val2525
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Post by val2525 on May 18, 2023 2:31:39 GMT
The solid black thing is the hole in the patio ceiling that opens to the crawl space. From what I can tell, the door to the trap appears to be on the top. No way would it close even if the raccoon was in there because of where the cans are. I'll pass your comment about newspaper lining and food placement to the critter guy tomorrow.
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on May 18, 2023 2:48:03 GMT
I went ahead and passed your tip to the office. I had to email them that the coon was back. I wish I could have gotten a video of the coon just reaching down and scooping up the cat food.
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Post by staytuned on May 18, 2023 2:53:38 GMT
If that black square is the hole, why is the food directly below it? Looks like it would be pretty easy for the raccoon to stretch to grab the food without tripping it. The cans should be at the far end of the trap to lure it in, though I agree with kritter about newspaper and bait on it.
At least you know what you're dealing with. I did a quick google and raccoons don't like spicy smells, like cayenne pepper or mix cayenne pepper and hot sauce in water and spray where you want to keep them away. Maybe the critter guy should at least use some of either or both inside where the light fixtures are to try to flush them out into the traps? At least get them out from over your head.
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kritter
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Post by kritter on May 18, 2023 13:48:10 GMT
That trap setup is ridiculous. How can the coon even get in the trap from the ceiling because the excessive amount of cans are in the way. He would have to move the cans to the far end of the trap to get in. Once he is in if that would ever happen, there is nothing to prevent him from getting out from what I can tell. Hard to tell but I don't even see a trigger to close the door with the coon inside which really doesn't matter because he will never go in.
Three cans of food??? Is he feeding a whole family of coons up there? This trapper guy has no clue. He needs to go take the class on animal trapping put on by the feral cat people.
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kritter
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Post by kritter on May 18, 2023 14:36:56 GMT
I tried to find a site that sells that trap so I could figure out how it works just out of curiosity but couldn't find even a link on utube on how to use it much less buy it so I am wondering if it is something that they rigged up. Are these guys a real business or do they just work out of their truck?
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Post by staytuned on May 18, 2023 16:30:32 GMT
I tried to find a site that sells that trap so I could figure out how it works just out of curiosity but couldn't find even a link on utube on how to use it much less buy it so I am wondering if it is something that they rigged up. Are these guys a real business or do they just work out of their truck?
I tried to find that trap, too, without success. It doesn't make sense to me, either, and seems small for an adult raccoon. They'd have more success using a trap that hangs down with bait at the bottom so it's vertical instead of horizontal and as soon as the raccoon goes for the bait, the trap shuts behind it.
Methinks Val's management is being bamboozled by amateurs.
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on May 18, 2023 17:00:37 GMT
They'd have more success using a trap that hangs down with bait at the bottom so it's vertical instead of horizontal and as soon as the raccoon goes for the bait, the trap shuts behind it. Methinks Val's management is being bamboozled by amateurs.
I agree. I went by the office and spoke with the manager and showed her the trap setup. Also told her I watched the raccoon just reach down and scoop out the food. But it gets even better - the other "trap" isn't even a trap. Just a handmade cage. The top of the second "trap" is the bottom of the overhang it's attached to. Nothing to spring shut when the critter goes in there. What good is that?  She said the critter company was good. I commented that the company might be good but it doesn't guarantee the employee coming out to the complex knows what he's doing. |
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kritter
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Post by kritter on May 18, 2023 17:01:42 GMT
I saw it in HEB today and almost bought it but I was running errands and not on my way back home.
What is Blue Bell's new flavor?
For Texans, it's a dream partnership. Two beloved Texas brands are coming together in one divine union. Texas favorite Blue Bell Creameries announced its newest flavor early Thursday morning on Twitter — Dr Pepper Float — a creamy vanilla ice cream swirled together with soda-flavored sherbet.
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kritter
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Post by kritter on May 18, 2023 17:12:27 GMT
No, the company is not good if that is what their traps look like. They could put a tru-catch trap up against that opening instead of that flimsy wire whatever one on the ground and catch that coon in a heartbeat. That handmade thing is an embarrassment to the trapping world.
If that thing is where the coon usually comes in and out, no wonder he is pacing around in your ceiling all the time. Do they expect him to just go in, lie down, and wait for them to figure out how to disengage the trap with out the coon riping them a new one in the process.
Does this company have a name?
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on May 18, 2023 17:14:14 GMT
I think he installed the trap wrong. From what I can find on the internet, it looks like it should have been installed vertically, not horizontally. The critter goes for the food, trap springs shut, then it's let out the other end into a transport trap. Found a couple of YouTube vidoes.
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on May 18, 2023 17:30:06 GMT
Does this company have a name? Critter Evictor. They used to use Critter One. I'm not sure why they changed companies. Both companies have good Google reviews. I think it's the guy coming out here who may not know what he's doing. I also noticed that the actual cage on the patio hole appears to be put together with zip ties. |
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Post by staytuned on May 18, 2023 17:51:29 GMT
If it gets good reviews, the owner needs to come out and take a look at those piss poor cages. The only trapping is keeping the raccoons inside and keeping them fed, too. Not only is this guy incompetent, I hate to say it, Val, but your management is pretty stupid to not take a look at the traps and see right away they're not going to catch anything. No wonder it's so noisy overhead because they can't get out. Duh duh and duh
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kritter
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Post by kritter on May 18, 2023 18:00:18 GMT
Nope, that roof guy is using a variation of a Hav-A-Heart trap and it is not placed vertically but on a slant on the roof so the animal can trip the door closed when it steps on the lever by the food. The lever would not engage properly if the trap was totally vertical.
If they know where the entry points are, exit doors can be added that will let the animal out but won't let anything back in. Right now it looks like they have the coon basically trapped in there and he is not happy.
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Post by staytuned on May 18, 2023 18:05:03 GMT
I looked up the website and looks like they're not even following their own protocol. There were raccoons in MIL's chimney a few years ago and DH put coyote urine pellets down there and they vacated asap, so chemical deterrents do work. Did they even attempt that?
Removal: Rather than wasting effort on tracking down individual raccoons to trap or kill them, we use a special chemical treatment to convince them to leave on their own. Utilizing pheromones that simulate the presence of dangerous predators, this treatment naturally repels the raccoons and keeps them away. Of course, the pheromones will fade eventually – but we have that problem covered as well.
Exclusion: Before any removal work, we conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify any weak spots that might allow raccoons to get in. These can be found in all sorts of places, from your siding to your foundations, and we check them all out during a free initial consultation. As part of the removal process, we secure all entry points, ensuring they stay closed to any animals’ future re-entry. Our technicians will also closely inspect the entire structure and seal up all problem spots they find during the exclusion phase, even ones that weren’t listed on the initial assessment, for no additional cost and all for your one-time fee.
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on May 18, 2023 18:41:23 GMT
I'm on the first floor and the raccoon is in the crawlspace overhead - between the first floor and the second floor. Not in the roof. There is a cut in the ceiling of the patio and that is where the black trap is attached. The other trap is not a trap, but a cage nailed to the underside of the overhang.
I don't know if they tried anything other than food and trapping. The office seems to think this company is good since they've had to remove so many critters from the complex. The manager said they've had critters in pretty much every building in the complex at some time. She's hoping the repairs being made to the buildings prior to the new paint will help close up any access points not yet discovered.
I did notice that the guy who came out yesterday is not in the picture of the crew on their website.
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on May 18, 2023 23:27:59 GMT
Critter guy did NOT come back to put more food in the trap. I'm going to name the raccoon Briar. Nice unisex name that means "thorny plant", or, in my mind, PITA  Anyway, unless Briar finds another way out, he's stuck because both openings by my unit are blocked. Guess the critter guy didn't think about that. Briar is walking around right now, alternating between the two areas where the traps are. I don't know if there is still any food in the cans or not. What I do know is I get to listen to Briar pacing again tonight. And he'll be pacing over my unit, rather than wandering the whole crawlspace, because the critter guy cut the patio hole in the corner of the patio by my bedroom. Why didn't he cut it on the outer part of the patio? No common sense. I did mention that to the office. Even better - put the trap and food in the breezeway, since Briar wanders over there fairly often. Whatever. It is what it is and I can't do squat about it. |
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Shirley U Geste
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Post by Shirley U Geste on May 19, 2023 2:17:16 GMT
Oh be still my heart. 
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Post by staytuned on May 19, 2023 3:15:51 GMT
If they come out with a DDP version, kritter will probably get an extra freezer to stock up. 
The highlight of my day was finding footlong natural casing hot dogs and footlong buns at Walmart today. I've had a craving for them for at least a few years and couldn't find them anywhere until today. Used to get them all the time at any grocery store many years ago so really looking forward to a blast from the past experience. |
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Post by thekloset on May 19, 2023 12:07:29 GMT
staytuned The highlight of my day was finding footlong natural casing hot dogs and footlong buns at Walmart today. I've had a craving for them for at least a few years and couldn't find them anywhere until today. Used to get them all the time at any grocery store many years ago so really looking forward to a blast from the past experience.
WHAT IS THE BRAND??? i have been looking for the footlong buns for several years now!!!! Acme used to carry them from a vendor, but they havent had them since way before the pandemic--i **NEED** the buns! i will go to walmart in my pajamas right now if you tell me what to look for!
i completely understand why this was the highlight of your day
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Post by labbypaws on May 19, 2023 14:58:10 GMT
Crazy week for me. We may be getting a bonded pair of 4 year old Labs (male and female). This would be in addition to the puppy. Timing is totally bad but we have been on the rescue list since January and they have a family in dire straits. They are supposed to be fantastic Labs. They would be great for walking provided I can get them walking separately without too much harm.
My older 3 Labs are totally aging out of 3 plus mile walks unless I switch them off. The puppy will be too young to go any distance for quite some time as his bones need to grow.
So send me to the funny farm. I have not told the rescue we have a puppy coming but it should work out ok. Just a lot of dog crates at once. We were hoping for a single female about that age. I will post more once we know it will work out. Meet and Greet is next Saturday morning.
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Post by staytuned on May 19, 2023 15:02:20 GMT
Sahlen's is the brand hot dogs, buns are Kordas brand. Better to look up online first to see if they're in stock at Walmart around you.
I'm glad I'm not the only fan of footlongs.
I hope they have them at your local WM.
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Post by staytuned on May 19, 2023 15:06:19 GMT
Fingers, toes and legs crossed for you, labbypaws, and looks like your family will be extended times 3 instead of 1. Hope they all get along with each other and the pair (if you do take them) will be great walking companions.
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on May 19, 2023 16:51:39 GMT
Crazy week for me. We may be getting a bonded pair of 4 year old Labs (male and female). This would be in addition to the puppy. Timing is totally bad but we have been on the rescue list since January and they have a family in dire straits. They are supposed to be fantastic Labs. They would be great for walking provided I can get them walking separately without too much harm. If they're bonded and fairly well trained, would you be able to train them to walk together with you? I hope it all works out for you! Cloudy, hot and humid here today. Tstorms tonight and better temps tomorrow and Sunday. Briar is still in the crawlspace and was very annoyed last night. He was walking around and chattering. I don't think he's very happy. I know I'm not |
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on May 19, 2023 18:59:30 GMT
Ah ha. Critter guy came by and replaced the cage by the window with what appears to be a cage with an open bottom and a trap door. I'm guessing if Briar tries to go thru it, the thing in the middle releases so he can get out but snaps back so he can't get back in? Critter guy did not put out new food in the other trap.  Too bad I don't have a grill. I could grill on the patio in hopes of the scent of food drawing Briar out and into cage on the patio ceiling. Hmmn. I do have a Foreman grill and an electrical outlet on the patio. That might work - pop in a couple of burgers and maybe kill two birds with one stone |
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Post by allikat on May 19, 2023 19:44:14 GMT
I am still reading to catch up on this but we have a really cool Century ride around here, my BIL did it a few years ago, it is the Civil War Century around Gettysburg and surrounding areas. www.civilwarcentury.comSorry on the critters, I had 2 snakes in my house a few years ago and that about gave me a heart attack and critters on the roof drive me nuts too. But I live on a wooded lot in the country so I try not to complain too much. |
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Post by staytuned on May 19, 2023 20:23:44 GMT
Val, I don't think fire code allows you to grill or cook on your patio. Around here it's illegal and any grill set up has to be (forget how many) feet away from the building. Still don't understand what the critter guy is doing if I'm seeing correctly and the trap is open on the bottom. What's the point letting it out so it can find another way in or another building to terrorize someone else? thekloset- I hope WM had the buns.
LOL- I didn't pay attention and when I went to fry up the hot dogs, found there are 8. Buns come in packs of 6.  Not a problem, just split a bun twice for the extra. I'd rather have more hot dog and less bun anyway. Ahhhhhh, my first footlong in many many many many years was awesome! |
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on May 19, 2023 21:51:55 GMT
Val, I don't think fire code allows you to grill or cook on your patio. Around here it's illegal and any grill set up has to be (forget how many) feet away from the building. Still don't understand what the critter guy is doing if I'm seeing correctly and the trap is open on the bottom. What's the point letting it out so it can find another way in or another building to terrorize someone else? We can't use open flame grills but a Foreman grill wouldn't be an issue (electric). But I wouldn't do that. Too much trouble and it's not my job to get rid of the coon. The critter guy thinks this one is a youngster whose mom was caught earlier and the kid just hasn't figured out how to get out. I guess if it gets hungry enough it will go out. But I'm with you - what's to stop it from finding another way back in? Soooooooo happy it's Friday. I have to work over the weekend but at least I don't have to respond to clients. I have some new recipes to try this weekend too. |
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Post by staytuned on May 19, 2023 23:04:01 GMT
I hope it finds its way out soon because I don't want to think of the mess it's already made in the crawlspace and if it doesn't find its way out soon, unless there's a leaky pipe for it to get water and the critter guy keeps feeding it, it's going to die in there and THEN how is he going to get rid of it? Probably tell you it must have gone out until you start smelling the decomposition. Unless you witness it actually leaving, you won't be sure if it got out or died. This guy's a real nitwit. He could have at least fastened bait at the bottom of the new cage setup to lure it out.
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on May 20, 2023 0:54:44 GMT
The good news is the raccoon went into the cage to eat. The bad news is the cage seems to be too small. The raccoon was fully in the cage but his height kept the door from snapping shut (see pic).  It gets even better - there are TWO raccoons up there. I saw the second one peeking out of the patio ceiling hole while the first one was eating.  |
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on May 20, 2023 0:58:05 GMT
He could have at least fastened bait at the bottom of the new cage setup to lure it out. That's what I thought. Why not put some food at the far end of the exit cage, to entice the coons to crawl out? |
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Anyway, unless Briar finds another way out, he's stuck because both openings by my unit are blocked. Guess the critter guy didn't think about that. Briar is walking around right now, alternating between the two areas where the traps are. I don't know if there is still any food in the cans or not. What I do know is I get to listen to Briar pacing again tonight. And he'll be pacing over my unit, rather than wandering the whole crawlspace, because the critter guy cut the patio hole in the corner of the patio by my bedroom. Why didn't he cut it on the outer part of the patio? No common sense. I did mention that to the office. Even better - put the trap and food in the breezeway, since Briar wanders over there fairly often. Whatever. It is what it is and I can't do squat about it.
Not a problem, just split a bun twice for the extra. I'd rather have more hot dog and less bun anyway. Ahhhhhh, my first footlong in many many many many years was awesome! 