Raccoon Poison

08.05.2003 - The above photo is of a raccoon mother gently picking up and carrying one of its babies in its mouth.  I came across this raccoon today while I was driving from one job to another, and I got this photo, so I decided I'd share it on my blog. Okay, first of all, I aint no tree-hugging animal rights fanatic. I understand that you want to poison those freaking raccoons that are causing you a headache. But I just want to make it very clear that poison is a stupid idea for many reasons. Even if you want to kill raccoons by any means necessary, poison is the dumbest and probably least effective idea. I've been getting a lot of emails lately about the use of poison for raccoon control. Raccoons do cause some problems for people, but if you have a raccoon issue, POISON IS NOT THE ANSWER.  First of all, there is no legal registered poison for killing any large mammal, including raccoons.  Second, I don't know of any effective poison - rat poison will not do kill raccoons - it will only cause a lot of internal bleeding, but not death.  Third, the use of poison is very risky, as a non-target animal, such as a dog, might eat it.  I've actually seen that happen before. Luckily, it is easy to solve a raccoon problem without resorting to poison.  It's easy to humanely trap and remove wild animals with a cage trap.  You can simply relocate them at least ten miles from the capture site, and they will not come back.  This method is much more effective, safe, and more humane than attempting to use poison! Click here for my HOW TO GET RID OF RACCOONS comprehensive guide on raccoon removal. Below are four emails I have received over the last few months in which ignorant people suggested the use of poison for raccoon control.  I responded to all of them letting them know that live trapping and relocation is the better option, and I was even able to help one of these people here in Orlando with his problem.  You do not need to kill raccoons.  They are intelligent and good creatures. Hello, I have a family of raccoons (a HUGE mama and her five babies) who come out every night and steal my cats' food and make a general mess (plus they scare the bejesus out of my wife!). I've tried everything short of trapping them, which doesn't much appeal to me (trapping five little raccoons and big mama? I'd rather not get mauled to death, thank you.) I'm considering poisining them, but I'd rather try to trap them first. How much do you charge for your trapping services, and do you guys work at night (they always come at about 10:00ish PM)? I'm at wits end with these critters! Please advise. Thanks! Eric Hi - I just read your article on the internet about raccoons. A problem we are having with a raccoon family is that they have been approaching my dog when outside. My dog hasn't chased them or anything, just kind of lays their and watches them walk up to her. This morning they came a foot away from her before I yelled at them and then they scurried off. Is there a way to keep them away from my dog? Does light make them go away? I was thinking about getting my dog the collar type thing that has a red blinky light on it that will sit on the back of her neck. Do you think this would work?  I'm starting to think that I should poison the raccoons. Thank you, Laura David, I have been trying to catch an adult raccoon for about two weeks now, no luck. The traps have been sprung but no raccoon. I have seen him and he is probably 20-30 pounds. What size a trap do I need. I am thinking that he is stretching to get the bait and the trap door is hitting him on the back side and not latching, since I had the same results with a 2' and 3' trap. Any information would be helpful since I have never tried to catch a raccoon before. Thanks Rick   PS - Does poison work? Dear Sir/Madam I am a unit owner at 9460 Fontainbleau Blvd. Miami, Fla. and I will like to report that we are experiencing a lot of problems with raccoons in the building areas. There are a lot of concerns because there are many children within the community. I will like to know if you can remove this animals from the premesis or apply a poison to kill them, and how soon. Your attention and cooperation is appreciated. Rosa

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