How to Prevent Raccoons from Getting into Your Trash

Raccoons are notorious for getting into trash cans and making a mess. Not only can they create a huge mess, but they can also spread diseases and cause other problems. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to prevent raccoons from getting into your trash. In this article, we’ll discuss how to keep raccoons out of your trash and provide some tips to help you do it.

Summary

• Secure the lids of your trash cans.
• Keep your trash cans away from your home.
• Install motion-activated lights or sprinklers.
• Use a raccoon-proof trash can.
• Use a trash can with a locking lid.
• Remove food sources from your yard.
• Clean up any spilled food or garbage.

Raccoons are clever and resourceful animals, and they’ll do whatever it takes to get into your trash. That’s why it’s important to take steps to prevent them from getting into your trash cans. Here are some tips to help you do just that.

Secure the Lids of Your Trash Cans

The first step in preventing raccoons from getting into your trash is to make sure the lids of your trash cans are securely fastened. Raccoons are very strong and can easily pry open loose lids. To make sure your lids are secure, use bungee cords or heavy-duty straps to keep them in place.

Keep Your Trash Cans Away from Your Home

Raccoons are attracted to the smell of food, so it’s important to keep your trash cans away from your home. Place them in an area that’s at least 20 feet away from your house. This will help reduce the chances of raccoons getting into your trash.

Install Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers

Motion-activated lights and sprinklers can be a great way to deter raccoons from getting into your trash. The lights will startle them and the sprinklers will make them uncomfortable. This can be an effective way to keep raccoons away from your trash cans.

Use a Raccoon-Proof Trash Can

There are special trash cans that are designed to be raccoon-proof. These cans have lids that are designed to be difficult for raccoons to open. They also have locking mechanisms that make it even harder for raccoons to get into them.

Use a Trash Can with a Locking Lid

If you don’t want to invest in a raccoon-proof trash can, you can use a regular trash can with a locking lid. This will make it much harder for raccoons to get into your trash.

Remove Food Sources from Your Yard

Raccoons are attracted to food, so it’s important to remove any food sources from your yard. This includes pet food, birdseed, and other food sources. Removing these food sources will help reduce the chances of raccoons getting into your trash.

Clean Up Any Spilled Food or Garbage

Raccoons are attracted to the smell of food, so it’s important to clean up any spilled food or garbage. This will help reduce the chances of raccoons getting into your trash.

Pro Tip

If you have a problem with raccoons getting into your trash, consider hiring a professional wildlife removal service. They can help you get rid of the raccoons and prevent them from coming back.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep raccoons out of my trash?

The best way to keep raccoons out of your trash is to secure the lids of your trash cans, keep your trash cans away from your home, install motion-activated lights or sprinklers, use a raccoon-proof trash can, use a trash can with a locking lid, remove food sources from your yard, and clean up any spilled food or garbage.

What is a raccoon-proof trash can?

A raccoon-proof trash can is a special type of trash can that is designed to be difficult for raccoons to open. They usually have lids that are designed to be difficult for raccoons to open and they also have locking mechanisms that make it even harder for raccoons to get into them.