Introduction
Raccoons are intelligent and adaptable creatures that can be a nuisance when they invade your property. With their dexterous paws and sharp claws, raccoons can easily break into trash cans, raid gardens, and cause damage to homes. If you’re dealing with a raccoon problem, it’s important to take proactive measures to keep them away. In this guide, we will discuss effective strategies on how to deter raccoons from your property.
1. Secure Your Trash Cans
One of the primary reasons raccoons are attracted to urban areas is the readily available food source found in garbage cans. To prevent raccoons from rummaging through your trash, follow these tips:
- Use bungee cords or animal-proof lids: Secure your trash cans with bungee cords or invest in animal-proof lids that are difficult for raccoons to open.
- Double bagging: Double bagging your garbage can help mask the scent and make it less appealing to raccoons.
- Use ammonia or pepper spray: Spray the area around your trash cans with ammonia or pepper spray, as these scents are unpleasant to raccoons.
2. Seal Off Entry Points
Raccoons can squeeze through small openings and access your home through vents, chimneys, or gaps in the attic. To prevent raccoons from gaining entry into your property, take the following steps:
- Inspect your home: Regularly inspect your property for any openings or gaps that raccoons can use to enter your home.
- Seal off entry points: Use heavy-duty materials like hardware cloth or metal flashing to cover openings and prevent raccoons from getting inside.
- Install chimney caps: Place chimney caps on your chimney to prevent raccoons from making a home in your fireplace.
3. Remove Food Sources
Aside from trash cans, raccoons are also attracted to pet food, bird feeders, and compost bins. To deter raccoons from these food sources, consider the following tips:
- Bring in pet food: Avoid leaving pet food outside overnight, as raccoons are nocturnal animals that scavenge for food at night.
- Secure bird feeders: Place bird feeders on poles or install baffles to make it difficult for raccoons to access them.
- Turn compost regularly: Keep compost bins sealed and turn the compost regularly to reduce odors that may attract raccoons.
4. Install Motion-Activated Devices
Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or sound devices can startle raccoons and deter them from entering your property. Consider installing these devices in raccoon-prone areas to keep them away:
- Motion-activated lights: Install lights that turn on when motion is detected to scare off raccoons that are active at night.
- Motion-activated sprinklers: Set up sprinklers that spray water when raccoons approach, creating a deterrent effect.
- Ultrasonic sound devices: Use ultrasonic sound devices that emit high-frequency sounds to repel raccoons without harming them.
5. Trim Trees and Shrubs
Raccoons are skilled climbers and can use trees and shrubs to gain access to your roof or attic. To prevent raccoons from climbing onto your property, follow these steps:
- Trim tree branches: Trim branches that are close to your house to prevent raccoons from using them as a bridge to your roof.
- Install barriers: Use tree wraps or metal barriers to make it difficult for raccoons to climb trees and access your property.
- Secure attic vents: Cover attic vents with mesh or wire to prevent raccoons from entering your home through the roof.
6. Contact Pest Control Professionals
If you’re facing a persistent raccoon problem despite implementing preventive measures, it may be time to seek help from pest control professionals. Pest control experts have the knowledge and tools to safely remove raccoons from your property and prevent future infestations.
By following these tips on how to keep raccoons away, you can effectively deter these nocturnal bandits and protect your property from unwanted intruders. Remember to be proactive in raccoon prevention to avoid costly damage and potential health risks associated with raccoon infestations.
