Raccoons, those masked bandits of the night, can be fascinating creatures to observe from afar. However, when they decide your property is their new vacation spot, the admiration quickly fades. These intelligent and adaptable animals can cause significant damage, spread diseases, and become a real nuisance. Getting rid of them requires a strategic approach, combining prevention, deterrence, and, when necessary, professional intervention. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to reclaim your property from these uninvited guests.
Understanding Raccoon Behavior
Before you start implementing any removal strategies, it’s crucial to understand the behavior of raccoons. They are primarily nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night. They are opportunistic omnivores, with a diet that includes fruits, nuts, insects, small animals, and, unfortunately, your garbage.
Raccoons are attracted to areas that provide food, water, and shelter. This could be anything from unsecured garbage cans to a leaky birdbath or a cozy attic space. They are incredibly intelligent and have excellent problem-solving skills, which makes them adept at getting into places you wouldn’t think possible.
Understanding their habits and preferences is the first step in effectively discouraging them from making your property their permanent residence. Remember, understanding the enemy is half the battle.
Eliminating Food Sources
One of the primary reasons raccoons visit your property is the availability of food. Removing these food sources is a critical step in getting them to leave.
Securing Your Garbage
This is the most obvious, yet often the most overlooked, aspect of raccoon control. Raccoons have a remarkable sense of smell and can easily locate unsecured garbage cans. Invest in heavy-duty garbage cans with tight-fitting lids that can be securely clamped or locked. Consider using bungee cords to further secure the lids, or even storing your garbage cans in a shed or garage.
Never leave garbage bags outside without a container. This is an open invitation for raccoons (and other pests) to feast. Make sure to clean your garbage cans regularly to remove any lingering odors that might attract them. Regular cleaning with a bleach solution can be very effective.
Pet Food Management
Pet food left outside is another major attractant for raccoons. Always feed your pets indoors. If you must feed them outside, do so during daylight hours and remove any leftover food immediately after your pet is finished eating. Store pet food in airtight containers to prevent raccoons from smelling it.
Garden and Fruit Tree Protection
Raccoons love gardens and fruit trees. They will happily devour your vegetables, fruits, and berries. Protect your garden with fencing. A wire mesh fence that extends at least two feet above the ground and is buried a few inches below the ground can be effective.
For fruit trees, consider using netting to protect the fruit. Regularly pick up any fallen fruit from the ground to prevent raccoons from being attracted to the area. Scarecrows, motion-activated sprinklers, and noise-making devices can also help deter raccoons from entering your garden or orchard.
Bird Feeders: A Raccoon Buffet
Bird feeders are essentially raccoon buffets. While you may enjoy attracting birds to your yard, you’re also inadvertently providing a readily available food source for raccoons. Consider removing bird feeders altogether or using raccoon-proof feeders. These feeders are designed to prevent raccoons from reaching the birdseed. Ensure you clean up any spilled birdseed regularly.
Removing Shelter and Access Points
Raccoons need shelter to rest, raise their young, and escape predators. By removing potential shelter and access points on your property, you can make it less appealing to them.
Sealing Entry Points
Raccoons are adept at finding and exploiting even the smallest openings to gain access to your home. Inspect your house carefully for any potential entry points, such as holes in the roof, gaps around windows and doors, and openings in the foundation.
Pay close attention to areas where pipes and wires enter your home. Seal these openings with caulk, steel wool, or metal flashing. Repair any damaged siding or roofing immediately. Reinforce any weak areas that raccoons might try to exploit.
Attic and Chimney Prevention
Attics and chimneys are prime real estate for raccoons. They provide warm, sheltered spaces, perfect for nesting. To prevent raccoons from entering your attic, ensure that all vents are properly screened. Install a chimney cap to prevent them from climbing down the chimney.
If you suspect that raccoons are already living in your attic or chimney, do not seal the entry point until you are sure they are gone. You could trap them inside, which is inhumane and can cause further damage. Consider hiring a wildlife removal professional to safely remove the raccoons.
Clearing Debris and Vegetation
Raccoons often seek shelter in overgrown vegetation, piles of wood, and other debris. Clear away any potential hiding spots on your property. Trim bushes and trees away from your house to prevent raccoons from using them to access your roof. Remove piles of wood, brush, and other debris that could provide shelter.
Deterrents: Making Your Property Unattractive
In addition to removing food and shelter, you can use various deterrents to make your property less appealing to raccoons.
Motion-Activated Lights and Sprinklers
Raccoons are generally wary of bright lights and sudden movements. Install motion-activated lights and sprinklers around your property to startle them and discourage them from entering. Place them strategically in areas where raccoons are most likely to visit, such as near garbage cans, gardens, and entry points to your house.
Noisemakers
Loud noises can also deter raccoons. Consider using a motion-activated noisemaker that emits a loud sound when triggered. Alternatively, you can simply make noise yourself by banging pots and pans or using an air horn when you see a raccoon on your property.
Scent Deterrents
Certain scents are naturally repulsive to raccoons. Ammonia is a strong deterrent. Soak rags in ammonia and place them in areas where raccoons frequent. Be cautious when using ammonia, as it can be harmful to pets and plants.
Another popular deterrent is predator urine, such as fox or coyote urine. You can purchase predator urine at most hunting supply stores. Sprinkle it around your property to create the illusion that a predator is present. Be sure to reapply after rain.
Physical Barriers
Physical barriers can be very effective in preventing raccoons from accessing certain areas of your property. Install fencing around your garden or chicken coop. Use wire mesh to protect vulnerable plants. Consider using a hot wire to deter raccoons from climbing over fences.
When to Call a Professional
While many raccoon problems can be resolved with DIY methods, there are times when it’s best to call a wildlife removal professional.
Dealing with a Nesting Mother
If you suspect that a raccoon has nested in your attic or chimney, especially during the spring or summer, it’s likely a mother with her young. Removing a mother raccoon without her babies is inhumane and can also cause significant damage to your home as the mother tries to get back to her young.
A wildlife removal professional has the expertise and equipment to safely and humanely remove the entire family. They can also provide advice on how to prevent raccoons from returning in the future.
Difficult or Persistent Infestations
If you’ve tried all the DIY methods and are still struggling with a raccoon problem, it’s time to call a professional. They can assess the situation, identify the source of the problem, and implement a customized solution to get rid of the raccoons.
They can also provide services such as trapping, exclusion, and sanitation to ensure that your property is raccoon-free.
Legal Considerations
In some areas, it may be illegal to trap or relocate raccoons without a permit. Wildlife removal professionals are familiar with local laws and regulations and can ensure that the removal process is done legally and ethically.
Furthermore, handling raccoons can be dangerous. They can carry diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis, and they can bite and scratch if they feel threatened. A wildlife removal professional has the necessary training and equipment to handle raccoons safely.
Preventing Future Problems
Once you’ve successfully removed the raccoons from your property, it’s essential to take steps to prevent them from returning.
Regular Property Inspections
Conduct regular inspections of your property to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities. Look for new entry points, food sources, and shelter areas. Repair any damage promptly.
Maintaining a Clean and Tidy Yard
Keep your yard clean and tidy. Remove any debris, overgrown vegetation, and potential hiding spots. Store garbage in secure containers and clean up any spills or messes immediately.
Continuing Deterrent Strategies
Continue using deterrent strategies, such as motion-activated lights and sprinklers, to make your property less appealing to raccoons. Rotate the types of deterrents you use to prevent raccoons from becoming accustomed to them.
Educating Your Neighbors
Raccoon problems are often community-wide issues. Educate your neighbors about how to prevent raccoons from being attracted to their properties. Encourage them to secure their garbage, remove pet food, and eliminate potential shelter areas.
Long-Term Raccoon Management
Dealing with raccoons is often an ongoing process. By understanding their behavior, eliminating food and shelter sources, using deterrent strategies, and seeking professional help when needed, you can effectively manage raccoon populations and protect your property from these unwanted guests. Remember, persistence and a proactive approach are key to long-term success. Your dedication to keeping your property unattractive to raccoons will eventually pay off in a peaceful, pest-free environment.
What attracts raccoons to my property in the first place?
Raccoons are primarily attracted to properties offering easy access to food, water, and shelter. Unsecured garbage cans, pet food left outdoors, fallen fruit from trees, and bird feeders are all common food sources that draw raccoons in. Similarly, standing water in bird baths, pet bowls, or leaky hoses provides a readily available water supply.
Shelter can include sheds, decks, crawl spaces under houses, chimneys, and even dense vegetation. These areas offer protection from the elements and potential predators, making them ideal for nesting and raising their young. Addressing these attractants is the first step in deterring raccoons.
How can I raccoon-proof my garbage cans effectively?
Securing your garbage cans is crucial for preventing raccoons from accessing a readily available food source. Use heavy-duty garbage cans made of metal or durable plastic, and ensure they have tightly fitting lids. Bungee cords, clamps, or locking mechanisms can be added to further secure the lids and prevent raccoons from prying them open.
Another effective method is to store your garbage cans inside a garage or shed whenever possible. If that’s not feasible, consider building a wooden enclosure around the cans to deter raccoons from reaching them. Regularly clean your garbage cans to eliminate lingering food odors that might attract raccoons.
Are there any humane ways to repel raccoons without harming them?
Yes, several humane methods can effectively repel raccoons without causing them harm. Loud noises, such as a blaring radio or motion-activated alarms, can startle raccoons and discourage them from lingering on your property. Bright, flashing lights, especially those with motion sensors, can also be effective deterrents.
Scent-based repellents, such as ammonia-soaked rags placed near potential entry points or raccoon travel routes, can also be used. Capsaicin-based sprays, derived from chili peppers, can be applied to areas where raccoons frequent, but be mindful of pets and children when using these products. Remember, consistency is key when using humane repellents.
Will removing a raccoon’s food source guarantee it will leave?
Removing a raccoon’s food source is a significant step, but it doesn’t guarantee immediate departure. Raccoons are resourceful animals and may have established den sites on your property or nearby. They may initially continue to visit your property out of habit or in search of alternative food sources.
To increase the effectiveness of food source removal, combine it with other deterrent methods, such as habitat modification and repellents. Continue to monitor your property for signs of raccoon activity and adjust your strategies as needed. Eventually, the lack of available food and the presence of deterrents should encourage the raccoon to relocate.
What are some common signs that raccoons are living on my property?
Several telltale signs indicate the presence of raccoons on your property. Overturned garbage cans, scattered debris, and partially eaten food left outdoors are common indicators. You might also find claw marks on trees, fences, or siding, indicating that raccoons are climbing.
Raccoon droppings, which are typically dark and tubular, may be found near potential den sites or along travel routes. Noises in the attic, chimney, or under the deck, especially at night, can also signal the presence of raccoons. Finally, seeing a raccoon during daylight hours, though not always a sign of concern, could suggest that it’s comfortable on your property or has a nearby den.
Should I attempt to trap and relocate a raccoon myself?
Trapping and relocating a raccoon yourself is generally not recommended for several reasons. In many areas, it is illegal to trap and relocate wildlife without a permit. Additionally, relocation can be stressful and harmful to the raccoon, as it’s unfamiliar with the new environment and may struggle to find food, water, and shelter.
Furthermore, relocating a raccoon can simply shift the problem to another location and may even introduce disease to a new area. It’s generally best to focus on deterrent methods and habitat modification to encourage the raccoon to leave on its own accord. If you’re dealing with a persistent or aggressive raccoon, contact a professional wildlife removal service for assistance.
When is it best to call a professional wildlife removal service for raccoon problems?
Calling a professional wildlife removal service is advisable when dealing with certain raccoon-related situations. If you suspect raccoons are nesting in your attic, chimney, or crawl space, it’s best to have them professionally removed to avoid damaging your property. Dealing with nesting raccoons can be complex and requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
Additionally, if you encounter an aggressive or injured raccoon, do not attempt to handle it yourself. Contact a professional wildlife removal service or animal control agency to safely and humanely address the situation. They have the expertise and resources to handle such encounters and protect both your safety and the animal’s welfare.