How To Get Rid Of Raccoons In Your Yard

With their mischievous charm, Raccoons might seem like harmless additions to your backyard. The key to getting rid of raccoons lies in exclusion which has a two-pronged approach involving -

1. Eliminating Attractants

The most effective way to deter raccoons is to make your yard as unappealing as possible. Raccoons are resourceful omnivores, which means they'll readily gobble up anything from leftover pizza to juicy grubs.

For instance, raccoons are notorious for their trash can acrobatics. So, invest in raccoon-proof bins with sturdy lids that latch securely. If your current cans are lacking, use bungee cords or carabiner clips to make them bandit-proof.

2. Seal Entry Points

Once you've eliminated the reasons for raccoons to visit your yard, the next step is to make sure they can't find a cozy place to stay.

Raccoons are skilled climbers and resourceful explorers, so it's important to seal up any potential entry points around your house.

3. Light and Noise Deterrents

Raccoons prefer dark, quiet places to forage and nest. Install motion-activated lights around your yard, particularly near potential entry points like trash cans and garden areas.

Additionally, set up motion-activated noise makers or ultrasonic repellents to startle raccoons and keep them at bay. This combination of light and sound can create an inhospitable environment for these nocturnal creatures.

4. Use Natural Repellents

Certain smells can deter raccoons. Sprinkle substances like cayenne pepper, ammonia-soaked rags, or commercial raccoon repellents around your yard.

Raccoons dislike the strong scent of these items and will avoid areas treated with them. Reapply these repellents regularly, especially after rain, to maintain their effectiveness.

5. Secure Outdoor Structures

Raccoons can find shelter in outdoor structures like sheds, garages, and attics. Ensure these structures are securely closed, with no gaps or holes that raccoons can exploit.

Use heavy-duty locks and latches on doors and windows, and seal any openings with wire mesh or metal sheeting. Regularly inspect these structures for signs of attempted entry and reinforce as needed.

6. Install Fencing

Erecting a fence around your garden or yard can physically block raccoons from entering. Use a fence that is at least four feet tall and buried at least six inches into the ground to prevent digging.

Angling the top of the fence outward can further deter climbing. Consider using electric fencing as an additional deterrent, but ensure it is safe for children and pets.

7. Remove Potential Nesting Sites

Raccoons seek out cozy nesting sites for shelter and raising their young. Eliminate potential nesting sites by cleaning up piles of debris, wood, and leaves.

Trim tree branches that overhang your roof to prevent easy access. Regularly check attics, basements, and crawl spaces for signs of nesting and remove any found materials.

8. Maintain Landscaping

Overgrown landscaping provides cover for raccoons. Keep bushes, shrubs, and trees well-trimmed to reduce hiding spots. Remove fallen leaves, branches, and other yard debris promptly.

Create a clean, open landscape that is less appealing to raccoons seeking shelter or food.

9. Use Humane Traps

If raccoons continue to be a problem, consider using humane traps to capture and relocate them. Place traps in areas where raccoons are frequently seen, baited with foods like peanut butter or marshmallows.

Once captured, relocate the raccoons at least ten miles away from your property to prevent them from returning. Check local regulations regarding trapping and relocating wildlife.

10. Consult Wildlife Control Professionals

When all else fails, consult with a professional wildlife control service. These experts can assess your property, identify potential entry points, and implement effective measures to remove and prevent raccoons.

They can also provide advice on long-term strategies for keeping your property raccoon-free. Professional help can ensure that the problem is handled humanely and effectively.

These methods work best when combined with the exclusion techniques mentioned earlier. Here are a few ways to spook those masked bandits:

11. Loud Noises

Raccoons are creatures of habit and prefer to avoid confrontation, so, sudden loud noises can startle them and send them packing. You can also try banging pots and pans together, using a loud whistle, or even cranking up the radio on a talk station left outside at night.

Motion-activated noisemakers are also a good option, as they will create a racket whenever a raccoon triggers the sensor.

12. Lights Out

Raccoons are nocturnal and rely on darkness for cover. So, shining a bright light on them can disorient and scare them away. Motion-activated spotlights are particularly effective, as they will bathe the area in light when a raccoon approaches.

However, be aware that raccoons can become accustomed to lights over time, so it's important to use them in combination with other deterrents.

13. Sprinkler Surprise

Motion-activated sprinklers can be a great way to startle raccoons and deter them from returning. The unexpected blast of water will send them scrambling for cover.

Just make sure your sprinklers are aimed away from areas you don't want to get wet, like flower beds or patios.

14. Predatory Scents

Raccoons have a natural fear of predators. You can try using predator urine, such as coyote or bobcat urine, around your property.

These scents are available at most hardware stores and can be quite effective in repelling raccoons. However, the effectiveness can wear off over time, so reapplication may be necessary.

15. Use Garlic

Some people swear by the use of natural repellents like cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or ammonia-soaked rags. While the evidence for their effectiveness is anecdotal, they may be worth a try, especially if you're looking for an eco-friendly option.

Just be aware that these repellents may need to be reapplied frequently, especially after rain.

16. Scarecrows, Windmills, and Aluminum Pie Pans

While these objects might seem like surefire ways to scare off raccoons, their effectiveness is limited because raccoons are highly intelligent creatures. They quickly learn that scarecrows, windmills, and pie pans are nothing to be afraid of. These deterrents might startle them at first, but after a while, they'll realize they pose no real threat.

These deterrents rely on sight to scare away raccoons. However, raccoons are primarily nocturnal and depend more on smell and sound to navigate their environment. So, a scarecrow standing guard in the daytime might not be much of a deterrent when the raccoon comes calling under the cover of darkness.

These methods focus on making your property unappealing to their senses and instincts while avoiding harsh chemicals.

17. Spicy Stuff

Raccoons despise the smell of cayenne pepper, making it an effective natural deterrent. Mix cayenne pepper with water to create a spray solution and apply it around potential entry points and areas where raccoons frequent.

Alternatively, you can sprinkle the dry pepper directly on the ground. Reapply after rain or heavy watering to maintain its effectiveness. This method is straightforward and cost-effective, but be cautious to keep it away from pets and children, as the pepper can cause irritation.

18. Natural Odors They Dislike

Certain natural odors are particularly offensive to raccoons. Ammonia, garlic powder, and peppermint oil are among the smells they detest. To use this tactic, soak rags in diluted ammonia or peppermint oil and place them strategically around your property.

Alternatively, sprinkle garlic powder in areas where raccoons are active. These strong scents can deter raccoons from entering your yard, but be aware that ammonia can also have a strong odor for humans, so use it sparingly and with caution.

19. Scatter Hair Around

Although it might sound unusual, raccoons dislike the scent of human hair. Save some hair clippings from your brush or comb and scatter them around your property, particularly near entry points and areas where raccoons have been seen.

The human scent can make raccoons feel unsafe and discourage them from lingering in your yard. This method is simple and environmentally friendly, providing a natural way to keep raccoons at bay without using chemicals or traps.

If you've tried various deterrents and exclusion methods but the raccoons are persistent, or if you suspect they've already taken up residence in your attic or crawl space, it's time to call a professional wildlife removal service. Here's why:

19. Expertise and Experience

Professional wildlife removal companies have the knowledge and experience to safely and effectively remove raccoons from your property. They understand raccoon behavior and can identify potential entry points and den locations.

20. Safe Removal Techniques

Raccoons can carry diseases and can become aggressive when cornered. Professionals have the proper equipment and training to safely remove raccoons without harming them or yourself.

They can also ensure that any mother raccoons are removed along with their young to prevent future problems.

21. Exclusion and Repair

A good wildlife removal company won't just remove the raccoons; they'll also seal up any entry points to prevent them from returning. This might involve repairing holes in your roof, siding, or foundation or installing chimney caps and crawl space closures.

Peace of Mind

Dealing with a raccoon infestation can be stressful. Hiring a professional removes that burden and gives you peace of mind, knowing the problem is being handled safely and effectively.

Tips for choosing a wildlife removal company:

• Contact several companies and compare their rates and services.
• Request references from past clients and check their online reviews.
• Ensure the company is licensed and insured for wildlife removal services.
• Choose a company that uses humane methods for animal removal.

Raccoons are opportunistic eaters, meaning they're not picky and will consume a wide variety of foods to survive. This adaptability is one reason they've thrived in both urban and natural environments.

Their diet can be divided into two main categories: animal and plant-based foods. In areas with streams or ponds, raccoons favor prey near water. So, crayfish, frogs, fish, clams, and snails are all on the menu. They'll also readily snatch insects, grubs, and worms.

On the plant side of things, raccoons have a sweet tooth for fruits and berries. They'll also go for nuts, corn, and even vegetables if available. In fact, this fondness for fruits is where their characteristic black "mask" comes from – it's thought to be a result of rubbing their hands on their faces while eating berries.

Raccoons have a unique appearance, but if you had to compare them to another animal, they most resemble small bears. Here's why:

• Stocky Build: Both raccoons and bears have a similar body shape. They're relatively short and stout with thick fur, short legs, and a flat-footed plantigrade stance (meaning their entire foot touches the ground when walking).

• Facial Features: While not as pronounced, raccoons share some facial characteristics with bears. They have a pointed snout, small, rounded ears, and dark eyes.

However, there are key differences that set them apart:

• Size: Racoons are significantly smaller than bears. Even a large male raccoon would only reach around 20 pounds, whereas bears can range from hundreds to thousands of pounds.

• Tail: Bears have a short, bushy tail, while a raccoon's most distinctive feature is its long, prominently ringed tail.

• Mask: The raccoon's iconic black mask with white fur markings around the eyes and nose is absent on bears.

There are two main approaches to keeping raccoons away from your property: 

A. Eliminating attractants

It is the most effective way to deter raccoons. Raccoons are resourceful omnivores and will readily consume a variety of foods. Here are some tips to remove attractants:

• Secure your trash cans. Use raccoon-proof trash cans or bungee cords to secure lids.

• Pick up ripe fruit from trees and fallen fruit on the ground.

• Clean up any spills around pet feeders and bird feeders.

• Don't leave bowls of water out overnight.

B. Raccoon repellents

It can be used to make your property even less appealing to raccoons. There are two main types of repellents:

Taste Repellents 

Taste Repellents work by making food sources unpalatable to raccoons. Common taste repellents include cayenne pepper, garlic, and hot sauce. You can mix these ingredients with water and spray them on potential food sources or around the perimeter of your property.

Odor Repellents

It works by emitting a smell that raccoons find offensive. Common odor repellents include ammonia, mothballs, and predator urine. Soak rags in ammonia or mothballs and place them around your property. Predator urine can be purchased at most hardware stores.

Here are some additional tips for using raccoon repellents:

• Reapply repellents after rain or heavy watering.

• Rotate repellents every few weeks to prevent raccoons from becoming accustomed to the smell.

• Be aware that repellents may not be effective for all raccoons.