ktdid has a good answer re closing off their venue to the nest. However:
Yes - I beg to disagree - raccoons can be trapped in those ';have-a-heart'; cages and the humane society can lend you one with a security fee which will be reimbursed. The best lure is an opened sardines can. As soon as you hear the commotion, it is a good idea to a) Put something heavy over the spring so they can't force their way out again. 2) Put a blanket over the cage so when the sun rises again, they won't suffer that exposure. 3) Pick up the cage using a strong coat hanger so your fingers are nowhere close to the animal. 4) When you release the animal, make sure it is far away from your house and - best - across a bridge, so they won't find their way back - I'd say at least 10 miles if there is no bridge in your area.
If you are dealing with a whole raccoon family, you are going to need several trap sessions, one night after the other. If babies have been born recently and you trap only the mother, they will stay in the nest until they die, which is a good and a bad thing, depending how sensitive you are. The carcasses are not going to harm your ceilings much anyway. Flies will take care of decomposition.
Once you get your raccoons out of the way, it will be a good thing to cut tree branches that are closer than 3 feet from your roof top and thicker than 2 inches. If there is anything they could also climb, such as a ladder in the wall, a balcony with a pipe leading to the roof, and so forth.... cut off branches in that area too. Another thing is to be sure that any openings in your roof, like vents, are securely closed with a strong bolted mesh.
About your baby........... no I do not think at all he or she or you can get harm from the raccoons, even if they were rabid. You really have to try and start getting chummy with these animals before things like an unfortunate encounter could happen. Remember that, even sick, they avoid you.
BTW, a word to the wise, female raccoons are stronger than males. It took two tries before I got her. Those motherly hips are awesome !!
Back in the 80's, I used to hand-feed those who came in my yard at dinner time. How times change.Can you drug a raccoon enough to trap him and what with?
Raccoons are very smart animals. You probably won't catch it/them in traps. However, they do have to leave the attic to eat sometime. Raccoons are nocturnal and are usually most active in the wee hours. You know, about the time you'll be up feeding the baby. Figure out how the critters are getting in and out, and simply block the entrance once they have left for the evening. Seal it off good though. Like I said, they are VERY smart. You could try to lure them away so that you know they are out while you block the doors. They love tuna or anything that smells really fishy. You do need to get them gone though. Their feces can be harmful and can grow mold quickly.
raccoons will attack cats and puppies...with young they're even more dangerous...you dont want them around a baby...dont play games trying to trap them yourself....
alcohol soaked food and a blanket wear leather gloves
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