In some cities, states, and counties, there are no protections for raccoons. You really have to check to see what your local laws are, though. There are normally laws surrounding the catching of raccoons; depending on where you live, you may not be allowed to trap it, let alone kill it. [2] X Expert Source Hussam Bin BreakPest Control Professional Expert Interview. 28 June 2019. This is not an empty warning—people can, and have, been fined and sent to jail for killing raccoons where it’s illegal. [3] X Research source
If you live in an area where this is the case, don’t kill the raccoon if it isn’t in the process of disturbing your home or vehicle. [5] X Research source Depending on where you live, you may need a special “nuisance permit” to kill a raccoon that’s damaging your property. [6] X Research source
If you’re wondering, “Do I really need a hunting license to kill a raccoon that’s hanging out in my backyard?” If you live in an area where you need a permit to hunt raccoons, the answer is probably “yes. ” A protected animal is a protected animal, and it may not matter where the animal is in proximity to your home depending on where you live.
In most states, you are legally obligated to check live traps at least once every 24 or 48 hours. [10] X Research source If you aren’t sure about your state, assume you have to check it every 24 hours just to be safe. You are not allowed to release raccoons once you catch them in most jurisdictions. If you catch it, you must kill it. [11] X Expert Source Hussam Bin BreakPest Control Professional Expert Interview. 28 June 2019. You can try attracting the raccoon with some food scraps, but that’s also likely going to attract birds, squirrels, stray cats, and other wildlife.
You typically do not need a permit for air guns, but look your local laws up just to be sure. [13] X Research source As violent as this may sound, it’s probably the fastest, cleanest way for you to kill the raccoon without prolonging its pain and suffering. [14] X Research source You can use a crossbow if you prefer. [15] X Research source
Instant-kill traps are illegal in most jurisdictions. [17] X Research source Even if they aren’t illegal where you live, you normally need a special permit to purchase and set up one of these traps. [18] X Research source There are instances of animals chewing their own limbs off to get out of these traps. It’s just not a humane way to go about killing a raccoon. [19] X Research source
It is also illegal in most jurisdictions to leave animal poison out in the open for any wildlife to get at. Animal control departments will use lethal injections and CO2 chambers to euthanize a raccoon, but you don’t have access to any of those methods. The over-the-counter poison you can buy is not nearly as fast-acting or potent as the industrial-strength stuff.
Raccoons are disease vectors. Do not handle the raccoon directly and discard anything you use to move the carcass. [22] X Expert Source Hussam Bin BreakPest Control Professional Expert Interview. 28 June 2019. Clean and disinfect the trap and any tools you use with a 10% chlorine bleach solution (1-part bleach and 9-parts water) before discarding it. [23] X Research source
Rabies is the main concern since a rabid animal can transfer the disease to pets or people. If a raccoon has rabies, it may act lethargic, aggressive, confused, or unusually friendly. It may also have discharge coming from its eyes or mouth, or have matted fur on their face. [26] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source If animal control will only help if the raccoon is sick, you could always say you saw the raccoon “behaving strangely” or something like that when you call it in. This might incentivize them to show up and remove it. Under no condition should you get close to a sick raccoon.
If the raccoon is easily accessible, it should cost $175-450 to remove it. If it’s hiding in your walls or roof though, it can cost up to $1,500 depending on how difficult the removal is. [28] X Research source If the raccoon is tucked in your attic or walls, ask the specialist to install a one-way gate. The raccoon will be able to leave on its own accord, but it won’t be able to get back in![29] X Expert Source Hussam Bin BreakPest Control Professional Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
You are not typically allowed to release a raccoon if you catch it at all—even if you relocate it. It’s usually mandatory to put down any captured raccoons. [32] X Expert Source Hussam Bin BreakPest Control Professional Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
Raccoons are attracted to outdoor pet bowls—especially if you leave food out all day for an outdoor cat or dog. Always feed your pets inside if you can. If you do need to keep garbage cans outside, consider leaving an inexpensive radio on inside of the can (you can tape it to the lid). Alternatively, you can install a motion-sensor light outside just above your trash cans. If you have a swimming pool, cover it when you aren’t using it. Raccoons tend to be attracted to open water. [34] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
You can also try 1-part water and 1-part apple cider vinegar if you prefer. Raccoons seem to avoid this odor as well. [36] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Do not do this when the raccoon is inside your walls, and confirm that there are no baby raccoons even if the raccoon is gone. If they’re still inside, call a pro. [38] X Expert Source Hussam Bin BreakPest Control Professional Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
