Can I keep raccoons out of my yard without harming them? Yes, you absolutely can. The key to keeping raccoons out of your yard lies in making your property less appealing and inaccessible to them. This involves a multi-pronged approach focused on prevention and deterring their natural behaviors.
Raccoons are clever, adaptable creatures, often drawn to our backyards by readily available food sources and safe places to shelter. While they can be a nuisance, it’s important to manage them humanely. This guide will explore effective, compassionate strategies for keeping raccoons away from your home and garden, covering everything from raccoon deterrents and raccoon repellent options to humane raccoon removal and long-term raccoon exclusion tactics. We’ll delve into raccoon proofing, building a strong raccoon barrier, and adopting smart raccoon control methods that prioritize the well-being of these masked mammals.
Image Source: www.havahart.com
Why Raccoons Visit Your Yard
Before we dive into solutions, let’s consider why raccoons are attracted to our yards in the first place.
- Food Sources: This is the biggest draw. Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores. They’ll feast on:
- Garbage cans left accessible.
- Pet food left outdoors.
- Fallen fruit and berries from trees and bushes.
- Birdseed spilled from feeders.
- Insects and grubs in lawns.
- Vegetables in gardens.
- Shelter: Raccoons look for safe, cozy places to sleep and raise their young. These can include:
- Sheds, garages, and attics.
- Hollow trees or logs.
- Dense brush piles.
- Under decks and porches.
- Water: Access to water sources like ponds, fountains, or even pet water bowls can attract them.
Humane Strategies for Deterring Raccoons
The most effective and ethical way to manage raccoons is to remove the attractants and make your yard unwelcoming. This is often referred to as raccoon proofing.
Securing Your Garbage Cans
Garbage cans are a raccoon’s buffet. Properly securing them is crucial.
- Heavy-Duty Cans: Invest in metal garbage cans with secure, locking lids. Plastic bins are easily chewed through and pried open by determined raccoons.
- Lid Latches: Many cans come with latches, but if yours don’t, you can add bungee cords or carabiner clips to keep lids tightly shut.
- Secure Storage: If possible, store garbage cans in a locked shed or garage until garbage day.
- Rinse Cans: Rinse your garbage cans regularly to reduce odors that attract raccoons.
Protecting Pet Food and Water
- Indoor Feeding: Feed pets indoors. If you must feed them outside, bring food bowls in immediately after they’ve finished eating.
- Water Bowls: Empty and bring pet water bowls inside overnight.
Eliminating Garden Temptations
- Harvest Promptly: Pick ripe fruits and vegetables as soon as they are ready. Don’t let them fall and rot on the ground.
- Clear Fallen Fruit: Regularly clear away any fallen fruit from trees and bushes.
- Compost Smartly: If you compost, ensure your compost bin is securely enclosed and not easily accessible to raccoons. Avoid adding meat scraps or dairy products, which are highly attractive.
Making Shelter Uninviting
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home, shed, garage, and deck for any openings. Seal gaps with sturdy materials like hardware cloth or sheet metal. Raccoons can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces, so aim for openings smaller than a quarter.
- Clear Clutter: Remove potential hiding spots like woodpiles, brush piles, or overgrown vegetation near your house.
- Check Attics and Crawlspaces: Raccoons often seek out attics and crawlspaces for nesting. If you suspect a raccoon has taken up residence, call for professional humane raccoon removal. They can safely evict the animal and seal entry points.
Effective Raccoon Deterrents
When prevention isn’t enough, various raccoon deterrents can help make your yard less appealing.
Scent-Based Raccoon Repellents
Raccoons have a keen sense of smell. Certain scents can be unpleasant to them.
- Natural Raccoon Repellents:
- Ammonia: Soak rags in ammonia and place them around the perimeter of your yard or near attractants. The strong smell can deter them. Reapply after rain.
- Cayenne Pepper/Hot Sauce: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or liberally spray hot sauce around garden plants or areas raccoons frequent. Be cautious, as this can also irritate pets and children.
- Epsom Salts: Some gardeners report success sprinkling Epsom salts around plants. The texture and taste might be off-putting.
- Essential Oils: Peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and castor oil are often cited as natural raccoon repellents. Soak cotton balls or rags in these oils and place them strategically.
- Pine Oil or Cider Vinegar: Similar to ammonia, these strong scents can be used as a deterrent.
- Commercial Repellents: Look for commercially available raccoon repellents that use predator urine (fox, coyote) or scent-based formulations. Always follow product instructions carefully.
Table: Scent-Based Raccoon Deterrents
| Repellent Type | How to Use | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ammonia | Soak rags, place near problem areas. Reapply regularly. | Strong, unpleasant smell for raccoons. | Can be hazardous if ingested by pets/children; needs frequent reapplication. |
| Cayenne Pepper | Sprinkle around plants and garden beds. | Natural, readily available. | Can irritate pets and children; washes away with rain. |
| Essential Oils | Soak cotton balls, place strategically. | Pleasant to humans, unpleasant to raccoons. | Effectiveness varies; needs frequent reapplication. |
| Predator Urine | Apply to rags or directly around perimeter. | Mimics the scent of predators, causing fear. | Can be expensive; effectiveness depends on strength and freshness. |
| Cider Vinegar | Soak rags or spray diluted vinegar solution. | Strong scent, readily available. | Can harm some plants if sprayed directly; needs frequent reapplication. |
Visual and Auditory Deterrents
Raccoons can be startled by sudden movements, lights, or noises.
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These are highly effective. When a raccoon triggers the sensor, a sudden burst of water scares it away without causing harm. Position them strategically to cover entry points or garden areas.
- Motion-Activated Lights: Bright lights that switch on suddenly can startle raccoons and make them feel exposed and vulnerable.
- Ultrasonic Devices: These emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans and most pets but are said to be annoying to raccoons and other pests. Their effectiveness is debated, and some animals can become accustomed to them.
- Reflective Tape/Objects: Shiny objects that move in the wind can sometimes deter them.
Physical Barriers: The Most Reliable Approach
Creating a physical raccoon barrier is one of the most dependable ways to keep them out.
- Fencing:
- Height and Depth: A fence should be at least 6 feet tall to prevent climbing. Bury the bottom of the fence at least 1 foot deep and angle the bottom 6 inches outward (away from your yard) to stop them from digging under.
- Material: Use sturdy materials like hardware cloth (1-inch mesh or smaller) or welded wire. Avoid chicken wire, as raccoons can tear through it.
- Electrified Fencing: For persistent raccoons, a low-voltage electric fence can be a very effective deterrent, delivering a mild shock without causing lasting harm. Ensure it is properly installed and maintained according to local regulations.
- Deck and Porch Skirting:
- Hardware Cloth: Install a skirt of 1-inch hardware cloth around the entire perimeter of your deck or porch. Bury the bottom edge a few inches into the ground. Ensure there are no gaps.
- Solid Skirting: While aesthetically pleasing, solid skirting can create ideal denning sites. If you have it, ensure it’s well-sealed at the ground level.
Humane Raccoon Removal: When Professionals Are Needed
If you suspect raccoons are living in your attic, shed, or under your deck, it’s time for humane raccoon removal. DIY methods can be ineffective, stressful for the animals, and potentially dangerous for you.
- Why Call Professionals: Wildlife removal specialists have the knowledge and tools to safely and humanely remove raccoons, especially if babies are involved. They can also identify and seal entry points to prevent re-entry.
- Baby Season: Be particularly mindful of “baby season,” which typically runs from spring into summer. If you discover raccoons in your home, there’s a high chance there are young. Removing the mother without the young can lead to their starvation and create a bigger problem. Professionals can often reunite mothers and babies.
- Exclusion Devices: Reputable wildlife removal services often use one-way exclusion doors. These devices allow raccoons to leave a space but prevent them from re-entering. They are typically installed over the main entry point after all other potential exits have been sealed.
Raccoon Exclusion: Long-Term Solutions
Raccoon exclusion is about permanently preventing them from accessing areas they shouldn’t be.
Sealing Entry Points: A Detailed Look
This is a critical aspect of raccoon exclusion.
Attics and Crawlspaces
- Inspection: Conduct a thorough inspection of your attic and crawlspaces for signs of entry (droppings, nesting materials, damage).
- Seal All Openings: Use heavy-gauge hardware cloth or metal flashing to seal any holes or gaps larger than a quarter. Pay close attention to vents, eaves, and any damage from storms or age.
- One-Way Doors: If raccoons are confirmed inside, professionals may install one-way doors over the primary exit to allow them to leave. These are left in place for a few days to ensure all raccoons have exited.
- Final Sealing: Once you are certain the raccoons are gone, permanently seal the entry points with durable materials.
Sheds and Outbuildings
- Door Seals: Ensure shed doors seal tightly when closed. Add weather stripping if needed.
- Foundation Gaps: Seal any gaps around the base of the shed where it meets the ground.
- Vents: Cover any ventilation openings with hardware cloth.
Decks and Porches
- Hardware Cloth Skirt: As mentioned earlier, a well-installed hardware cloth skirt is highly effective. Ensure it’s secured to the deck frame and buried in the ground.
- Regular Checks: Periodically check the skirt for any signs of damage or gaps.
Identifying Raccoon Damage
Knowing what to look for can help you address raccoon issues before they become major problems.
- Chewing: Raccoons can chew through wood, plastic, and even some metal to gain access.
- Tearing: They are adept at tearing open garbage bags, compost bins, and even siding.
- Digging: Raccoons will dig in gardens for grubs or to create dens.
- Droppings: Raccoon droppings are typically tubular, about ½ inch in diameter, and can contain undigested food like berries, seeds, or insect exoskeletons. They are often found near latrines.
- Nesting Materials: Look for shredded insulation, leaves, or other debris in attics or under decks.
Understanding Raccoon Behavior to Enhance Control Methods
Effective raccoon control methods are built on a foundation of understanding their habits.
Nocturnal Activity
Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active from dusk to dawn. This is the best time to employ visual and auditory deterrents that rely on startling them.
Intelligence and Adaptability
Raccoons are highly intelligent and can learn to overcome simple deterrents. If a particular raccoon repellent or method proves ineffective for a while, they may ignore it. This means you often need to rotate deterrents or combine multiple strategies for the best results.
Curiosity
Their curiosity can lead them to investigate new objects or scents in their environment. This can be used to your advantage by introducing new deterrents periodically.
Maintaining Your Raccoon-Proof Yard
Once you’ve implemented these strategies, ongoing maintenance is key to long-term success.
- Regular Inspections: Walk your property regularly to check for new openings, damage to fences or skirts, or any signs of raccoon activity.
- Consistent Practices: Continue to secure garbage, remove pet food, and clear fallen fruit. Consistency is vital.
- Adaptability: If you notice raccoons are still finding ways onto your property, be prepared to adjust your methods. What works for one raccoon may not work for another, or their behavior might change with the seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are the best natural raccoon repellents?
A1: Effective natural raccoon repellents include ammonia-soaked rags, cayenne pepper, essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus, and cider vinegar. These work by creating strong scents that raccoons find unpleasant.
Q2: Can I trap raccoons myself?
A2: While you can purchase live traps, it’s often not recommended for inexperienced individuals. Trapping can be stressful for the animal, and improperly handled traps can lead to injury. Furthermore, relocating wildlife is often illegal and can result in the animal’s death due to unfamiliar territory or predation. It’s best to contact wildlife professionals for humane removal.
Q3: How do I stop raccoons from digging in my garden?
A3: To prevent raccoons from digging in your garden, you can install a fence around it, ensuring it’s at least 6 feet tall and buried at least a foot deep with an outward-facing angle at the bottom. You can also try sprinkling cayenne pepper around plants or using motion-activated sprinklers. Removing grubs from your lawn can also reduce their foraging.
Q4: Are raccoons dangerous?
A4: Raccoons are wild animals and can be dangerous if they feel threatened or cornered, especially if they are rabid or protecting young. They can bite and scratch. It’s always best to admire them from a distance and avoid direct contact.
Q5: What if raccoons are in my attic?
A5: If you suspect raccoons are in your attic, especially if you hear noises or find droppings, contact a professional wildlife removal service. They can safely evict the animals, particularly if there are babies, and then seal the entry points to prevent future infestations.
Q6: How can I make my bird feeders raccoon-proof?
A6: Raccoons are notorious for raiding bird feeders. Use feeders designed to deter them, such as weight-activated feeders that close when a heavier animal like a raccoon lands on them. Mount feeders on poles with baffles that raccoons cannot climb over. Clean up spilled seed regularly, as this also attracts them.
Q7: Are ultrasonic devices effective raccoon deterrents?
A7: The effectiveness of ultrasonic devices is often debated. While some people find them helpful, others report that raccoons quickly get used to the sounds. They are generally considered a supplementary deterrent rather than a primary solution.
By implementing these humane and effective strategies, you can create a yard that is less appealing to raccoons, protecting your property and gardens while coexisting peacefully with wildlife. Remember, consistency and a multi-faceted approach are your best allies in keeping raccoons out of your yard.