Proven Ways How To Get Raccoons Out Of Your Yard

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Proven Ways How To Get Raccoons Out Of Your Yard

Want to know how to get raccoons out of your yard? The most effective methods involve making your yard less attractive to them and implementing humane exclusion techniques. This often means securing food sources, removing shelter opportunities, and using deterrents.

Raccoons, with their masked faces and dexterous paws, can be a common sight in many suburban and even urban backyards. While they might seem cute, their presence can lead to damaged gardens, overturned trash cans, and a general nuisance. Learning how to get raccoons out of your yard and prevent their return is key to maintaining a peaceful coexistence. This comprehensive guide will walk you through proven strategies for raccoon control, from making your property less appealing to implementing safe and humane removal techniques.

Making Your Yard Uninviting: The First Line of Defense

Preventing raccoons from choosing your yard as their personal buffet and hotel is the most effective long-term strategy. This involves a multi-pronged approach to deterring raccoons by removing what attracts them: food, water, and shelter.

Eliminating Food Sources: A Raccoon’s Dream Dinner

Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they’ll eat almost anything. Pet food left outside, fallen fruit, accessible garbage, and even birdseed can be a strong attractant.

Securing Your Trash Cans

This is often the first and most important step in preventing raccoons from visiting.

• Invest in Raccoon-Proof Bins: Look for trash cans with secure, locking lids. Metal bins are generally more durable and harder for raccoons to chew through than plastic ones.
• Secure Lids Tightly: Even with a good bin, ensure the lid is securely fastened. Raccoons are surprisingly strong and intelligent, capable of prying open weak lids.
• Store Bins Properly: If possible, store your trash cans in a garage, shed, or a secure enclosure until collection day.
• Rinse Food Scraps: Rinsing food scraps, especially those with strong odors like meat or fish, can reduce the attractant smell.

Managing Pet Food

Pet food left out overnight is a gourmet meal for a raccoon.

• Feed Pets Indoors: The simplest solution is to feed your pets indoors and remove any uneaten food promptly after they finish.
• Elevate or Secure Feeders: If you must feed pets outdoors, do so during daylight hours and remove all food and water bowls immediately afterward. Elevated feeders are also less accessible to ground-dwelling animals.

Dealing with Fallen Fruit and Garden Scraps

A bounty of fallen fruit or an unmanaged compost pile can be a significant draw.

• Clean Up Fallen Fruit: Regularly collect any ripe or fallen fruit from trees in your yard.
• Manage Compost Piles: Ensure your compost bin is well-maintained and sealed. Avoid composting meat scraps or dairy products, which are particularly attractive to raccoons.

Protecting Bird Feeders

While bird feeders are meant for our feathered friends, they can also be a valuable food source for raccoons.

• Use Squirrel/Raccoon-Proof Feeders: These feeders have mechanisms that close off access when a heavier animal like a raccoon tries to feed.
• Clean Up Spilled Seed: Raccoons will happily scavenge spilled seed from the ground.
• Remove Feeders Temporarily: During peak raccoon activity, consider removing feeders altogether or bringing them in at night.

Eliminating Shelter and Nesting Opportunities

Raccoons seek safe, sheltered places to rest, sleep, and raise their young. Removing these potential den sites will make your yard less desirable.

Inspecting Your Property for Entry Points

Raccoons can squeeze into surprisingly small spaces. A thorough inspection is crucial for raccoon proofing your yard.

• Attics and Crawl Spaces: Check for any openings that lead into your attic, garage, or under your house. Raccoons can access these through vents, unscreened windows, or gaps in siding.
• Sheds and Outbuildings: Secure sheds and any other outbuildings, as these can become favorite denning spots.
• Brush Piles and Debris: Dense brush piles, stacks of lumber, or junk left in your yard can provide excellent shelter.

Sealing Entry Points: Blocking Raccoon Entry

Once you’ve identified potential entry points, it’s time to seal them up.

• Reinforce Vents: Cover attic and crawl space vents with sturdy hardware cloth or wire mesh.
• Repair Damaged Areas: Fix holes in siding, roofs, or foundations.
• Secure Shed Doors: Ensure shed doors fit snugly and consider adding a latch that raccoons cannot easily open.
• Clear Clutter: Remove brush piles and keep your yard tidy.

Water Sources

While less common, standing water can also attract raccoons. Ensure there are no leaky faucets or puddles that might draw them in.

Humane Raccoon Removal: When Deterrents Aren’t Enough

If raccoons have already established a presence in your yard or home, you may need to implement more direct methods for humane raccoon removal.

Live Trapping and Relocation: A Sensitive Approach

Live trapping is a common method, but it requires careful consideration and adherence to local regulations.

Using Live Traps Effectively

• Choose the Right Trap: Select a trap that is large enough for a raccoon, typically around 32 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 12 inches high.
• Baiting the Trap: Raccoons are attracted to strong-smelling foods. Marshmallows, canned sardines, cat food, or ripe fruit are effective baits. Place the bait deep inside the trap, past the trigger plate.
• Placement: Place the trap on a level surface near areas where you have seen raccoon activity.
• Check Traps Regularly: It is crucial to check live traps frequently, at least twice a day (morning and evening). Leaving a trapped animal for extended periods can cause stress and dehydration.

Relocation Considerations

• Local Regulations: Before relocating any animal, it is vital to research your local wildlife laws. Many areas have specific rules about trapping and relocating raccoons. Some jurisdictions prohibit relocation entirely, while others require permits or specific release sites.
• Ethical Considerations: Relocating a raccoon can be stressful for the animal. They may struggle to find food and shelter in an unfamiliar territory, and they might be more vulnerable to predators. Also, if you remove a mother raccoon, her dependent kits could perish if they cannot be safely removed and cared for.

Deterrents: Discouraging Raccoon Behavior

Various raccoon deterrents can be employed to make your yard less appealing. These can be a good option for discouraging raccoons without direct contact.

Scent-Based Deterrents

Raccoons have a strong sense of smell, and certain odors can be off-putting.

• Natural Raccoon Repellent Options:

  • Ammonia-soaked rags: Place rags soaked in ammonia in affected areas. The fumes can deter raccoons.
  • Cayenne Pepper or Chili Powder: Sprinkle these around your garden beds or potential entry points. Reapply after rain.
  • Peppermint Oil: Raccoons reportedly dislike the strong smell of peppermint. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around your yard.
  • Predator Urine: Urine from coyotes or foxes can signal danger to raccoons, encouraging them to avoid the area.

• Commercial Raccoon Repellent: You can find commercially available raccoon repellent sprays and granules at garden centers and online retailers. Look for products specifically formulated to deter raccoons.

Auditory Deterrents

Loud or unusual noises can startle raccoons and make them feel unsafe.

• Ultrasonic Devices: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but can be annoying to animals like raccoons.
• Wind Chimes or Radios: Placing radios near problem areas and leaving them on can also be an effective deterrent.

Visual Deterrents

Some raccoons are wary of unfamiliar sights or movements.

• Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These devices detect movement and spray a burst of water, which can startle raccoons and discourage them from entering a specific area.
• Reflective Objects: Hanging reflective tape or CDs in trees can create flashing lights that may deter raccoons.

Raccoon Repellent: A Practical Guide to Application

When using any raccoon repellent, proper application is key to its effectiveness.

• Identify Target Areas: Focus on areas where raccoons are most active, such as near trash cans, gardens, decks, or potential entry points.
• Reapply Regularly: Natural deterrents, especially those exposed to the elements, will need to be reapplied frequently, particularly after rain or watering.
• Combine Methods: Often, a combination of different deterrents is more effective than relying on a single method. For example, using a scent repellent along with a motion-activated sprinkler can create a multi-layered defense.

Raccoon Proofing Your Yard: Long-Term Prevention Strategies

Raccoon proofing your yard is an ongoing process that focuses on creating an environment where raccoons cannot easily find food, water, or shelter.

Securing Your Deck and Home

Decks and homes can offer attractive shelter.

• Deck Skirting: If raccoons are nesting under your deck, install sturdy skirting made of hardware cloth or solid materials to block access. Ensure there are no gaps.
• Secure Crawl Spaces: Block any openings to crawl spaces or basements. Raccoons can easily take up residence in these protected areas.
• Chimney Caps: Install a chimney cap to prevent raccoons from entering your chimney.

Eliminating Water Sources

Even small amounts of standing water can be an attractant.

• Fix Leaks: Repair any leaky outdoor faucets or hoses.
• Drain Water Features: If you have ornamental ponds or water features, consider temporarily draining them if raccoon activity is high, or ensure they have escape routes for any animals that fall in.

Landscaping for Prevention

Certain landscaping choices can inadvertently attract raccoons.

• Avoid Overripe Fruit Trees: As mentioned, clean up fallen fruit promptly.
• Manage Berry Bushes: If you have berry bushes that attract raccoons, consider fencing them off or harvesting the berries before they become overly ripe.
• Clear Dense Undergrowth: Keep your yard tidy by trimming back dense bushes and clearing away debris that could provide shelter.

Addressing Raccoons in Specific Areas

Sometimes raccoons can become a problem in particular parts of your property.

Raccoons in the Attic or Walls

This is a common and concerning issue.

• Locate the Entry Point: The first step is to find out how they are getting in. Listen for scratching or rustling sounds, especially at night.
• One-Way Doors: Once you’ve confirmed a family is inside and found the entry point, you can install a one-way door. This allows raccoons to leave but prevents them from re-entering. This is a critical step in humane raccoon removal from structures.
• Seal After Exit: After you are certain all raccoons have exited (you may hear fewer noises over a few nights), remove the one-way door and permanently seal the entry point with sturdy materials like metal flashing or hardware cloth.
• Professional Help: If you suspect a mother with young kits, or if you are uncomfortable dealing with the situation, it’s best to call a professional wildlife removal service. They have the expertise to safely and humanely remove the entire family.

Raccoons in the Garbage or Garden

These are often the most visible signs of raccoon activity.

• Garbage Management: Implement the strict garbage management techniques discussed earlier.
• Garden Protection: For gardens, consider using row covers or fencing to protect your plants. A motion-activated sprinkler can also be effective.

When to Call a Professional for Safe Raccoon Control

While many methods can be employed by homeowners, there are times when calling a professional is the best course of action for safe raccoon control.

• Aggressive or Sick Raccoons: If you encounter a raccoon that appears sick, disoriented, or unusually aggressive, do not approach it. Contact animal control or a wildlife removal specialist immediately.
• Difficult Entry Points: If raccoons have gained access to attics, walls, or other difficult-to-reach areas.
• Infestations: If you are dealing with a large number of raccoons or a persistent problem that you cannot resolve on your own.
• Suspected Young Kits: If you believe there are baby raccoons involved, professionals can ensure the entire family is handled humanely and appropriately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Raccoon Problems

Q1: Are raccoons dangerous to humans or pets?

Raccoons are generally shy and will try to avoid confrontation. However, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened, cornered, or if they are sick (e.g., with rabies). It’s important to maintain a safe distance. While they are unlikely to attack healthy pets, a sick or rabid raccoon can pose a significant threat. Always supervise pets when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when raccoons are most active.

Q2: Can I use poison to get rid of raccoons?

No, using poison for raccoon control is strongly discouraged and often illegal. Poisons are indiscriminate and can harm non-target animals, including pets and beneficial wildlife. Furthermore, poisoned animals can suffer a slow and agonizing death, which is inhumane. It also poses a risk to humans if pets or children come into contact with the poisoned carcass.

Q3: How do I know if there are baby raccoons in my yard or home?

Signs of baby raccoons include faint chirping or crying sounds, especially in attics or under decks, and the presence of an adult female raccoon that seems to be frequenting a specific area. Raccoons typically give birth in the spring, so look for these signs during March through August. If you suspect baby raccoons, it’s crucial to involve a professional to ensure humane removal of the entire family.

Q4: What is the best natural raccoon repellent?

Many natural options exist. Some of the most frequently recommended natural raccoon repellent substances include ammonia-soaked rags, cayenne pepper, peppermint oil, and predator urine. Their effectiveness can vary, and consistent reapplication is usually necessary.

Q5: Can raccoons be trained or scared away easily?

While raccoons are intelligent, they are not easily trained in the traditional sense. However, they are sensitive to disturbances and can be deterred. Consistent application of deterrents, removal of attractants, and creating an environment that is perceived as unsafe will encourage them to move on.

By implementing these proven methods, you can effectively manage raccoon activity in your yard and enjoy a pest-free outdoor space. Remember, consistency and a proactive approach to raccoon proofing your yard are your greatest allies in keeping these masked visitors at bay.