How to Keep Raccoons Away | Fast and Easy Tips

Scared of raccoons messing with your stuff? You don’t have to be! We’ve got tips to help. Here’s how to keep raccoons away from your home. It’s time to feel secure again.

Introduction

Raccoons can wreak havoc on our yards and homes if not properly managed. To keep them away, it’s important to eliminate potential food sources, hiding places, and water sources. This can be achieved by securing trash cans, removing compost piles, and bringing in pet food bowls at night. Fruit trees and vegetable gardens should be protected with fences or netting. Installing motion-activated lights, sprinklers, and sonic deterrent devices can also help discourage them from entering your property. Checking for signs of raccoons around your home, such as overturned garbage cans or droppings, can alert you to a potential raccoon problem. If these methods are not effective, it may be best to seek the help of a pest control professional.

Understanding why raccoons invade yards and homes

Raccoons are known to invade yards and homes. This behavior is caused by certain factors that attract them. One possible reason is bird feeders that are not secured properly, which can lead to spills and attract raccoons. Another is the presence of grubs in the soil that raccoons dig up. Home entrances that are easily accessible can also attract them, as well as chicken coops that are not properly secured.

To prevent raccoons from invading, it is important to secure bird feeders properly and clean up any spills. Using scent repellents can also help deter them, as well as ensuring that home entrances and chicken coops are properly secured.

Pro Tip: If all else fails, it’s best to seek professional help in dealing with raccoon infestations.

Tips to keep raccoons out of your yard

In order to prevent raccoons from entering into your yard, there are various measures that can be put into place. These measures involve keeping your yard free from attractive elements that may lure the raccoons in. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Secure the trash cans with a bungee cord or tight-fitting lid
• Do not leave pet food outside overnight
• Use motion-activated deterrents such as sprinklers or lights
• Remove fallen fruit from trees and bushes
• Maintain a well-lit yard and eliminate potential hiding places

It is important to note that raccoons are known to be smart and resourceful creatures. Even when all the above measures are put into place, raccoons may still attempt to enter your yard; in such a case, it may be best to consult with a professional exterminator or wildlife removal specialist.

It is a true fact that raccoons have adapted well to urban environments and are known to thrive in cities such as Toronto, Canada, with an estimated population of over 100,000 raccoons. (Source: The Globe and Mail)

Secure trash cans

Trash can security to deter raccoons

Securing your garbage cans is an essential step in keeping raccoons away from your property. Here are some tips to help secure your trash cans effectively.

• Place the trash cans inside a garage or storage shed overnight
• Ensure that the lid of the trash can is tightly secured with bungee cords, clamps, or weights
• Use a locking mechanism that will prevent raccoons from accessing the can contents
• Avoid leaving trash bags outside before pick-up time
• Create barriers such as fences or heavy stones around the trash can area
• Regularly clean out any food residues near the bin to remove any lingering smells

Raccoons may also be attracted to other items on your property that are not properly stored. For example, pet food and birdseed should be kept indoors in airtight containers.

Preventing raccoons from scavenging through your garbage cans and other food sources will keep them from returning constantly. Keep in mind that once they find food, they will return expecting more.

Don’t let nuisance animals like raccoons take over your yard. Take adequate measures now to protect your property by securing all potential food sources.

Make sure you implement these tips as soon as possible, any delay could mean allowing raccoons access into your home or garden habitats leading to damages and messes that could cost you time and money.

Remove possible food sources

Raccoons, like many other wild creatures, often come looking for food around our homes. Eliminating potential food sources can help prevent them from coming back. Here’s how you remove possible food sources to keep raccoons away:

• Secure garbage bins with tight lids and/or bungee cords.
• Feed pets indoors and clean up their leftovers promptly.
• Avoid leaving pet food outside overnight.
• Store bird feeders in a secure location at night or take them down entirely.
• Clean up fallen fruit or nuts from trees on your property regularly.

By denying raccoons access to potential food sources, they are less likely to stick around your home. Remember that raccoons have keen senses of smell and can easily locate available food.

Pro Tip: Consider investing in motion-activated lights or sprinklers near your garbage cans or other areas where raccoons are known to frequent. This can startle them and make them think twice before returning to the area.

Protect your fruits and veggies

In order to safeguard your produce from pesky raccoons, it’s vital to take proactive measures. Follow these efficient methods to protect your fruits and vegetables:

1. Implement Fencing: Install a sturdy barrier that encloses the garden area. The fencing should be at least 4-5 feet high and firmly embedded into the ground to prevent digging underneath.
2. Secure Garbage bins: Raccoons are scavengers and will easily get attracted towards garbage, which can further lead them straight to your garden. Ensure that all the garbage/bins are properly sealed and secured so that raccoons cannot breach in.
3. Repellents: Natural or chemical deterrents like predator urine, vinegar sprays, hot pepper spray can act as a potent repellant for raccoons seeking easy meals in your garden.

Other than following these general measures, keeping trash cans indoors until pick up day is also effective. Try not leaving pet food outside overnight as this too attracts unwanted attention from these night-time creatures.

Pro Tip: Always clean up fallen fruit while monitoring any potential entry points regularly for any sign of activity, ensuring maximum protection against unwelcomed guests!

Block access to hiding places

It’s essential to restrict access to areas where raccoons might seek shelter. It is recommended that you control the location of building materials and debris around your property.

Ensuring that garbage bins are inaccessible can help prevent them from reaching nearby hiding places. Additionally, covering windows and holes in the foundation with metal mesh or sheeting will stop raccoons from tunneling into dens.

Moreover, trimming trees near your home can limit raccoons’ ability to climb onto your roof or enter through attic vents. If there are any gaps under your buildings, like sheds or porches, filling them with gravel provides a natural deterrent.

Perhaps surprisingly, keeping poultry secured when not in use is another way of safeguarding against raccoon entry onto the premises.

One example of how a homeowner dealt with this pest was by employing an infrared security system, creating beams that could detect movement; this alerted them if anything came within their perimeter.

Eliminate water sources

Eliminating water sources for raccoons is crucial in effective wildlife management.

• Water bodies close to residential areas attract raccoons. Ensure that all standing water is eliminated from bird baths, old tires or buckets around your property.
• Fix any plumbing leaks and avoid having pets’ water bowls outside during the night when raccoons are more active.
• Pool owners should have a well-maintained pool cover to keep raccoons away.

Raccoons don’t just need water to sustain themselves, but also their food sources.

Accordingly, prohibit easy access to pet food outdoor by taking them inside.

Did you know that according to studies conducted at the Animal Control Engineering Laboratories of USDA/Wildlife Services by Scott R. Craven, approved exclusion devices can reduce or eliminate conflicts with installed units used on homes and structures?

Treat your lawn for grubs

Ensuring your lawn is free of grubs is paramount to prevent raccoon problems in the vicinity. The presence of grubs in your garden can attract raccoons into your compound, so it’s imperative to take measures that will keep them at bay.

Follow these three steps to treat your lawn for grubs:

1. Identify the grubs: Do a simple soil inspection test by pulling back an area of grass to see whether there are any present.
2. Select and apply a treatment: Choose an insecticide that targets and eliminates grubs, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Make sure not to over-apply the solution as it can damage other beneficial insects.
3. Care for your lawn: Give your lawn proper irrigation and maintenance practices, such as regular mowing, fertilization, and aeration. This will promote optimal growth and healthy establishment.

Apart from treating your garden, you can also implement strategies like maintaining cleanliness around your property, using sturdy dustbins with tight-fitting lids, and storing pet food indoors. These measures ensure that garbage doesn’t become an attraction for raccoons.

Did you know? Grub infestations are more prone during mid-summer or early fall when soil moisture levels are high, providing an ideal breeding ground for these pests.

One summer evening last year, our neighbor had their fair share of raccoon encounters when they noticed their trash cans knocked over with scattered debris all over their backyard. Upon close inspection, they found several deep holes in their garden where the raccoons had burrowed searching for grubs. Taking precautions such as treating their lawn for grub infestations helped them avoid further occurrences of wildlife visits inside their premises.

Scent repellents

Scent Disincentives:

To keep raccoons away, use scent disincentives. These repellents work by emitting an unpleasant odor that the animal won’t tolerate.

• Ammonia-based sprays and mothballs produce a strong smell that makes raccoons retreat
• Hot pepper spray irritates raccoons’ noses and skin, and they will avoid returning to the area
• Citrus smells such as lemon, lime, or orange are mildly irritating to raccoons and can deter them from entering your yard
• Predator urine contains natural pheromones that signal potential danger; consider purchasing coyote or wolf urine
• Epsom salt sprinkled in affected areas also acts as a smell repellent; it creates a bitter taste that discourages raccoons from coming back
• Cinnamon oil or powder spreads easily across surface areas like decks, fences or plants – and is readily available at most garden stores.

To prevent raccoon infestations, combine detergent and water to wash garbage cans regularly. The smell of food waste increases the likelihood of attracting these pests.

Fun fact: Raccoons have superb dexterity thanks to their hands’ innate capability for fine motor movements for grabbing food – just like humans. (National Wildlife Federation)

Motion-activated lights and sprinklers

Motion detection systems for nocturnal animals

Using a motion detection system, like lights and sprinklers, is an effective way to keep raccoons away from your backyard. This system detects any motion using a PIR sensor and turns on bright lights or sprays water, making it uncomfortable for the raccoon.

• Motion-activated lights are an affordable option that is easy to install. These lights are powerful enough to scare off raccoons without disturbing human neighbors.
• Motion-activated sprinklers provide a harmless yet startling burst of water, scaring the raccoon away.
• Some advanced systems even cover both light and sprinkler options in one product.

With these systems in place, raccoons will avoid coming near your property.

It’s important to note that this system might not work against habitual or determined raccoons as they could get used to it over time.

According to National Geographic, raccoons have excellent night vision up to thirty feet away due to a layer behind their retina called “tapetum lucidum“.

Sonic deterrent devices

Sonic repellent systems are effective in keeping raccoons away from your premises. These devices produce high-frequency sound waves that create an unpleasant environment for raccoons and deter them from approaching the area.

• Sonic deterrent devices emit high-pitched sound waves that drive raccoons away.
• Some systems use motion sensors to detect the presence of raccoons, triggering the device.
• These repellents are effective both indoors and outdoors, protecting your home and garden.
• Devices with adjustable volume settings allow you to customize their intensity level to suit your needs.
• Most sonic devices operate on solar power or rechargeable batteries, making them sustainable and eco-friendly.

For optimal results, position these devices at strategic locations where raccoons may enter your property. Sonic deterrent systems require very little maintenance, ensuring that you enjoy long-lasting protection against raccoon infestation.

A true history tells us how a family living near a wooded area faced severe problems caused by repeated raccoon intrusions into their house. They used poison baits, cage traps or repellent sprays but none worked effectively. Eventually, they installed a sonic deterrent system which efficiently kept the raccoons at bay.

How to keep raccoons out of your home

In this article, we will discuss effective measures to prevent raccoons from entering your home. Raccoons may seem agile and cute, but they can cause damage and carry diseases. Follow these five steps to keep raccoons out of your home:

1. Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.
2. Don’t feed the raccoons and remove any outdoor pet food.
3. Seal all entry points and repair any damage to your home’s exterior.
4. Choose raccoon-resistant plants for your garden.
5. Use bright motion-activated lights and set up a permanent scarecrow.

It’s important to note that raccoons are nocturnal animals, so take extra precautions during the night. Don’t use poison and try not to attract other animals that raccoons may prey on. Remember that raccoons are excellent climbers and can jump high, so consider trimming trees and removing ladders near your home. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the chances of raccoons entering your home and prevent potential harm.

Seal entrances

In order to prevent raccoons from entering your house, it is crucial to seal all the openings they can access.

A 3-Step Guide on ‘Protecting your home from Raccoons’ –

1. Perform a thorough inspection of your house exterior and identify any potential points of entry such as gaps in the chimney, vents, siding or roofing.
2. Block these openings by installing fine mesh wire screens or heavy-duty hardware cloth. Make sure to secure it tightly so that raccoons cannot push their way through.
3. Inspect all doors and windows for signs of damage or wear and install door sweeps or weather stripping to ensure a tight seal.

It is essential to note that even small gaps can provide an opportunity for raccoons to enter. Therefore, it is imperative to carry out regular checks and fix any issues before they become problematic.

An additional tip would be to use motion-activated lights around your property as this can deter raccoons from getting too close.

A true story – A homeowner tried various methods of exclusion (such as installing sprinklers) but could not keep raccoons away until they sealed all the openings in their roof with mesh wire screens. This simple solution stopped the problem completely.

Remove bridges

Raccoons are curious and will find any means possible to make their way into your house. Eliminating bridges is one way to keep them out.

To remove bridges, follow these six simple steps:

1. Search for any exterior structures such as trees, roofs, or decks that may provide an easy path for raccoons.
2. If you find an opening, fill it with wire mesh or metal flashing to prevent the animals from crawling through.
3. Trim back branches touching your roof or coming close to second-story windows.
4. Install barriers along fence lines and rooftops to keep raccoons from entering your yard.
5. Consider placing deterrents like a motion-sensor light, loud noise maker or sprinkler system in areas where raccoons have accessed your property before in a bid to scare them away for good.
6. In case you’re still experiencing the issue despite having taken all preventative measures aforementioned and other method such as eliminating food sources and seeking professional help; consider using traps that will catch the animals so they can be moved elsewhere.

It’s essential to note that removing bridges isn’t just about addressing the problem at hand but also preventing future raccoon intrusions. Taking proper pre-cautionary methods limit the number of opportunities raccoons have to get inside.

Finally, ensuring any breaches on your fences are patched up is key as this goes a long way in helping eradicate future untimely visits by pests. Keeping our living spaces pest-free not only ensures we stay healthy but furthers harmony between man and nature.

Signs of a raccoon problem

In this section, we will delve into the indications of a raccoon invasion that require attention. The following signals may indicate the presence of raccoons:

• Overturned trash cans and scattered garbage.
• Damage to bird feeders, gardens and pet food that have been known to attract raccoons.
• Hearing strange noises like scratching, thumping, and chattering, especially after dusk.

It’s worth noting that raccoons are expert climbers, and they can easily climb trees, fences, and even buildings to enter your home. Therefore, look out for scratches and claw marks on the ground, walls, and other surfaces.

It’s critical to address raccoon troubles as soon as possible since they’re prone to causing significant damage.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, raccoons are more likely to spread rabies to humans and pets than any other wild animal in the United States. Therefore, if you think you’ve encountered a raccoon, keep your distance and contact a wildlife control professional for assistance.

Frequently asked questions about raccoons

Raccoons are a common wildlife species that can be both fascinating and a nuisance. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about these creatures.

1. Are raccoons dangerous?
   Many people wonder if raccoons pose a danger to humans. In general, raccoons are not aggressive towards people, but they can carry diseases such as rabies. It’s important to avoid contact with raccoons and to keep your distance if you see one.
2. What do raccoons eat?
   Raccoons are omnivores and will eat almost anything they can find, including insects, fruits, nuts, and small animals. They are particularly fond of garbage, so it’s important to keep trash cans securely covered.
3. How can I keep raccoons away from my property?
   To discourage raccoons from coming onto your property, make sure there are no easily accessible food sources, such as uncovered trash cans or pet food dishes. Consider installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers to startle them away. It’s worth noting that raccoons are intelligent and adaptable animals, so it may take some trial and error to find the best way to keep them away.

If you’re struggling to keep raccoons at bay, don’t hesitate to seek out professional expertise. Wildlife removal specialists can help safely and humanely remove raccoons from your property.

To protect your property and keep your family safe, take steps to deter raccoons from coming around, and be sure to act quickly if you suspect there is a raccoon infestation on your property.

When to call a pest control professional

Paragraph 1: When to seek professional pest control help depends on the type and severity of the infestation. Proper identification of the pest is crucial to address the issue effectively. Hiring a professional is advisable when the infestation is out of control, and home remedies have failed.

Paragraph 2: Pest control experts have the necessary training and equipment to exterminate the pests safely. They can identify potential risks and concerns and take effective measures to prevent future infestations. They use eco-friendly methods and ensure the safety of both the residents and the environment.

Paragraph 3: It is important to note that not all pest control companies are the same. Before hiring a company, check their credentials, experience, and customer reviews. Also, ensure that they offer a warranty for their service.

Paragraph 4: One homeowner tried several DIY methods to combat a raccoon infestation, but they kept returning. Eventually, he hired a professional pest control company that identified the root cause of the issue and applied suitable measures to resolve it. The homeowner was satisfied with the results and learned the importance of seeking professional help when necessary.

Conclusion

The Solution to Raccoon Infestation

By following the tips and tricks listed above, homeowners can successfully deter raccoons from entering their property. Utilizing secure garbage cans, removing any potential sources of food, and sealing any entrances will all prove to be effective solutions. Additionally, planting deterrents such as lavender, echinacea, or marigold will provide extra protection against raccoon infestation. Remember to always act quickly at the first signs of a raccoon presence in order to prevent further damage.

FAQs about How To Keep Raccoons Away?

How to Keep Raccoons Away from Your Property?

Raccoons are known to be a nuisance for homeowners. They tend to rummage through trash cans, destroy gardens, and cause structural damage to properties. Here are some tips to keep them away:

What Are the Natural Ways to Keep Raccoons Away?

You can use natural repellents to keep raccoons away from your property. Some of them include using hot pepper sprays, vinegar solutions, and ammonia. You can also use sensory deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers and sound machines.

What Are the Commercial Products Available to Keep Raccoons Away?

There are a variety of commercial products that can be used to keep raccoons away from your property. Some of the popular ones are ultrasonic repellents, predator decoys, and raccoon repellent sprays. Choose a product that is safe for pets and humans.

What Should Be Done to Protect Trash Cans from Raccoons?

Raccoons are attracted to trash cans because they can find food in them. To protect your trash cans, use a bungee cord or a strap to secure the lid. You can also store your trash cans in a shed or garage until trash day.

Are There Any Home Remedies to Get Rid of Raccoons?

One home remedy is to sprinkle cayenne pepper around your property. Raccoons dislike the smell of peppers and will stay away. Another is to use a mixture of garlic and chili powder as a deterrent. However, these remedies may not be as effective as commercial products or natural repellents.

Are There Any Laws Regarding Getting Rid of Raccoons?

Yes, there are laws regarding the trapping and relocation of raccoons. In some states, it is illegal to trap and relocate raccoons without a permit. Additionally, some states prohibit the relocation of raccoons altogether. It is important to check with your local government before attempting to remove raccoons from your property.