How to Prevent Raccoons from Pooping on Your Deck

Raccoons can be a nuisance when they start to frequent your deck. Not only do they leave behind a mess, but they can also cause damage to your deck and property. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep raccoons away from your deck and prevent them from pooping on it. In this article, we’ll discuss the best methods for keeping raccoons away from your deck and preventing them from pooping on it.

How to Keep Raccoons Away from Your Deck

There are several methods you can use to keep raccoons away from your deck. Here are some of the most effective ones:

1. Remove Attractants

Raccoons are attracted to food, so the first step in keeping them away from your deck is to remove any potential food sources. Make sure to keep your garbage cans securely closed and pick up any fallen fruit or other food items that may be lying around. You should also keep pet food indoors and make sure to clean up any spills or messes that may attract raccoons.

2. Use Repellents

There are several commercial repellents available that can help keep raccoons away from your deck. These repellents typically contain ingredients such as ammonia, garlic, or cayenne pepper, which are unpleasant to raccoons and will help keep them away. You can also make your own homemade repellent using ingredients such as vinegar, peppermint oil, or citrus peels.

3. Install a Fence

Installing a fence around your deck can be an effective way to keep raccoons away. Make sure to use a fence that is at least four feet tall and has a mesh size of one inch or less. This will help prevent raccoons from climbing over the fence and getting onto your deck.

4. Install Motion-Activated Sprinklers

Motion-activated sprinklers are a great way to keep raccoons away from your deck. These devices detect movement and will spray water when triggered, which will startle the raccoons and make them run away.

5. Use Lights and Noise

Raccoons are sensitive to light and noise, so you can use these to your advantage to keep them away from your deck. Installing motion-activated lights or setting up a radio near your deck can help deter raccoons from coming near.

Pro Tip

It’s important to remember that raccoons are wild animals and can be dangerous if they feel threatened. If you encounter a raccoon on your deck, it’s best to leave it alone and call a professional for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep raccoons away from my deck?

The best way to keep raccoons away from your deck is to remove any potential food sources, use repellents, install a fence, install motion-activated sprinklers, and use lights and noise.

What can I use to repel raccoons?

You can use commercial repellents that contain ingredients such as ammonia, garlic, or cayenne pepper. You can also make your own homemade repellent using ingredients such as vinegar, peppermint oil, or citrus peels.

Are raccoons dangerous?

Raccoons are wild animals and can be dangerous if they feel threatened. If you encounter a raccoon on your deck, it’s best to leave it alone and call a professional for help.

Conclusion

Raccoons can be a nuisance when they start to frequent your deck. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep raccoons away from your deck and prevent them from pooping on it. By removing potential food sources, using repellents, installing a fence, installing motion-activated sprinklers, and using lights and noise, you can help keep raccoons away from your deck and prevent them from pooping on it.