Tips for Repellinig Raccoons from Your Property

Raccoons are intelligent and resourceful creatures that can cause a lot of damage to your property if left unchecked. From raiding trash cans to destroying gardens, these masked bandits can be a nuisance. If you’re tired of dealing with raccoons on your property, here are some effective tips to help you repel them and prevent further damage.

1. Secure your trash cans: Raccoons are notorious for rummaging through garbage in search of food. To deter them, use trash cans with tight-fitting lids or invest in raccoon-proof bins. Alternatively, you can secure your existing cans by using bungee cords or heavy rocks to keep the lids firmly closed. Avoid leaving bags of garbage outside overnight to minimize the chances of raccoons being attracted to your property.

2. Eliminate food sources: Raccoons are opportunistic eaters, so remove any potential food sources from your property. This means not leaving pet food outside and ensuring bird feeders are inaccessible to raccoons by placing them on a pole at least six feet high or using specialized raccoon-proof feeders. Cleaning up fallen fruits, nuts, and seeds in your yard will also help discourage raccoons from visiting.

3. Fence your garden: If you have a garden, consider installing a raccoon-proof fence to protect your plants and crops. Use electric fencing or bury the bottom of the fence about a foot deep to prevent raccoons from burrowing underneath. Adding a lean or overhang to the top of the fence will further deter them from climbing over.

4. Use motion-activated lights and sprinklers: Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, so using motion-activated lights can startle and discourage them. Pairing those lights with motion-activated sprinklers provides an effective double deterrent. The sudden burst of water will discourage raccoons from approaching your property while keeping your lawn watered at the same time.

5. Apply deterrents: Scent-based deterrents can be effective in repelling raccoons. Spray ammonia or vinegar around the perimeter of your property (taking care to avoid plants), as raccoons find these smells unpleasant. Similarly, raccoon-specific repellents that contain predator urine or pepper spray can be applied to targeted areas. Just remember to reapply after rain or after watering your plants.

6. Seal off potential entry points: Raccoons are skilled climbers and can easily access attics, crawl spaces, or garages. Take a walk around your property and examine your home for any gaps, cracks, or openings that raccoons could use to gain entry. Seal these off with materials such as wire mesh or hardware cloth to prevent raccoons from infiltrating your property.

7. Install motion-activated noisemakers: Raccoons are wary of unfamiliar sounds, so installing motion-activated noisemakers can be an effective deterrent. These can be in the form of ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency noises or simple objects like wind chimes or aluminum cans tied to strings. When they move, these objects create noise and vibrations, scaring off raccoons.

8. Seek professional help: If you’ve tried various methods without success, it may be time to seek professional assistance. Animal control professionals or wildlife removal specialists can help assess the situation, offer specific advice tailored to your property, and provide humane methods of raccoon removal if necessary.

By following these tips, you can minimize the presence of raccoons on your property and prevent the damage they can inflict. Remember, it is always important to repel raccoons using humane methods that do not harm these creatures or cause them unnecessary distress.