How To Rid Of Raccoons In Your Yard Fast

Can you get rid of raccoons in your yard quickly and effectively? Yes, you can by combining immediate deterrents with long-term prevention strategies. This guide will help you understand how to manage raccoon activity in your yard swiftly and safely, focusing on raccoon control and raccoon prevention.

Raccoons are smart, adaptable creatures that can quickly become a nuisance. They can damage gardens, raid trash cans, spread diseases, and even damage your home’s structure. Dealing with them requires a multi-pronged approach, but with the right knowledge, you can effectively get rid of raccoons and keep them away.

Why Raccoons Visit Your Yard

Before we dive into raccoon removal, it’s helpful to know why these masked bandits are drawn to your property in the first place.

• Food Sources: This is the biggest draw. Raccoons are omnivores with a varied diet. They are attracted to:
  • Trash Cans: Especially those with unsecured lids or accessible garbage.
  • Pet Food: Left outdoors, even for a short time.
  • Gardens: Ripe fruits, vegetables, and even insects within the soil.
  • Bird Feeders: Spilled seed and the feeders themselves are a buffet.
  • Compost Bins: Exposed food scraps are an easy meal.
  • Water Sources: Ponds, bird baths, or even puddles.
• Shelter and Den Sites: Raccoons seek safe, dry places to rest and raise their young. They can use:
  • Sheds and Garages: Especially if there are entry points.
  • Attics and Crawl Spaces: Often entered through damaged roofs or vents.
  • Brush Piles and Dense Vegetation: Provide natural cover.
  • Hollow Trees or Logs: Natural denning sites.
• Habituation: If raccoons find a consistent food source or shelter on your property, they will continue to return.

Immediate Actions to Deter Raccoons

When you discover raccoons are a problem, you need to act fast. Here are some ways to repel raccoons and make your yard less inviting.

Securing Trash Cans

This is often the most impactful immediate step.

• Use Heavy-Duty Bins: Invest in metal trash cans with locking lids. These are harder for raccoons to chew through or open.
• Secure Lids: If your bins have lids that don’t lock, use bungee cords or bungee straps to hold them down firmly.
• Tie Bags: If you must use plastic bags, tie them securely and consider double-bagging them for extra protection.
• Store Cans Indoors: The best option is to store your trash cans in a garage, shed, or enclosed area until trash day.
• Clean Bins Regularly: Rinse out your bins to remove residual food odors that attract raccoons.

Removing Outdoor Food Sources

Anything left out can be an invitation.

• Pet Food: Never leave pet food or water bowls outside overnight. Feed pets indoors or remove any uneaten food promptly.
• Bird Feeders: While you might enjoy feeding birds, raccoons often do too.
  • Use “squirrel-proof” feeders, which are designed to close under heavier weight.
  • Clean up spilled seed from under feeders.
  • Consider taking feeders down temporarily if raccoon activity is high.
• Compost: Ensure your compost bin is secure and closed. Avoid adding meat scraps or dairy products that are particularly attractive to raccoons. Bury food scraps deep within the compost pile.

Garden Protection

Protecting your delicious produce is crucial.

• Fencing: A sturdy fence is a good raccoon deterrent.
  • It should be at least 3-4 feet tall.
  • It should be made of strong wire mesh (like chicken wire or hardware cloth).
  • The mesh openings should be no larger than 1-2 inches to prevent raccoons from squeezing through.
  • Critically: Bury the bottom of the fence at least 12 inches into the ground and bend it outwards (at a 90-degree angle) to create an “apron.” This prevents raccoons from digging under it.
• Netting: Cover vulnerable plants with fine-mesh netting or bird netting. Secure it well.
• Planting: Some gardeners believe certain plants can deter raccoons from garden areas. While not foolproof, options include:
  • Mint
  • Rue
  • Scallions
  • Marigolds
  • Hot peppers (capsicum) planted amongst vegetables.

Humane Raccoon Traps and Removal

If deterrents aren’t enough, you might need to consider raccoon removal. Humane raccoon traps are the most recommended method for this.

Types of Humane Traps

• Live Cage Traps: These are metal cages with a trigger mechanism. When a raccoon enters and steps on the trigger, the door slams shut, trapping the animal inside without harming it.
• Baiting the Trap:
  • Best Baits: Marshmallows, canned fish (sardines or tuna), peanut butter, or overripe fruit are highly effective.
  • Placement: Place the trap along known raccoon paths or near areas of activity. Secure the trap so it doesn’t move when a raccoon enters.
  • Pre-Baiting: Leave the trap open with bait inside for a few days before setting it. This helps the raccoon get accustomed to it and see it as a safe food source.
• Checking Traps: It is crucial to check traps frequently, at least twice a day (morning and evening). Leaving a trapped animal for too long can cause stress, dehydration, or even death, which is inhumane and can also be illegal.

Relocation Considerations

• Legality: Relocation laws vary significantly by state and local municipality. Before trapping and relocating, check your local wildlife regulations. In many areas, it is illegal to relocate wildlife.
• Distance: If relocation is permitted, the general recommendation is to move the animal at least 5-10 miles away from your property. This distance is often necessary to prevent the raccoon from finding its way back.
• New Environment: Ensure the relocation site is suitable. It should have access to water, food, and shelter, but not be in an area where it will create a new problem for someone else.

Important Note: Handling wild animals can be dangerous. Raccoons can carry rabies and other diseases, and a cornered animal may bite or scratch out of fear. It’s often best to contact a professional wildlife removal service for safe raccoon removal, especially if you are uncomfortable or unsure.

Advanced Raccoon Proofing Strategies

Once you’ve addressed the immediate issues, focus on making your property less appealing long-term. This is the essence of raccoon prevention.

Sealing Entry Points

Raccoons are notorious for finding their way into homes and outbuildings.

• Inspect Your Home: Regularly check your roofline, eaves, and foundation for any cracks, holes, or loose materials.
• Secure Vents: Cover any attic or crawl space vents with sturdy metal mesh (1/2 inch hardware cloth). Raccoons can chew through plastic or flimsy metal.
• Chimneys: Install a chimney cap with mesh sides.
• Doors and Windows: Ensure basement windows, garage doors, and doors leading to attics or crawl spaces are tightly sealed and in good repair.
• Deck and Porch Skirting: Raccoons often den under decks and porches. Install a barrier made of heavy-gauge wire mesh or solid material around the perimeter, burying it at least 12 inches deep and bending it outwards like a fence apron.

Eliminating Den Sites

Clear out potential hiding spots.

• Brush Piles: Raccoons love to hide in dense brush. If you have brush piles, consider dismantling them or at least moving them away from your house.
• Overgrown Vegetation: Trim back overgrown shrubs and bushes, especially those close to your home, as they offer cover and potential nesting sites.
• Woodpiles: Stack firewood neatly and elevate it off the ground, away from buildings. Inspect woodpiles before bringing them indoors, as raccoons may use them for shelter.
• Discarded Items: Remove any old appliances, tires, or debris from your yard that could provide shelter.

Natural Raccoon Deterrents

Some natural methods can help repel raccoons. While often less effective than physical barriers or removing attractants, they can supplement your strategy.

• Smells: Raccoons have a strong sense of smell, and certain odors can be unpleasant for them.
  • Ammonia: Soak rags in ammonia and place them around your yard or near entry points. The fumes can be a deterrent.
  • Peppermint Oil: Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in areas where raccoons frequent.
  • Cayenne Pepper/Chili Powder: Sprinkle liberally around garden beds and trash cans. Reapply after rain.
  • Garlic: Strong garlic smells might also be a deterrent.
• Sounds: Raccoons are generally nocturnal but can be disturbed by noise.
  • Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These are very effective. When a raccoon (or other animal) triggers the motion sensor, it releases a burst of water, startling the animal and teaching it to avoid the area. This is a great way to deter raccoons from garden areas.
  • Ultrasonic Devices: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to animals but usually inaudible to humans. Their effectiveness can be debated, and animals can sometimes get used to them.
• Visual Deterrents:
  • Lights: Motion-activated lights can startle nocturnal animals.
  • Scarecrows or Reflective Objects: While often thought of for birds, shiny objects or moving figures might temporarily deter raccoons, though they are quick to get used to them.

Professional Raccoon Removal Services

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may need professional help.

• When to Call:
  • If you suspect raccoons have taken up residence inside your home (attic, walls, chimney).
  • If you’re dealing with a large infestation.
  • If you’re uncomfortable handling wild animals or using traps.
  • If you need help with safe raccoon removal and disposal.
• What Professionals Offer:
  • Inspection: They can identify entry points and den sites you might have missed.
  • Humane Trapping: They have specialized equipment and expertise for raccoon removal.
  • Exclusion: They can seal up entry points to prevent future access.
  • Cleanup and Repair: They can often help with cleaning and repairing damage caused by raccoons.
  • Advice: They provide expert advice on raccoon prevention.

Raccoon Control: A Long-Term Plan

Effective raccoon control is about persistence and consistent application of these methods.

Regular Maintenance

• Trash Management: Make securing your trash a daily habit, not just when raccoons are active.
• Yard Cleanliness: Keep your yard tidy. Remove fallen fruit, pet food, and clean up any spills from bird feeders.
• Structural Checks: Periodically inspect your home’s exterior for new potential entry points.

Educate Yourself and Neighbors

• Community Effort: Raccoon problems can sometimes be community-wide. Sharing information and encouraging neighbors to implement similar raccoon prevention measures can be very beneficial.
• Local Wildlife Agencies: Familiarize yourself with the guidelines and advice from your local wildlife or animal control agencies.

Troubleshooting Common Raccoon Problems

• Raccoons in the Attic: This is a serious issue. If you hear noises in your attic, call a professional immediately. They can determine if it’s raccoons and remove them safely, then seal the entry points. Do not attempt to confront a raccoon in your attic.
• Raccoons Damaging Gardens: Focus on robust fencing, netting, and potentially motion-activated sprinklers. Removing accessible food sources is key.
• Raccoons in Trash Cans: This is usually the easiest problem to solve with secure, locked bins and consistent practices.

Raccoon Deterrents: Effectiveness Comparison

Deterrent Type	Effectiveness Level	Best For	Notes
Secured Trash Cans	Very High	Trash cans, general attractants	Essential first step. Metal bins with locks are best.
Removing Outdoor Food	Very High	Pet food, bird feeders, compost	Eliminates primary attractants.
Fencing (Buried Apron)	High	Gardens, compost bins, protecting areas	Requires proper installation (depth, outward bend) to be effective.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers	High	Gardens, pathways, near entry points	Startles animals; no harm. Reapply after rain if used as a spray.
Sealing Entry Points	Very High	Attics, crawl spaces, under decks	Crucial for raccoon proofing structures. Use sturdy materials.
Ammonia/Strong Smells	Moderate	Around entry points, perimeter	Temporary; needs frequent reapplication. Can be unpleasant for humans too.
Ultrasonic Devices	Low to Moderate	General deterrence	Effectiveness varies; animals may adapt.
Lights/Visual Scares	Low	Temporary deterrence	Raccoons often adapt quickly. Best used in conjunction with other methods.
Professional Removal	Very High	Infestations, structural entry	For difficult situations or when safety is a concern. Provides expert raccoon control and safe raccoon removal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the fastest way to get rid of raccoons?
A1: The fastest way involves immediately securing all food sources (trash, pet food, bird feeders) and deploying strong deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers or strong-smelling repellents around problem areas. If they are entering your home, professional removal is the fastest and safest option.

Q2: Can I use poison to get rid of raccoons?
A2: No. Using poison is generally illegal, inhumane, and dangerous. It can harm non-target animals (pets, wildlife) and even children. It’s not a recommended or ethical method for raccoon control.

Q3: Do raccoons come out during the day?
A3: Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, but they can be active during daylight hours, especially if they are hungry, have young to feed, or if their usual food sources are disrupted.

Q4: How do I know if raccoons are living in my attic?
A4: Signs include scratching or scurrying noises, especially at night. You might also find droppings, oil stains near entry points, or damage to insulation. It’s best to call a professional for raccoon removal from an attic.

Q5: What if I catch a raccoon in a humane trap?
A5: Check local regulations regarding trapping and relocation. If relocation is permitted and you choose to do so, move the raccoon several miles away. Otherwise, contact your local animal control or a wildlife removal service. Always wear thick gloves when handling traps.

Q6: How can I deter raccoons from my garden without harming them?
A6: Use humane raccoon traps if necessary, but focus on physical barriers like sturdy, buried fencing. Motion-activated sprinklers and natural repellents like cayenne pepper are also good non-lethal options to deter raccoons from garden beds.

Q7: Are raccoons dangerous to pets?
A7: While raccoons typically avoid confrontation, they can be aggressive if cornered or if they feel their young are threatened. They can also transmit diseases like rabies. It’s best to keep pets indoors at night and prevent raccoons from accessing pet food or shelter.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage and get rid of raccoons from your yard, ensuring a safer and more peaceful environment. Remember that consistent raccoon prevention is the most effective long-term solution.