How to Repel Raccoons: Tips for Keeping Raccoons Away

Raccoons can be a nuisance for homeowners, as they can cause damage to property and spread disease. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to keep raccoons away from your home. In this article, we’ll provide tips on how to repel raccoons and keep them away from your property.

Overview

Raccoons are clever and resourceful animals, so it can be difficult to keep them away from your property. However, there are a few steps you can take to make your home less attractive to raccoons and discourage them from coming back. These include:

• Eliminating food sources
• Securing garbage cans
• Removing access to shelter
• Using repellents
• Trapping and removing raccoons

By following these steps, you can make your home less attractive to raccoons and keep them away.

Eliminating Food Sources

Raccoons are attracted to food sources, so the first step in keeping them away is to eliminate any potential food sources. This means not leaving pet food outside, securing garbage cans, and not leaving food scraps in compost piles.

If you have a bird feeder, it’s best to take it down when raccoons are around. Raccoons are also attracted to fruit trees, so it’s important to pick up any fallen fruit and dispose of it properly.

Securing Garbage Cans

Raccoons are notorious for getting into garbage cans, so it’s important to secure them. This means using lids that fit tightly and are secured with a bungee cord or other device. You can also use garbage cans with locking lids, which are designed to keep raccoons out.

Removing Access to Shelter

Raccoons are also attracted to areas that provide shelter, such as sheds, decks, and porches. To keep raccoons away, it’s important to remove any potential shelter areas. This means sealing off any openings or cracks in sheds, decks, and porches, and making sure that all doors and windows are securely closed.

Using Repellents

There are a variety of repellents available that can help keep raccoons away. These include ultrasonic devices, motion-activated sprinklers, and ammonia-soaked rags. It’s important to note that these repellents may not be effective in all cases, and they may need to be reapplied regularly.

Trapping and Removing Raccoons

If all else fails, you may need to trap and remove the raccoons. This should only be done by a professional wildlife control expert, as it can be dangerous and illegal in some areas.

Pro Tip

If you have a raccoon problem, it’s important to act quickly. The longer you wait, the more damage they can do and the harder it will be to get rid of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to keep raccoons away?

The best way to keep raccoons away is to eliminate any potential food sources, secure garbage cans, remove access to shelter, use repellents, and, if necessary, trap and remove the raccoons.

Are raccoons dangerous?

Raccoons can be dangerous, as they can spread disease and cause damage to property. It’s important to take steps to keep them away from your home.