My Turn with the Racoon Invasion

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  • XD-GEM

    XD-GEM
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    Maybe you've heard of the "ARFCOM Curse" wherein many members there post about their divorce issues.

    The "Bayoushooter Curse" apparently involves raccoon invasions in one's attic.

    It's my turn now. (Do a search for "raccoon" in the Thread Search box and enjoy the hilarious previous threads.)

    So yesterday, after having only 2 hours of sleep and then a LONG workday, I was in need of a good rest. Just as I started to climb into the bed, I heard a horrific crash coming from my attic. I climbed up and found a YUGE raccoon milling about, knocking things over. Since I only had my 9mm XD with me at the time, I didn't want to chance blowing holes in my roof (not sure if insurance would cover that), so I shined my flashlight at it and shouted for it to get out of my house; and it kind of shrugged and slowly disappeared into the rafters at the far corner of the attic. I haven't seen or heard it since.

    I set up my Have-A Hart trap that was so successful with my 'possum problem a few years back, but so far, no luck. I waled around the house and checked the roof, but I can't figure out how it got in. Anyone with experience in this area, please chime in as to how I can find the access point and seal it up.

    I'm looking at ordering this air rifle from Cabela's while they're still on sale:
    http://www.cabelas.com/sku/04082267.uts?WT.ac=DRF|198120&WT.z_pg_ref=cms12880

    Anyone have one? How good is it?
     

    N4sir

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    I'd go with a .22 air rifle. I hear that some possums are tough to put down with a .177 much less a raccoon. Try setting up a game camera in the area you think they may be getting in.
    I have a friend in Alabama who had rattlesnakes in his attic.
     
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    XD-GEM

    XD-GEM
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    I have a friend in Alabama who had rattlesnakes in his attic.

    Yikes! :noes:

    I think I'm better off with the raccoon. Now my daughter tells me that she thinks there's a rat in the wall near her bed. I'm hoping it's just more noise from the racon.
     

    N4sir

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    This is what he resorted to.

    SNAKE20TRAP20002_zpsuqppddre.jpg


    Not really sure what ever came of that situation. I'll have to ask him.
     

    Robbie

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    New Orleans area here also, have had rat and opossum problems.
    Holes around house, fill them - I use roof shingles and rocks.
    But my trusty Henry .22 rifle with "quiet ammo" has had the best luck.
    Them beeches get mean.
     

    LACamper

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    I shot a possum that was walking on top of a fence in the head with a .177. He didn't even fall off the fence! He shook his head a few times and kept going!
    I'd say .22 or bow and arrow! Just don't miss! And while I can't think of a specific exclusion that would keep them from covering it (im and insurance agent...) they won't be happy with you after if you put a few 9mm's through your roof from the inside! Nor will your neighbors on the far end!

    OTOH: there are some primer powered indoor rounds that might scare the thing out your attic.

    Check around the lines where your AC freon lines enter the attic. Its amazing how small of a hole they can squeeze through.
     

    XD-GEM

    XD-GEM
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    I shot a possum that was walking on top of a fence in the head with a .177. He didn't even fall off the fence! He shook his head a few times and kept going!
    I'd say .22 or bow and arrow! Just don't miss! And while I can't think of a specific exclusion that would keep them from covering it (im and insurance agent...) they won't be happy with you after if you put a few 9mm's through your roof from the inside! Nor will your neighbors on the far end!

    OTOH: there are some primer powered indoor rounds that might scare the thing out your attic.

    Check around the lines where your AC freon lines enter the attic. Its amazing how small of a hole they can squeeze through.

    Well, I DID hear it near the AC ductwork, and the AC was worked on recently, so that's a thought.
     

    XD-GEM

    XD-GEM
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    Put a strobe light in your attic.

    Work harder at denying the critter access.

    In Orleans, it's best to SSS.

    This seems like a good idea. But I'd also like to figure out how it's getting in so I can seal that up. A few years back, I had a rat problem. I finally found a hole in the roof vent stack for my water heater. once I sealed that, the rat problem stopped.

    I want to do the same for this. Otherwise, even if I get rid of this one, another will eventually find the way in.
     

    SpeedRacer

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    Peanut butter and marshmallows in the trap. The ones I dealt with fit in a hole that I couldn't comprehend they would fit in. So when you're looking, don't look for a racoon sized hole, look for a mouse sized hole.

    Also, I had better luck putting the traps outside than inside the attic. Seems they came in for shelter and warmth, but were still going outside to find dinner.

    And now I laugh.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     

    XD-GEM

    XD-GEM
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    Peanut butter and marshmallows in the trap. The ones I dealt with fit in a hole that I couldn't comprehend they would fit in. So when you're looking, don't look for a racoon sized hole, look for a mouse sized hole.

    Also, I had better luck putting the traps outside than inside the attic. Seems they came in for shelter and warmth, but were still going outside to find dinner.

    And now I laugh.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

    I was hoping you'd chime in, as you are the original Raccoon Hunter here. :D
     

    Akajun

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    They make a raccoon specific trap called a coon cuff. Set it, bait it with a marshmallow or sardine or both . They stick their hands in and can't get them out. Dispatch them with a 22, good air rifle , shovel, etc. put some in the attic and outside where you think that they are entering. They do not catch other animals like cats, possums, etc.
     

    Trailboss

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    I tried to dispatch a coon in a live trap with subsonic .22 rimfire ammo. Two shots in the head at 1 foot only wounded it, and I had to use a .22LR round to do the job. I won't use weak ammo on a coon again. It really upset me and didn't do the coon any good either.
     

    DBMJR1

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    I tried to dispatch a coon in a live trap with subsonic .22 rimfire ammo. Two shots in the head at 1 foot only wounded it, and I had to use a .22LR round to do the job. I won't use weak ammo on a coon again. It really upset me and didn't do the coon any good either.

    Another way is to add a brick to the trap. Fill a garbage can with water. Teach the coon to swim.
     

    rcm192

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    This thread just reminded of a story my buddy told me: there was a coon in his attic in uptown new orleans keeping him awake in dental school....he climbed in his attic and shot it with his glock 30. Haha.
     

    N4sir

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    Another way is to add a brick to the trap. Fill a garbage can with water. Teach the coon to swim.

    Seems a little cruel to me. If you can't kill it humanely just drive somewhere and release it.
    If you shoot a raccoon you may be able to make someone happy in some neighborhoods. Just give it away. :)

    Last year there was a guy in Metairie arrested(discharging a firearm)for shooting a possum behind a bar in the dumpster.
     

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