Raccoons becoming a problem in Lodi

Randy Thomas of Robinson's Feed explains the K-9 Pet and Garden Fence and Critter Ridder, two products that help Lodi residents deal with the growing problem of raccoons in city neighborhoods. (Matt Brown/News-Sentinel)

Raccoons becoming a problem in Lodi

By Matt Brown
News-Sentinel Staff Writer

Saturday, September 29, 2007 2:33 AM PDT

Comments (13 comment(s))

Three masked intruders with sharp objects broke into a Lodi backyard on Thursday and were about to take over the place. That's when Diane Barney and her team stepped in.

Barney trapped the invaders and sent them back to where they came from — the raccoon habitat at the Lodi Lake nature area.

Just an average day for Lodi Animal Control's animal service supervisor.

Barney's lighweight metal trap helped to ensnare the family of three furry raccoons that had overrun the resident's Orange Avenue property.

"They tore up her lawn and were swimming in her pool," Barney said. "It was like they were having a pool party."

Raccoons are becoming more of a problem in Lodi. They infest neighborhoods, terrorize pets and keep animal control officers busy.

Ed Shoup, a volunteer at the Lodi Animal Shelter, said he answers an average of two calls per day from people complaining of raccoons on their property.

"They are coming more and more into the city limits," he said.

Randy Thomas, who lives near Blakely Park in east Lodi, has a family of raccoons that visits his house a couple of times per month. Thomas said the beasts eat all the expensive koi out of his fish pond.

"They're messy eaters," he said.

Thomas, who works at Robinson's Feed in Lodi selling raccoon traps and repellents, said raccoons are more active this time of year as the weather cools down and the days are shorter.

Raccoon problem? Some solutions

Zebra K-9 Pet and Garden Fence Kit: The kit contains everything you need to install a quick and easy electric fence around your yard. The 115-volt shocker will keep raccoons and small animals out. $49.99 at Robinson's Feed.

Contech Scarecrow: The sprinkler on a stake is connected to a motion detector. When raccoons trip the sensor, they get blasted with water and scram. $79 at Robinson's Feed.

Havahart Critter Ridder: Spray or sprinkle this product on your yard and raccoons and other pests will stay away. The product's smell and taste is irritating to animals. $21.49 at Robinson's Feed.

Havahart raccoon trap: The lightweight metal cage allows critters to climb in, but they can't leave. Bait the trap with meat. $64 at Robinson's Feed, or $3 per day to rent.

If you catch a raccoon or spot one in a neighborhood, call Lodi Animal Control: 333-6741.

— News-Sentinel staff

Besides tearing up gardens and strewing garbage around yards, raccoons can be dangerous to household pets. Lodi resident John Johnson's dog recently had a run in with an aggressive raccoon on Locust Street, resulting in some nasty wounds and a $150 veterinarian bill.

"They can be pretty feisty when they feel threatened," Barney said. "They can hold their own."

She added that she has never heard of a raccoon killing a pet.

If you have a raccoon problem, the best thing to do is get a raccoon trap, put some meat inside and catch the creatures, Barney said. Then, call animal control, which will dispatch officers to transport the raccoons to their natural habitat in the Lodi Lake nature area.

"It's nice when we drop them off out there," Barney said. "You know they're going to have a good life there."

Thomas said Robinson's Feed sells quite a few traps. The small metal cages go for $64 or $3 per day to rent.

The store also has other products to keep the critters at bay. The K-9 Pet and Garden Fence Kit is a quick and easy electric fence that keeps small animals out of your yard.

Critter Ridder, a product that can be sprinkled on a yard, smells bad to raccoons and keeps them away.

Then there is the Scarecrow — a sprinkler on a stake with a motion detector. When raccoons trip the sensor, they get doused with an unpleasant spray of water and take off.

Of course, some people have told Thomas that they would rather use their shotgun next time they have a raccoon run in. But besides being illegal in the city limits, Thomas discourages weapons, preferring more humane means of dealing with the pests.

"We are in their territory," he said. "They were here first."

Contact reporter Matt Brown at mattb@lodinews.com.

Reader Feedback

Paul wrote on Oct 10, 2007 10:56 AM:

" We moved into a house on Cochran Road and I have trapped and relocated eight raccons in the last month. The critters were living in our attic space. Calling animal control is a joke. I called them when we discovered we had a problem and I was told to rent a trap and catch the raccoons myself and then they would come get them. I didn't bother calling and took care of the problem myself. BTW...Nice job by animal control of concentrating the population in one area and creating more opportunities for the raccoons to breed. "

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dogbark wrote on Oct 7, 2007 11:00 AM:

" I hate those raccoon pool parties! All the loud music, the booty dancing, silly string spaying, paint throwing, then riding the horses back and forth at the property line. Where's the cops with their stinking badgers when you need them? "

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To LNS wrote on Oct 4, 2007 6:38 PM:

" Teach em how to deliver papers. Mybe they'll be able to adhere to your strict porching papers policy. "

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Ol Fudd wrote on Oct 1, 2007 9:31 PM:

" Those wascawee wacoons wewe shoed be vewy vewy cefew when I have my twusty shotgun handy "

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Leashes wrote on Oct 1, 2007 10:31 AM:

" Lodi should create a leash law for these critters, add it to all the other ridiculous laws... "

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nylodian wrote on Sep 30, 2007 7:39 AM:

" My aunt's cat was killed by a raccoon. We live in the country where there are a lot of them. Putting pet food bags inside metal trash cans, and securing garbage in the garage until trash pick-up discourages their visits. Leaving cat or dog food outside attracts them, so feeding pets inside will help as well. "

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PAL wrote on Sep 29, 2007 7:24 PM:

" Hey T & C I was in Reno today too and I agree, absolutely gorgeous day. Picking up grandaughter to take her to Disneyland. PAL "

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Wondering? wrote on Sep 29, 2007 4:51 PM:

" Since when does animal control come out for racoons? A call to them 3 years ago about a herd of 7 (3 adults, 4 kids) yielded a "You're on your own" from animal control. Thanks alot!!!! BTW the Critter Ridder (available from a big box) and Repels-All spray (smells like rotten eggs and fish guts!) does the job, trap works too if you want the headache of "disposing" of the animal. "

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Old Money wrote on Sep 29, 2007 1:55 PM:

" At least the raccoons did'nt drink all of your beer and play their music too loud... "

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c wrote on Sep 29, 2007 10:05 AM:

" BE THANKFUL THEY ARE BEARS..... "

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Laker wrote on Sep 29, 2007 9:51 AM:

" I'm sure it's lovely for the raccoons down by the lake, but not for anyone who has a home anywhere in the neighborhood. For us it is a huge unnatural infestation that is being artificially created by Animal Control. All of the raccoons didn't originally come from the area. How did they get to Orange Avenue, take the GrapeLine? The purpose of the wilderness area is to let nature take its course. "

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Party at the Smith's! wrote on Sep 29, 2007 9:17 AM:

" LOL at the raccoon pool party! "

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T & C wrote on Sep 29, 2007 8:48 AM:

" Well, now you know what kind of meat you're getting in those 25 cent tacos and burritos off of those roach coaches. Beautiful here in Reno today, Donner Pass was closed last night and the dusting of snow in the mountains is beautiful and encouraging. Have a nice day! "

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