Raccoons. Those masked bandits of the night. While undeniably cute, their nighttime raids on your garbage cans and potential for property damage are less charming. Learning how to keep raccoons away from your home is crucial for maintaining a peaceful coexistence and protecting your property. This comprehensive guide offers effective strategies to deter these clever critters and reclaim your backyard.
Understanding Raccoon Behavior: The First Step to Deterrence
Before diving into solutions, understanding why raccoons are attracted to your property is key. Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores; they'll eat almost anything. This means easy access to food, water, and shelter are major attractants. Knowing this, we can target these areas for effective raccoon control.
Key Raccoon Attractants:
- Food Sources: Unsecured garbage cans, pet food left outdoors, bird feeders (especially those on the ground), and fallen fruit from trees.
- Water Sources: Leaky pipes, pet water bowls, and even puddles.
- Shelter: Areas under decks, sheds, attics, or any place offering protection from the elements.
Effective Methods to Keep Raccoons Away
Now that we understand what draws raccoons in, let's explore proven methods to deter them. These techniques focus on removing attractants and creating an unwelcoming environment.
1. Secure Your Trash: The Foundation of Raccoon Control
This is arguably the most important step. Raccoons are incredibly resourceful when it comes to food. Ensure your garbage cans are:
- Securely Lidded: Use heavy-duty lids that fit tightly and can't be easily pried open.
- Stored Properly: Keep cans in a garage or shed whenever possible. If this isn't feasible, consider using heavy-duty, animal-resistant trash cans.
- Clean Regularly: Remove any spilled food or garbage immediately. A lingering scent is an invitation.
2. Eliminate Other Food Sources
Beyond garbage, other food sources need attention:
- Pet Food: Bring pet food inside at night. Consider using pet food bowls designed to deter raccoons.
- Bird Feeders: If raccoons are raiding your bird feeders, temporarily remove them. If you must keep them, choose feeders that are raccoon-proof or hang them far from trees or structures they could use to climb.
- Fallen Fruit: Regularly clean up fallen fruit from trees.
3. Remove Access to Water
Similar to food, limit raccoon access to water sources:
- Repair Leaks: Fix any leaky pipes or faucets promptly.
- Remove Standing Water: Eliminate puddles or other sources of standing water.
- Secure Pet Water Bowls: Bring pet water bowls inside at night.
4. Make Your Property Unwelcoming
Raccoons prefer shelter and security. By making your property less appealing, you discourage them from settling in:
- Seal Entry Points: Check for any openings or gaps in your home's foundation, attic, or outbuildings. Seal them with wire mesh or other sturdy materials.
- Trim Overhanging Branches: Reduce access points by trimming back trees and shrubs that provide access to your roof or upper levels.
- Remove Debris: Keep your yard clean and tidy. Clutter provides hiding places for raccoons.
5. Repellents: A Supplemental Approach
While not always effective on their own, repellents can be a useful supplementary measure. However, consistent application is crucial, and results may vary. Consider using commercial raccoon repellents that are made from natural ingredients and are safe for pets. Remember to follow the product instructions carefully.
When to Call a Professional
If you've tried these methods and are still struggling with raccoon issues, it may be time to contact a wildlife removal professional. They have the expertise and tools to handle more complex situations safely and humanely.
Remember, patience and persistence are key. By systematically addressing food sources, shelter, and water access, you can significantly reduce your raccoon problem and maintain a peaceful coexistence with these wild animals.
