How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Your Yard

Raccoons can be a nuisance in your yard, digging through trash cans, raiding bird feeders, and even causing damage to your property. If you’re dealing with a raccoon problem, there are several steps you can take to get rid of them and keep them away. In this article, we’ll discuss the best ways to get rid of raccoons in your yard, including how to deter them, how to trap them, and how to keep them away for good.

Overview of How to Get Rid of Raccoons

Getting rid of raccoons in your yard can be a challenge, but it is possible. Here’s an overview of the steps you can take to get rid of raccoons:

• Deter raccoons with noise, lights, and other deterrents.
• Set traps to catch and remove raccoons.
• Secure your trash cans and bird feeders.
• Eliminate potential food sources.
• Install fencing or other barriers.

How to Deter Raccoons

The first step in getting rid of raccoons is to deter them from your yard. Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, so using noise and lights can be effective in keeping them away. You can also use other deterrents, such as ammonia, cayenne pepper, or mothballs.

Noise Deterrents

Noise can be an effective deterrent for raccoons. You can use a motion-activated sprinkler, which will startle the raccoons and make them run away. You can also use a motion-activated alarm, which will make a loud noise when the raccoons approach.

Light Deterrents

Raccoons are nocturnal, so using lights can be an effective deterrent. You can use motion-activated lights, which will turn on when the raccoons approach. You can also use strobe lights, which will flash and startle the raccoons.

Other Deterrents

In addition to noise and lights, you can also use other deterrents to keep raccoons away. Ammonia, cayenne pepper, and mothballs can all be used to deter raccoons.

How to Trap Raccoons

If noise and light deterrents don’t work, you can try trapping the raccoons. You can use a live trap, which is a cage-like trap that will capture the raccoon without harming it. You can also use a lethal trap, which is a trap that will kill the raccoon.

How to Secure Your Trash Cans and Bird Feeders

Raccoons are attracted to food sources, so it’s important to secure your trash cans and bird feeders. Make sure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids, and keep them away from areas where raccoons can access them. You should also keep your bird feeders away from trees and other areas where raccoons can climb.

How to Eliminate Potential Food Sources

Raccoons are attracted to food sources, so it’s important to eliminate any potential food sources in your yard. Make sure to pick up any fallen fruit or nuts, and keep pet food indoors. You should also clean up any spilled bird seed or other food sources.

How to Install Fencing or Other Barriers

If you’re still having problems with raccoons, you can install fencing or other barriers to keep them out. Fencing should be at least six feet tall and buried at least six inches into the ground. You can also use motion-activated sprinklers or other deterrents to keep raccoons away.

Pro Tip

If you’re dealing with a raccoon problem, it’s important to act quickly. Raccoons can cause a lot of damage, so it’s important to take steps to get rid of them as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get rid of raccoons?

The best way to get rid of raccoons is to use a combination of deterrents, traps, and barriers. You can use noise and light deterrents to scare them away, set traps to catch them, and install fencing or other barriers to keep them out.

Do raccoons carry diseases?

Yes, raccoons can carry diseases, such as rabies and roundworm. It’s important to take precautions when dealing with raccoons, such as wearing gloves and avoiding contact with them.