How to Scare Away Raccoons

Raccoons can be a nuisance in your yard or garden, raiding your garbage, eating your plants, and even damaging your property. If you’re looking for a way to keep these pesky critters away, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss how to scare away raccoons and provide some tips to help you keep them away for good.

What Attracts Raccoons?

Before you can effectively scare away raccoons, it’s important to understand what attracts them in the first place. Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they’ll eat just about anything. They’re particularly fond of sweet and fatty foods, such as pet food, garbage, and birdseed. They’re also attracted to water sources, such as ponds, streams, and swimming pools. If you have any of these things in your yard, you may be more likely to attract raccoons.

How to Scare Away Raccoons

There are several methods you can use to scare away raccoons. Here are some of the most effective:

How to scare away raccoons?

  • Make loud noises. Raccoons are scared of loud noises, so try clapping your hands, banging pots and pans, or using a whistle or air horn. You can also try playing loud music or using a motion-activated sprinkler.
  • Install motion-activated lights. Raccoons are nocturnal, so installing motion-activated lights in your yard can help scare them away.
  • Spray them with water. Raccoons don’t like water, so you can try spraying them with a hose or a water gun.
  • Set up a fence. Installing a fence around your property can help keep raccoons out. Make sure the fence is at least six feet tall and buried at least six inches underground.
  • Remove food sources. Raccoons are attracted to food, so make sure to keep your garbage cans tightly sealed and pick up any fallen fruit or nuts in your yard.

Pro Tip

If you have a pet, make sure to keep it indoors at night. Raccoons are known to attack pets, so keeping your pet inside can help keep them safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do raccoons eat?

Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they’ll eat just about anything. They’re particularly fond of sweet and fatty foods, such as pet food, garbage, and birdseed.

Do raccoons carry diseases?

Yes, raccoons can carry diseases, such as rabies and leptospirosis. It’s important to avoid contact with raccoons and seek medical attention if you’re bitten or scratched by one.