Best Raccoon Baits

Raccoons aren’t subtle. They make their presence known by the evident signs of damage. Unlike other pests, they are bolder. You may see them during the day walking around in your yard though they are typically nocturnal. Evidence of a problem include:

• Upturned garbage cans with garbage strewn around the site
• Holes in the sides of the structure
• Food waste like corn cobs
• Damage such as bird feeders toppled over

You may find their tracks in mud-covered spots on your lawn. They look like human footprints with longer “toes” in the hind feet versus the front.

Part of the issue with the measures you can take depends on how your state classifies them. If they are nuisance animals, generally, you have more control over what you can do about an issue. It may include options such as trapping, relocating, or killing them. In some areas, agencies regulate them as fur-bearing game. You may need a permit or license to capture them.

Our advice is to find out this information before you try to manage a problem animal. Violating these laws often carries a hefty fine. Be sure to research the entire scope of what you can do. If you choose to live trap the pests, learn where you can release them. If you need a permit, take the necessary steps before you set a trap.

Raccoons are like many animals. They have a sweet tooth because carbohydrates deliver a generous amount of energy which is a precious resource for survival. These products contain the ingredients that these pests prefer to ensure their effectiveness. They are omnivores, so they’ll eat a wide variety of foods.

Your experience can provide additional clues about the things your resident animals like. Pay attention to what they’re eating to help you choose a bait with a better chance of success. However, bear in mind that they are resourceful. A hungry raccoon is likely less picky about what it eats.

If you’re using a live trap, it’s essential to place the bait well inside of it so that the animal must enter it completely to ensure success. Otherwise, they may steal the bait and leave you with an empty cage.

You also need to use the right size trap to catch them. One about 30 inches long is sufficient. Bear in mind that an adult raccoon can weigh up to 23 pounds. You should place it in an area where you’ve seen the signs of the animals to trap the right one. Of course, you should check the cage frequently if you decide to go this route.

The best ways to control a pest issue are to make your property less hospitable to them by limiting the things that attract them to it in the first place, namely, food and water. Raccoons prefer sites near water. For you, that means containing standing water in your yard which can also help to prevent mosquitoes.

Don’t leave garbage outdoors if possible. They will eat anything they can find whether it’s day-old bread or leftovers. Use cans with a locking lid. Though they can get into containers, they can act as deterrents. These animals are survivors which will move onto more readily accessible sources of food when they can to conserve energy.

Repair any holes or other openings where raccoons may gain access to your house. An animal in your home is a red flag, signaling an issue that needs an immediate fix. To prevent further problems, you might consider using a repellent to deter them from revisiting your home. If you put up enough barriers and deterrents, they’ll move on to easier places to inhabit.