Getting rid of raccoons and skunks in the yard

[DonaldsRump]

Hi all:

Spring is springing now, and with lovely flowers etc, we are also getting some other life: raccoons and skunks.

Raccoons: I was awoken just now by our home security camera as there was a raccoon at our back door. Luckily, our dog did not start screaming, as she was sleeping. Raccoons are cute, but can be nasty when they fight etc. Any thoughts? AFAIK, we were free of raccoons for the last 2 years, but this concerns me.

Skunks: these are actually adorably cute creatures too. We have tons of them, and our dog was skunked once. Any thoughts on keeping these critters away?

All humane solutions/ideas welcome!

Thank you.

[watoos]

1. Good luck, other than paying someone to trap them.

Raccoons will destroy your bird feeders and skunks will tear up your yard looking for grubs.

[Duppers]

6. Other than bird feeders?

What damage do they do?
I've put up with them for years now.

Thanks.

[handmade34]

2. traps

http://www.havahart.com/store/animal-traps?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Bing-Traps-General&utm_term=live%20traps&utm_content=live-animal-traps

the problem may be relocating... I live in the wilds so no problem... I have had great success with traps...

bears here are another problem... no trap big enough for them

[DonaldsRump]

3. This is a great link, for the traps and the other stuff.

Much appreciation!

[4139]

4. Cayanne pepper stray ...

Google it. I use bar soap in my mix and a tank sprayer for my garden. Spray where you think they walk into your yard.

If they start climbing on to your house or if there is a storm drain they go in or out make up some cayanne pepper oil and paint where they climb.

[broiles]

5. Raccoons avoid the smell of human urine.

Pee in a jar and sprinkle it around the area for a couple of days and bingo they will go gone. Worked like a charm for me.

[Kaleva]

7. Urine is rich in nitrogen. I use diluted urine to fetilize plants in and out of the garden.

It's a great additive for the compost pile too if one is short on greens.