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About Stephen Vantassel
Expertise
I can assist the public in responding to all kinds of wildlife related problems in the United States and Canada, including birds, mice, rats, skunks, raccoons, beavers, opossums, voles, moles, chipmunks, woodchucks, pocket gophers, and more. My passion is wildlife damage identification, for if you don't know what animal is causing the problem, you can't begin to resolve it responsibly.
Experience
I was a full time animal damage controller for over 5 years and a part-time animal damage controller for over 10. I have been a volunteer for AllExperts.com for over 5 years under the Pest Control Category, when they graciously created a new category that better suited my experience (I don't answer bug questions). I was a licensed animal controller in both Massachusetts, Connecticut and Nebraska. I presently run the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, http://icwdm.org.
Organizations
National Wildlife Control Operators Association, Community Integrated Pest Management group at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Publications
I have published two books (both revised), The Wildlife Removal Handbook rev. ed. and the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook rev. ed. Additionally, I have written articles which have appeared in Wildlife Control Technology Magazine, Fur-Fish & Game, The Trapper, The Fur Taker, The Probe, and others. I have co-authored wildlife related publications for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension program and was responsible for revising the handbook designed for the Pest Controllers looking to obtain their category 14 license.
Education/Credentials
I was a trapper education instructor for the state of Massachusetts, and have attended a variety of conferences and trainings.
Awards and Honors
Certified Wildlife Control Operator
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You are here: Experts > Science > Animals/Wildlife > Wildlife Damage Control > raccoon bathroom habit
Expert: Stephen Vantassel - 11/6/2009
Question
I have raccoons using the roof of my shed and roof of my house as a bathroom,how can I stop them from doing this.
Answer
You have two options. Prevent the raccoons from getting to the roof by use of fencing or porcupine wire or by eliminating the raccoons. Additional details below.
Trapping Transient Raccoons
Transient raccoons are those that are damaging property but not living on the property being damaged. Find out the trapping laws in your state visit your state’s DNR to learn the laws. http://www.icwdm.org/VendorsService/default1.asp Then if legal trap them out. Set cage traps that are 10x12x32 inches in size. For best results use at least three. Be careful to place the traps at least 10 inches away from anything you consider valuable (every direction including up and down. Make sure traps are stable. Cover 50% of trap length with a strong cloth you don’t care about. Secure to trap so it doesn’t blow away. Cage traps are incredibly cruel (contrary to popular mythology) as trapped animals can cook in the sun or freeze in the cold.
Understand if you catch a female who is nursing and then kill or translocate her, the young will probably perish. Always where gloves when handling traps. Remember, wildlife carry diseases dangerous to people so get informed before doing (ANY) work. For some information click You should also be aware of the potential for disease. visit http://icwdm.org/diseases/raccoonroundworm.asp to learn about this lesser known infection. (Everyone knows about the threat of rabies).
Tips on trapping raccoons visit http://icwdm.org/handbook/carnivor/Raccoons.asp Always check with your state laws before doing any trapping. Also BEFORE you begin trapping learn how to handle a skunk as people often catch skunks while trapping for raccoons. Visit http://www.icwdm.org/wildlife/skunk/skunkrelease.asp Learn how to use cage traps safely at http://www.icwdm.org/ControlMethods/trapsafety.asp
Hiring professional. Visit http://www.icwdm.org/VendorsService/default1.asp If you choose to hire one. Be sure to read our advice on what to look for before you hire anyone. There are lots of people who think they are professional animal damage controllers but actually aren’t. Click the state you are in and there will be a link on that page giving you tips on how to hire a professional. Many of the professionals I know would have easily handled this problem, provided they could reach the young. But of course, they may have needed a couple of days.
As for a raccoon walking past a trap, that isn't uncommon given the number of people who choose to relocate raccoons. Capturing an educated raccoons can be very difficult. Now for many animal damage controllers cage educated raccoons are no big deal if they live in a state that hasn't been foolish enough to ban traps, Massachusetts, California and Washington are examples of states whose citizens were appropriately duped by the animal rights protest industry. But I digress.
Animal Disposal If you decide to trap, don’t assume that translocation is humane or necessarily legal in your state. http://www.icwdm.org/wildlife/euthanasia/relocation.asp to learn why. If legal in your state, the raccoon should be released on site (often not practical) or euthanized. See http://www.icwdm.org/wildlife/euthanasia/default.asp to learn how. To learn how to dispose of the carcass visit http://www.icwdm.org/wildlife/euthanasia/carcassdisposal.asp
We are always looking for images (if you can safely take them) of wildlife damage to help us in our educational mission. To learn how to take better photos visit http://www.icwdm.org/Photos/shootingphotos.asp We prefer high resolution, (3 mg or higher). Send to svantassel2@unl.edu or if your e-mail can’t handle large files upload to http://members.icwdm.org
Username use all caps. ICWDM
Password (all lower case) guest
Please include permission to use the images and where and when the photos were taken. Month/year is fine as is county or city and state.
Disclaimer: As with any activity, remember that animal damage control comes with its own risks and problems which can include but are not limited to legalities, health threats, and personal liabilities. Be sure to follow all state laws governing wildlife and make sure you have a thorough understanding on how to resolve the animal damage complaint. My advice is only as good as your understanding of me and my understanding of your situation. If you have any questions be sure to write back.
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