly scheduled service plan can help identify pest risks before they become an issue. These professionals can also identify any areas where wildlife exclusion services may be beneficial and establish a comprehensive pest control program.
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