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Controlling Raccoons, Opossums, and Coyotes
Raccoons, opossums, coyotes, and other such
mammals can easily become nuisances. As more
and more vacant land is developed for housing,
these critters are losing their natural habitat
and so are becoming more desperate and aggressive.
They will gladly invade homes, garages, and
other buildings; eat garbage and dog food
that other animals would never touch; destroy
property and valuable plants; and coyotes
will kill household pets such as cats and
small dogs.
If you would like to control
these pests,
consider the following:
- Using caulk to carefully seal even the tiniest openings
in structures on your property will help
keep these pests out. Any sign that animals
have been clawing or chewing on roofing,
soffits, fascias, or basement and crawlspace
foundations should alert you that those animals
are trying to get in. Any damage they have
caused should be repaired immediately, and
a taste aversion product can be sprayed on
the area to discourage further attempts.
Taste repellents will probably need to be
reapplied after every rainfall until you
are confident the animal is no longer trying
to get in.
- Garbage cans with secure lids will help keep
these pests from viewing your property as
a desirable place to obtain food. Many of
these mammals are extremely clever and dexterous,
so you should use high quality cans with
really tight fitting or locking lids.
- Ponds and water features can be attractive
sources of water during dry periods. Raccoons
will eat ornamental fish such as koi unless they are prevented from doing so
by screenings.
- All chimneys should be capped and screened. Raccoons especially like to
nest in chimneys that are not frequently
used.
These animals can be trapped and removed
from the property. A professional is your
best choice for this, since these critters
are too large for traps designed for
smaller pests such as squirrels and chipmunks.
Be aware that in many communities it is illegal
to poison an animal or shoot them with any
kind of firearm. |
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