How do I drive Racoons out of a attic?

[art338wm]

My friend is in depserate need on what to use to drive racoons that have invaded his attic out for good. Please do not suggest explosives, firearms, 10 foot long boas or traps as none are good options.

What is needed is something along the line of a strong smelling substance or similar application that can be placed in attic to render it uninhabitable to racoons, that also will not do any dammage to the attic itself or affect the rest of the house were the people live.

Thanks for any and all viable suggestions.
Be well,
Arthur.

[ozark]

First, I would discover the entrance and exit holes. Live traps is one option. A liberal scattering of old fashioned moth balls might do the trick.
The odor of moth balls should not filter down into the living space.

[richard]

If you want to drive them out, I suggest something like one of those smaller remote controlled four wheel drive trucks. One that comes to mind is called the Clodbuster ;D ;D ;D
Richard

[youp50]

It has been my experience that physically removing them is the only option. Live traps and snares are my favored tools. The live trapped racoon is destroyed. Racoons carry rabies, distemper etc. Their feces has been known to harbor a worm that can fatally invade a humans brain. I have tried the mothballs with no results.

You may find bright lights and a loud radio useful. I never tried it, but seems a logical course of action. I just kill them.

[wilmsmeyer]

Once you get them out, keep 'em out like Ozark said by finding out how they got in. They are nocturnal so they may be out at night. That's when I'd seal the entrances.....at night. I, like others, would just kill them.

Also, if killing is not an option, just call the local conservation office. I'm sure that someone would come over and "handle" the situation.

[Clumbsum]

If lethal means are ok, mix golden malrin fly bait and a can of coke cola. This will kill a coon almost instantly. Don't let pets get around it ,the coons won't make it more than several feet from pan. ( this is probaly illegal and off label use of golden malarin, but very effective) Farmers have been using it in sweet corn patches for years with fantastic success

[ozark]

Antifreeze placed where they can drink it (even diluted) is deadly. But there is a likelihood that you will have one or more dead coon in the attic to stink up the place. They are easy to lure into live traps using oreo cookies as bait. But keep in mind that if released within several miles the raccoon will find its way back. I have trapped the same coon that had been released three miles across two highways and a river. It took it three days to return to the same barn and get into the same live trap. I don't know the construction of the attic but they are getting in and out somehow. Good luck. Personally, I would welcome your problem and enjoy the challenge.
Ben

[tar12]

Jack Mackerel.single door live trap..22 CB.End of problem.

[CraigF]

A non live trap would work well too.........