$300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
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$300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
Hi guys
Has anyone had any experience trying to remove a raccoon from crawlspace or attic. I have one (possibly a mother with babies) that I need to get rid of quick due to work that needs to be done in my crawlspace. I've tried a couple of DIYs, like ammonia around the entry/exit point, critter repellant and sound devices, all of which failed. So my next option is to get pest control to remove the raccoon by using male raccoon urine and a trap..........at the price of $300.
Does this sound reasonable?
thanks
Has anyone had any experience trying to remove a raccoon from crawlspace or attic. I have one (possibly a mother with babies) that I need to get rid of quick due to work that needs to be done in my crawlspace. I've tried a couple of DIYs, like ammonia around the entry/exit point, critter repellant and sound devices, all of which failed. So my next option is to get pest control to remove the raccoon by using male raccoon urine and a trap..........at the price of $300.
Does this sound reasonable?
thanks
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
Why not at least try your own trap? That way, you will have a trap for the next time.
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
I had a quote for $275 for two weeks of raccoon removal if the trap worked or not.
I found the trap at Home Depot for $52.47. The only issue is what to do with the raccoon once you catch one. I never investigate that because my six raccoon buddies left me.
I found the trap at Home Depot for $52.47. The only issue is what to do with the raccoon once you catch one. I never investigate that because my six raccoon buddies left me.
Felix is a wonderful, wonderful cat.
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
You can get a trap on Amazon for less than $50. Ask your friends and co-workers, maybe someone will loan you one. You may also check if your local government will trap it for you.
My retired father has turned urban trapping into a hobby. He traps an animal then calls the city's animal control to come and take them away. One year he trapped over 30 different animals (armidillo, squirrel, skunk, oppossum, raccoon).
My retired father has turned urban trapping into a hobby. He traps an animal then calls the city's animal control to come and take them away. One year he trapped over 30 different animals (armidillo, squirrel, skunk, oppossum, raccoon).
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
Check with your local animal control office. Usually they will loan you a wire cage trap, tell you how to bait it, and collect the critter when you catch it.
I got a possum out of my crawl space that way. Used a piece of sardine for bait.
Be sure to check out your crawlspace after the critter is gone. They can damage duct work, piping, electrical wires, etc.
So don't wait too long.
I got a possum out of my crawl space that way. Used a piece of sardine for bait.
Be sure to check out your crawlspace after the critter is gone. They can damage duct work, piping, electrical wires, etc.
So don't wait too long.
- Doom&Gloom
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
This:
http://www.havahart.com/
Trapping is the easy part. Transporting it to a new location and release is the key.
http://www.havahart.com/
Trapping is the easy part. Transporting it to a new location and release is the key.
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
I would trap it myself but since it may have babies, I don't want to separate mom from babies and have them starve to death, thus leaving a stench in my crawlspace.
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
I'd be happy to pay that if I had a racoon in my attic. The price may cover another visit if there is more than one but one of them is out at the time or something like that.crazylightgirl wrote:Hi guys
Has anyone had any experience trying to remove a raccoon from crawlspace or attic. I have one (possibly a mother with babies) that I need to get rid of quick due to work that needs to be done in my crawlspace. I've tried a couple of DIYs, like ammonia around the entry/exit point, critter repellant and sound devices, all of which failed. So my next option is to get pest control to remove the raccoon by using male raccoon urine and a trap..........at the price of $300.
Does this sound reasonable?
thanks
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
thats why I'd pay $300 to get rid of it.crazylightgirl wrote:I would trap it myself but since it may have babies, I don't want to separate mom from babies and have them starve to death, thus leaving a stench in my crawlspace.
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
We had a racoon issue in the attic once . Sent the wife and boy off to Sunday church while firefighter neighbor and I went into the attic in coveralls, toting a big beatin' stick and a .22 loaded with shot pellet rounds.
Critter was away at the time, so we immediately sealed off the entrance with hardware cloth and never had an issue after that. Cost was $0.00
Critter was away at the time, so we immediately sealed off the entrance with hardware cloth and never had an issue after that. Cost was $0.00
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
And you think a service will keep the babies alive?crazylightgirl wrote:I would trap it myself but since it may have babies, I don't want to separate mom from babies and have them starve to death, thus leaving a stench in my crawlspace.
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
We tried this for a for a ground squirrel or whatever was tunneling in our front flower bed. I even followed some reviewer's advice to spray-paint it a lovely forest green color to trick the critter. We waited about a month with different bait types...at that point a small tree fell over because the roots had been weakened/chewed through...we called a professional. I think we paid $225. I still miss that tree.Doom&Gloom wrote:This:
http://www.havahart.com/
Trapping is the easy part. Transporting it to a new location and release is the key.
I'd pay the $300 to be done with it.
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
FWIW- Had a skunk give birth under our sun room. Threw 10 to 15 moth balls under the sun room porch and that night we watched the mother carry two babies, one at a time in her mouth out from under the porch.
Also had a racoon move into our boat, and after scattering a bag of moth balls in the boat never saw the racoon again.
Edit- Also, many moons ago, we had a racoon in the attic of our storage warehouse. I threw a bag of moth balls all around the attic and never saw it again.
Also had a racoon move into our boat, and after scattering a bag of moth balls in the boat never saw the racoon again.
Edit- Also, many moons ago, we had a racoon in the attic of our storage warehouse. I threw a bag of moth balls all around the attic and never saw it again.
Last edited by BTDT on Tue Apr 25, 2017 5:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
+1livesoft wrote:And you think a service will keep the babies alive?crazylightgirl wrote:I would trap it myself but since it may have babies, I don't want to separate mom from babies and have them starve to death, thus leaving a stench in my crawlspace.
You won't be hiring an adoption agency. Why do you think there may be babies?
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
Have you asked the racoon if it an OK price to remove with it's family alive?
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
Used one for squirrels. Squirrels like peanut butter. Mr.(Ms.) squirrel now has a new zip code.Doom&Gloom wrote:This:
http://www.havahart.com/
Trapping is the easy part. Transporting it to a new location and release is the key.
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
I do find it hilarious when people are shocked at the price of a "dirty job" they aren't willing to do themselves. No offense, OP.
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
I had a skunk in the backyard. Was about to figure out how to trap and transport the stinker.
I saw a fox back there (a big one), and now the skunk is gone... (I'm sure it found a new home somewhere).
Free solution.
/
I saw a fox back there (a big one), and now the skunk is gone... (I'm sure it found a new home somewhere).
Free solution.
/
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
I never caught a raccoon, but Havahart traps work for squirrels. I tried to catch rabbits though, caught one and 10 squirrels instead.
As suggested I would try the mothballs for a week, but then get the $300 help. That's right, you do not want stinking dead raccoon babies.
As suggested I would try the mothballs for a week, but then get the $300 help. That's right, you do not want stinking dead raccoon babies.
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
Anyone trying to trap a raccoon needs to be careful. They may look like cute gentle creatures but they get a nasty temper when trapped and will bite.
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
It is 2 trips to the house + work so $300 is not really unreasonable. I've had luck sealing off the identified entrance at night when a skunk that took up residence under my guest house was out carousing. Found him dead the next day with a head injury. Owl I suppose?
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
+1Jim180 wrote:Anyone trying to trap a raccoon needs to be careful. They may look like cute gentle creatures but they get a nasty temper when trapped and will bite.
I've trapped a bunch of opossums and a few raccoons. Some opossums can get obstreperous, but raccoons take it to the next level.
We accidentally trapped a skunk once while trying to get a opossum. Luckily I had a teenager around who (after we Googled for tips) was able to release it. We didn't transport it, but he had a heck of a time getting it out of the cage as it had made itself at home
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
Pay the 3 bills,
Be done with it.
Be done with it.
"One does not accumulate but eliminate. It is not daily increase but daily decrease. The height of cultivation always runs to simplicity" –Bruce Lee
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
If you are a DIY kinda person, the best way to catch a coon is with a Duke's dog proof trap and a little cat food.
https://www.amazon.com/Duke-DUKE-DP-Coo ... B005KW3AY6
The only downside is that it requires killing the coon, which may be an issue for some. Their population has skyrocketed in the last 100 yrs so a few less isn't a concern. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raccoon
https://www.amazon.com/Duke-DUKE-DP-Coo ... B005KW3AY6
The only downside is that it requires killing the coon, which may be an issue for some. Their population has skyrocketed in the last 100 yrs so a few less isn't a concern. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raccoon
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
My farmer friend does $60 for setting up gopher traps and $30 per gopher. I've spent a few hours and $20. I think I got 'em
But I expect them to return since them gophers attack in waves.
IMO, $300 for a coon is fair.
But I expect them to return since them gophers attack in waves.
IMO, $300 for a coon is fair.
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
Racoons are are one of the more common carriers of rabies so handling it yourself is likely not a good idea.
If you do trap the raccoon yourself it is likely that it is illegal to release it or there are severer restrictions on where you can release them.
If you do trap the raccoon yourself it is likely that it is illegal to release it or there are severer restrictions on where you can release them.
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
That is why the humane traps have an emergency release door at one end.Jim180 wrote:Anyone trying to trap a raccoon needs to be careful. They may look like cute gentle creatures but they get a nasty temper when trapped and will bite.
I have been trapping feral cats for TNR work for years and we get the occasional coon or Virginia opossum. When that happens, you take a pole (or very long stick), stand at the opposite end of the trap and raise the emerg. door.
That way, the coon or whatever undesirable you have trapped will run out that-a-way
while you stay at a safe distance. The medium-sized Have-a-Heart brand of traps suitable for cats (or raccoons) run around $120-$140 nowadays so I very much doubt that $59 Bargain trap someone quoted here has the emerg. release feature. Don't buy one without it!
BTW, raccoons and skunks do carry risk of rabies. However the good news in all this - the rabies virus cannot survive in opossums as their body temperature is too low to support it.
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
For various service jobs, I sort of say to myself "how many people will it take and how long will it take?" Not to the minute or the hour, but say to the half-day. How many trips do they need to take to your house to complete the job? Then of course they have some kind of vehicle to run, have a stock of traps--they are probably durable but they probably don't last forever and so forth. And as others have said, releasing the raccoon is tough, and surely hazardous. Even a scratch from a domestic cat who's known to be vaccinated against rabies can be a serious problem. I don't know what hourly rates for services are like where you live. It probably takes one or two people a couple of trips to your house and at least one trip somewhere else, plus of course you are paying for them to handle the uncertainty of the job. You probably expect them to keep at it until the job is done which might be quick or not so quick.
Then there's the rule-of-thumb that says if you are paying someone $X/hour, you need to bill the client $3X/hour if you want to come out even what with various costs and the impossibility of billing out 100% of somebody's time.
$300 doesn't sound crazy-high to me.
Then there's the rule-of-thumb that says if you are paying someone $X/hour, you need to bill the client $3X/hour if you want to come out even what with various costs and the impossibility of billing out 100% of somebody's time.
$300 doesn't sound crazy-high to me.
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
Sounds fair to me, too. Beware of the add-ons, though. This was a mini nightmare for us a few years back. "If there are babies, the law requires that they all be humanely euthanized." Trapping takes time, and our (local?) law requires that the traps be closed if they won't be checked daily by the exterminator -- so there were separate trips to shut the traps on Fridays and open them on Mondays. This thing bit our dog -- and scared my spouse half to death when she poked her head down near the (open) crawl-space vent. So we weren't super-excited about spending extra $ for the most humane approach (cue angry response). FIL suggested solving the issue with "lead poisoning" but we're in a, shall we say, "overpenetration-prone" (i.e., high-density) neighborhood.Toons wrote:Pay the 3 bills,
Be done with it.
Raccoons also can leave behind "latrines" and their feces harbor a potentally lethal nematode. The good news is that, unlike us, they seldom crap where they live so those tend to be outside. But if there is raccoon sh*t around, it's best to have a pro clean it up. Sounds silly, I know, but this a real issue.
We also had all of our crawl-space vents sealed after this. The vents initially had a hardware-cloth (wire-mesh) covering but it was only held in place with two dabs of glue (!) and raccoons know to just push them right in. The replacement mesh was anchored with four corner-screws right into the vent housing. It's been pretty tough -- I see occasional evidence of tampering by tiny hands but no success yet. Raccoons are strong. Before I knew what I was up against, I rolled a big (maybe 50#) log in front of an open vent to keep any critters out -- and when I saw it pushed aside in the morning, I started to get a little concerned...
"I mean, it's one banana, Michael...what could it cost? Ten dollars?"
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
I've heard if you book it a flight on United they will come and drag it out for you.....
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
My neighbor had a racoon in his garage that would not leave. He beat it to death with a baseball bat..blood all over the place. I would not recommend this.
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
A raccoon will rip through multiple layers of asphalt shingles,underlying felt and 3/4"-1" plywood with its front claws and teeth to get in a attic ,separate a mother from her little ones in a cage ...you have one crazed animal ! Been there ,done that , $300.00 is cheap. In NY your have to permitted to trap and can't release anywhere legally .
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
Reinforcing a few responses, at least where I live, it is illegal to transport and release a trapped wild animal. Probably has to do with disease control. Also raccoons are particularly fierce when cornered or trapped. I've trapped a few unwanted animals, it's not a pleasant task. Paying someone to do the job for you is probably the best option. Or in my case with skunks, our dog takes care of the problem but then we have to deal with the aftermath for about 2 weeks or so until the stink fades. Worst time was when the dog escaped into the house and rubbed all over the carpet.
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
Just be warned that you don't want moth balls anywhere where you might inhale the fumes. They're surprisingly toxic...BTDT wrote:FWIW- Had a skunk give birth under our sun room. Threw 10 to 15 moth balls under the sun room porch and that night we watched the mother carry two babies, one at a time in her mouth out from under the porch.
Also had a racoon move into our boat, and after scattering a bag of moth balls in the boat never saw the racoon again.
Edit- Also, many moons ago, we had a racoon in the attic of our storage warehouse. I threw a bag of moth balls all around the attic and never saw it again.
http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/ptype/mothball/health.html
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
Seems like a fair price. If you dont like the price, there are suggestions above for how to do yourself.
I paid 350 for plumber to fix a hole in my gas line. Took 30 minutes. Was on Easter sunday, in the highest COL area in teh country. But that job seems a lot easier than removing racoons from the attic.
I paid 350 for plumber to fix a hole in my gas line. Took 30 minutes. Was on Easter sunday, in the highest COL area in teh country. But that job seems a lot easier than removing racoons from the attic.
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
$300 is fair if they do a good job (raccoon and all offspring gone)
Option 2: Offer the raccoon $200 to leave.
Option 2: Offer the raccoon $200 to leave.
I’d trade it all for a little more |
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
I tend to DIY but if I was in the business I doubt it would be profitable to do it for much less. If you think their are babies I'd ask how they plan to deal with that.
My favorite trapper story was about some girls that had a weekend cabin in the woods and would frequently find field mice that had taken up residence. They didn't want to harm them so they used a humane trap. One particularly stubborn mouse they caught held on to the cage for dear life when they tried to release it in the woods. Once they finally shook him out of the cage he scurried off, only to have an owl sweep down and take him away about 3 seconds later. So much for catch and release...
Oh, and if anyone ever gets a squirrel nest in their chimney it is NOT a good idea to build a fire to try to smoke them out. No squirrels were harmed, they were smoked out and proceeded to run throughout the house. Squirrels are very hard to herd!
My favorite trapper story was about some girls that had a weekend cabin in the woods and would frequently find field mice that had taken up residence. They didn't want to harm them so they used a humane trap. One particularly stubborn mouse they caught held on to the cage for dear life when they tried to release it in the woods. Once they finally shook him out of the cage he scurried off, only to have an owl sweep down and take him away about 3 seconds later. So much for catch and release...
Oh, and if anyone ever gets a squirrel nest in their chimney it is NOT a good idea to build a fire to try to smoke them out. No squirrels were harmed, they were smoked out and proceeded to run throughout the house. Squirrels are very hard to herd!
If I am stupid I will pay.
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
$300 seems reasonable ..... hopefully your vendor can figure out how to prevent other critters from arriving there in the future ....
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
Is there a problem here? Stench, fleas, some threat to pets? Coons are not my favorite animals, but I'd just let the family grow up and move on when they are ready and then block the access. Though I have live-trapped a couple of dozen possums and a hundred roof rats, I usually like seeing critters around. Who wants a sterile environment? (Well, unfortunately a lot of people.) Skunks in particular make good neighbors, unless they are digging up your lawn. In LA recently a mountain lion was living for a while under a house, and the owners had no problem with it until they knew it was there.
As to what to do with the trapped pesky critter--don't you have any enemies? Use your imagination.
As to what to do with the trapped pesky critter--don't you have any enemies? Use your imagination.
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
+1reisner wrote:Is there a problem here? Stench, fleas, some threat to pets? Coons are not my favorite animals, but I'd just let the family grow up and move on when they are ready and then block the access. Though I have live-trapped a couple of dozen possums and a hundred roof rats, I usually like seeing critters around. Who wants a sterile environment? (Well, unfortunately a lot of people.) Skunks in particular make good neighbors, unless they are digging up your lawn.
I had to read the whole thread to find this sensible answer.
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
Just make sure the raccoon has easy access in and out and wait for the cubs to leave the nest and then seal them out. There is no need to try to catch or kill raccoons, and especially the cubs. They probably won't cause any real problems if you just wait them out. If you feed the mother raccoon scraps in a bowl in your yard regularly, eventually the young will come out to feed, too, and that's when you can block their access.
If you are worried about any (unlikely) damage, then film them and post the video on YouTube with ads to cover the repairs.
If you are worried about any (unlikely) damage, then film them and post the video on YouTube with ads to cover the repairs.
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
I would omit the part about feeding the mother raccoon from a bowl. Someone I know did that and the mama showed up just as the homeowner was putting out the bowl. The mama lunged for the bowl, bit her on the thumb and she had to undergo rabies shots.Pajamas wrote:Just make sure the raccoon has easy access in and out and wait for the cubs to leave the nest and then seal them out. There is no need to try to catch or kill raccoons, and especially the cubs. They probably won't cause any real problems if you just wait them out. If you feed the mother raccoon scraps in a bowl in your yard regularly, eventually the young will come out to feed, too, and that's when you can block their access.
If you are worried about any (unlikely) damage, then film them and post the video on YouTube with ads to cover the repairs.
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
I think thumbs look like a peanut in a shell to squirrels as they have munched on mine while feeding them peanuts. That is probably true for raccoons, too. I would still feed the raccoons in a bowl, but would look around before setting it down. I would not feed them on the porch or steps because then they will start begging at the door.littlebird wrote: The mama lunged for the bowl, bit her on the thumb and she had to undergo rabies shots.
Also make sure the rest of the house is sealed so that they can't get in around the garage door, can't climb onto the roof from a tree and get in through a vent, etc.
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
Racoon excrement is also a health hazard. You can search the web for info. Once the coon is gone take steps to clean up the feces.
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
I would pay the $300 in a heartbeat to get rid of a raccoon. The guy has to make 2 trips and then probably has a minimum distance that he needs to release the critter.
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
Another bh post that really shows the difference in where people live.
I have a couple of the hart traps that I use. In a year I catch dozens of coons, possums and feral cats. Had 3 cats last week and up to probably a dozen this year.
I have friends that coon hunt and will come get the trapped coon to use to train their dogs.
I would tell you what I do with all the rest of the trapped critters but well...you can guess. I live in a rural area and my cousin has shot 2 coyotes this week in his cattle pastures.
I have a couple of the hart traps that I use. In a year I catch dozens of coons, possums and feral cats. Had 3 cats last week and up to probably a dozen this year.
I have friends that coon hunt and will come get the trapped coon to use to train their dogs.
I would tell you what I do with all the rest of the trapped critters but well...you can guess. I live in a rural area and my cousin has shot 2 coyotes this week in his cattle pastures.
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
Your neighbor leads the league in RBI (raccoons battered in)munemaker wrote:My neighbor had a racoon in his garage that would not leave. He beat it to death with a baseball bat..blood all over the place. I would not recommend this.
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
I worked with a 6'4" 330 lb guy in Texas who decided that he wanted to trap a raccoon and keep it as a pet. The scars on his arms were amazing.Jim180 wrote:Anyone trying to trap a raccoon needs to be careful. They may look like cute gentle creatures but they get a nasty temper when trapped and will bite.
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Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
I would pay the $300 if it's interfering with some necessary work on your house. We have small (exploratory) kids, so I wouldn't want the animal with babies hanging around my house with the kiddos. If we didn't I'd probably just let them grow up, move out and then seal the entry. Kinda sounds like what some people do when their kids go to college!
We got a free trap from the city, with bait food etc. The guy said it was "a federal offense" (really?) to kill the raccoon(s) and made me sign a document saying I would not leave the trap out in the sun (August in TX) or leave the animal for more than a day without notifying the city, and that we should call the city when one was trapped to have them come get it.
(Turns out we were leaving dog food out over night [thanks toddler] and a whole family of 5 raccoons was coming to clean up the mess each night. They're cute little critters, but as soon as we fixed the dog food problem they stopped coming around. Never caught one of them.)
We got a free trap from the city, with bait food etc. The guy said it was "a federal offense" (really?) to kill the raccoon(s) and made me sign a document saying I would not leave the trap out in the sun (August in TX) or leave the animal for more than a day without notifying the city, and that we should call the city when one was trapped to have them come get it.
(Turns out we were leaving dog food out over night [thanks toddler] and a whole family of 5 raccoons was coming to clean up the mess each night. They're cute little critters, but as soon as we fixed the dog food problem they stopped coming around. Never caught one of them.)
“The strong cannot be brave. Only the weak can be brave; and yet again, in practice, only those who can be brave can be trusted, in time of doubt, to be strong.“ - GK Chesterton
Re: $300+ to remove a racoon. Really?
I live in an HOA and had a beehive in my backyard. I could have called the HOA and an exterminator would have taken care of the bees. But I wanted the bees removed and not killed. After a number of calls starting with the California Beekeeper association and then to my local Farmers Market, I located a local bee keeper and he saved 20,000 BEES! I kid you not. I was so happy that I saved some bees. Good heavens, half of the bees in the world are gone, according to some reports. Those bees were taken to a beekeeper farm.
Cost $200.00 and was worth every penny!
Cost $200.00 and was worth every penny!
Never in the history of market day-traders’ has the obsession with so much massive, sophisticated, & powerful statistical machinery used by the brightest people on earth with such useless results.