Trap and relocate raccoons with professional help

Hire a licensed wildlife control operator or set live traps yourself (where legal) to capture and relocate raccoons away from the apiary. Bait traps with marshmallows, canned cat food, or ripe fruit and place them along raccoon travel paths near the hives.

Why It Works

Removing individual raccoons provides immediate relief and reduces local predation pressure. Professional operators know how to handle raccoons safely and comply with state and local wildlife regulations, which often require permits for trapping and specify minimum relocation distances (typically 10+ miles).

Tips

• Check local regulations first -- raccoon trapping requires permits in most U.S. states and Canadian provinces
• Relocate trapped raccoons at least 10 miles from the apiary to prevent return
• Check traps every 12 hours to minimize animal stress and comply with humane trapping laws
• Trapping alone is not a permanent solution; new raccoons will fill vacant territory within weeks
• Combine with electric fencing or secure stands for lasting protection
• Wear thick leather gloves when handling traps -- raccoons can bite and carry rabies