How to Remove Raccoons from Your Yard

Having raccoons in your yard can be a nuisance, as they can damage property, dig up your garden, and spread disease. If you want to keep these animals away from your property, there are a few steps you can take to deter them. This article will explain how to remove raccoons from your yard and keep them away for good.

Summary

• Secure your garbage cans and compost bins
• Remove any potential food sources
• Set up motion-activated lights and sprinklers
• Use deterrents such as ammonia, mothballs, and pepper spray
• Install a fence around your property
• Call a professional if necessary

Raccoons are intelligent and resourceful animals, and they can be difficult to get rid of once they have established a presence in your yard. However, with a few simple steps, you can make your property less attractive to these animals and keep them away for good.

Secure Your Garbage Cans and Compost Bins

Raccoons are attracted to food sources, so the first step in keeping them away from your yard is to secure your garbage cans and compost bins. Make sure the lids are tightly closed and the cans are securely fastened to prevent the animals from getting inside. If possible, keep the cans in a shed or garage to further deter the raccoons.

Remove Any Potential Food Sources

Raccoons are omnivores, so they will eat almost anything they can find. To keep them away from your yard, make sure to remove any potential food sources. This includes pet food, bird seed, fallen fruit, and any other items that may attract the animals.

Set Up Motion-Activated Lights and Sprinklers

Motion-activated lights and sprinklers can be an effective way to deter raccoons from your yard. The lights will startle the animals and the sprinklers will make them uncomfortable. Make sure to place the lights and sprinklers in areas where the raccoons are likely to be, such as near garbage cans or compost bins.

Use Deterrents Such as Ammonia, Mothballs, and Pepper Spray

Another way to keep raccoons away from your yard is to use deterrents such as ammonia, mothballs, and pepper spray. These items can be placed in areas where the animals are likely to be, such as near garbage cans or compost bins. The smell of these items will make the raccoons uncomfortable and they will be less likely to come back.

Install a Fence Around Your Property

Installing a fence around your property is another effective way to keep raccoons away. Make sure the fence is at least six feet tall and has a tight mesh to prevent the animals from climbing over. You can also add an electric fence to further deter the raccoons.

Call a Professional if Necessary

If you are unable to keep the raccoons away on your own, you may need to call a professional. A wildlife control expert can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action. They can also provide advice on how to prevent raccoons from returning in the future.

Pro Tip

If you have raccoons in your yard, it is important to remain calm and take the necessary steps to remove them. Do not attempt to confront or capture the animals, as this can be dangerous.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep raccoons away from my yard?

The best way to keep raccoons away from your yard is to secure your garbage cans and compost bins, remove any potential food sources, set up motion-activated lights and sprinklers, use deterrents such as ammonia, mothballs, and pepper spray, and install a fence around your property.

What should I do if I have raccoons in my yard?

If you have raccoons in your yard, the first step is to secure your garbage cans and compost bins and remove any potential food sources. You can also set up motion-activated lights and sprinklers, use deterrents such as ammonia, mothballs, and pepper spray, and install a fence around your property. If these steps do not work, you may need to call a professional.