15 Ways To Keep Raccoons Away

Raccoons are charming species with their ringed tails and masked features. Raccoons, however, have a history of breaking into our houses and land. These animals can cause major messes in and around the house. Using methods that repel raccoons is crucial if you want to keep your house tidy. These are 15 ways to keep raccoons away.

Secure Trash Can Lids Tightly

Raccoons are known explorers who stick to trash cans in search of food scraps. Make sure the lids on your trash cans fit tightly and are securely attached. Doing so is important to discourage them. This keeps raccoons out of the waste and minimizes the possibility that they will dig through your trash.

Use Motion-Activated Lights

Since raccoons are nocturnal animals and are most active at night, repel them using motion-activated lights. You may scare raccoons from coming into your yard by installing motion-activated lights around your home. They may become confused by the unexpected light and rethink approaching your house. Motion-activated lights are easily available both online and offline.

Keep Pet Food Indoors

Pet food should be kept inside since leaving it outside will draw raccoons and other animals to your land. Feed your pets indoors and make sure no traces of food are left outside overnight. Taking this step is important to take away a possible source of food for raccoons and lowers the chance that they will visit your home.

Trim Tree Branches 

Raccoons are expert climbers, so they can use overhanging tree branches to get access to your loft and roof. Trim any tree branches close to your home. Regularly remove tree branches that make bridges to your property or give access to animals. Simply eliminates possible points of entry and makes it difficult for raccoons to enter your house.

Seal Off Access Points 

Raccoons often seek a warm and secure place to nest. In this search, the most perfect spot for them is your attic. Look around your house for any holes or openings that raccoons might use as access points. To keep raccoons out of your attic, seal off all the openings with durable materials like metal flashing or hardware cloth.

Install A Fence 

Prevent raccoons and other wildlife from coming into your yard by building a fence around your property. To stop raccoons from digging beneath fences, choose a fence that is at least four feet tall and goes several inches into the earth. Additionally, to keep raccoons from climbing the fence, think about installing a wire mesh barrier at the top.

Remove Bird Feeders At Night

Take down the bird feeders at night since raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will eat any leftover bird seed. Since raccoons are most active at night, take down bird feeders to deter them from coming into your yard. And since birds usually do not feed after sunset, you are not hampering their eating time. 

Use Ammonia-Soaked Rags 

Because of their keen sense of smell, raccoons are put off by harsh smells like ammonia. Place ammonia-soaked rags or cloths in specific spots throughout your yard, particularly next to possible entryways and raccoon-friendly places. Ammonia has a strong smell that can deter raccoons from hanging around in your yard.

Keep Compost Bins Covered

Compost bins are full of food scraps and other organic materials; raccoons are naturally drawn to them. If you want to stop raccoons from raiding your compost bin, make sure the lid fits tightly to keep them out of it. Or place the compost bin either in your garage or another secure place, possibly away from the reach of raccoons.

Use Repellents On Garden

Raccoons are known to harm plants by digging for insects or consuming fruits and vegetables. Apply scent repellents to plants. Use the ones that target raccoons and prevent harm to your garden. Using repellent or such strong smells will also keep your garden safe from other possible damage like bugs and pests.

Keep Outdoor Grills Clean

Raccoons and other wildlife may be drawn to your yard. Wondering how? By food residue and oil left on outdoor barbecues. So, make sure you clean your grill after each usage to avoid this. To further prevent raccoons from being drawn to your outdoor cooking area, consider keeping your grill covered or in a secure position when not in use.

Remove Fallen Fruits From Trees

Take down any fallen fruit from the trees, ensuring not only raccoons but no other opportunistic feeders roam around. If you have a fruit or vegetable garden in your yard, keep a check on whatever falls on the ground. Pick even the rotten ones and ensure that the surroundings are kept clean and clear. 

Noise Deterrent

Raccoons are nervous about strange noises and disturbances in their surroundings. Consider setting up a radio or other noise-producing gadget in your yard. Leave these devices on throughout the night to keep raccoons away from your property. Raccoons may become scared and refrain from approaching your property. If you stay close to a wildlife-frequented zone, these devices are ideal.

Install Chimney Caps

Raccoons can easily enter your property through chimneys and build their nests in the cozy and secure chimney flue. Install chimney covers or screens on the chimney gaps. These barriers efficiently stop raccoons from entering your home by blocking access to it while allowing for enough ventilation. Choose chimney caps that improve the overall aesthetics of your house.

Use Pepper Spray Or Deterrents

Pepper spray can be useful in keeping raccoons away from your property. They serve as a good repellent for rabbits, deer, squirrels, mosquitos, and more such animals/ pests. For a deterrent spray, sprinkle pepper spray around possible entrance points or raccoon-active locations. You can also use commercial raccoon repellents with natural substances like garlic or capsaicin.