Screened in Porches, and Raccoons.. helppp.

I just moved to an apartment right next to the woods. I thought it would be perfect for the babies since they could go out on the porch and watch the birds, squirrels, and other wildlife in the woods.

Little did I know that raccoons would start coming around, harassing my babies.

I let them out on the porch one night for about 10 minutes while I was in the shower. When I got out of the shower, the cats were gone. The screen on the porch was torn open, and there were raccoon tracks all over.

Of course I thought the worst at first. =( I called out for them, and eventually both of them came prancing back.

The apartment complex just fixed the screen, however I have not let my babies out since.

I want to badly, because they enjoy it so much.

So what I want is some suggestions on how I could keep raccoons out? Chicken fencing?

I just know they are miserable staying in the house when they used to love laying in the sun watching the animals on the porch.

My cats have tried to scratch out of a screen to get to a squirrel before, so I dont trust wild animals or my cats with just a screen. I got these window covers at Lowe's and they actually screw into the window surround. They are very sturdy, made of metal. Something like that would work. You could always fill the holes, with putty, when you move.

Where'd you get those from?

Edit - just realized you said Lowes. I'll have to check it out. =)

Originally Posted by Pami

My cats have tried to scratch out of a screen to get to a squirrel before, so I dont trust wild animals or my cats with just a screen. I got these window covers at Lowe's and they actually screw into the window surround. They are very sturdy, made of metal. Something like that would work. You could always fill the holes, with putty, when you move.

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That's really clever!

Also? Not Tino's best angle...he really is one big boy!

Originally Posted by desole

Where'd you get those from?

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At Lowe's.

Kelly, Tino weighs 23lbs now!!! Hes huge!!

How large are the areas you need to cover? You may try checking what wire your local hardware store carries. I've always liked using hail cloth (wire mesh). I've used it on animal cages and areas to keep cats from shredding screen. I plan to eventually do a layer of it around my deck so the cats can't rip up the screen (they can't go through the lattice).

And actually, lattice would be another option if you have large areas to cover. Vinyl works if you don't want the bother of painting or sealing wood lattice.

Yeah I was thinking lattice or chicken wire. But the chicken wire (mesh) seems like it would be hard to cut and screw in.

Either way, I am going to Lowe's tomorrow to look for the cheapest, and less permanent solution.

Originally Posted by desole

Yeah I was thinking lattice or chicken wire. But the chicken wire (mesh) seems like it would be hard to cut and screw in.

Either way, I am going to Lowe's tomorrow to look for the cheapest, and less permanent solution.

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You would either have to make a frame to attach any wire to or find a way to staple it directly around the windows/porch. IMO, a nice painted/stained wooden frame with lattice or wire attached to it, then the frame screwed to the porch or windows would look nice. You could take it off later and take it with you when you move. Whether you'd go on to reuse it for the same purpose would be up to you, but if you end up with your own home you'd probably find some sort of use for it. Lattice would make the porch more shady, too.

Have fun supply hunting - be creative.

wire that is very strong is what I recommend. About 1/2 inch grid. Chicken wire will not stand up to a raccoon's teeth. We used to have it on our outside run for the cats. One morning I went out, and one of my cats was on top of the run walking around. I was shocked! In the night a raccoon had climbed up and chewed right through the top of the run. Never a problem with the hardware cloth. It does not sag either. Believe me, I know raccoons. I live on a ravine with a stream and across the road is a deep creek. One night, I felt I was being watched. My bed is right under a window that is over another roof. There in the window were 3 baby raccoons who had climbed a tree and were watching me sleep. I pretty much was nose to nose with them when I looked through the screen.

^My in-laws had a little tailless raccoon that like to wander up around their house. Cute little thing, unlike most raccoons who are larger and aggressive.

Have you tried narrow welded wire on any runs? The stuff is very heavy, I doubt a raccoon could go through it. I've used it to cat proof the wood fence in the backyard - I choose that over the cloth because of how many feet I had to cover. Though (like lattice) snakes to slip through as could smaller animals - in case anyone might like to keep those out, too.