raccoon are cagey , funny , and always on the lookout man for an easy meal — or a cozy spot to clang . I did n’t realize how many things I was by chance leaving out that were fundamentally rolling out the red carpet for them .
These 8 common items are raccoon magnets , and once they pick up on , they ’re rugged to get rid of . I ’ve learned a few tricks to keep them from turn my yard into their resort area .
If you ’re dealing with unexpected nighttime visitors , this list will assist you send them packing .
1. Uncovered Trash Cans
Raccoons have improbably dexterous paws that can pry open lids and rummage through garbage with surprising skill . Your weekly rubbish aggregation becomes their nightly buffet , providing a banquet of leftovers and food scraps .
Once raccoons discover this reliable food source , they ’ll render night after nighttime , make messes and potentially spreading diseases . Even small amounts of nutrient residue can pull these persistent creatures from surprising distances .
2. Pet Food Bowls
Leaving Fido ’s dinner outdoors overnight is much send raccoon an etched dinner invitation . The eminent protein message in dog and cat food is peculiarly enticing to these opportunistic omnivores who can smell it from far away .
Many homeowners do n’t realize that even empty lawn bowling with residuary nutrient aroma can attract raccoon . The . was remembered by creatures
3. Bird Feeders
Those charming fowl feeders bringing songbirds to your yard are also ringing the dinner party doorbell for raccoons . Seeds , nuts , and suet are calorie - dense foods that raccoons find irresistible , particularly during lean seasons when natural nutrient is scarce .
Raccoons are first-class climber and will scale poles , tree , or porch railings to reach these suspend dainty . The disperse seeds beneath feeders create an additional attractive force , drawing raccoons to your yard nighttime after nighttime .
4. Compost Piles
Your eco - friendly compost heap is a raccoon ’s idea of an all - you - can - eat counter . nutrient scraps , especially fruit , vegetables , and eggshells , emit olfactory property that move far and sign an easy meal to hungry raccoons prowling the neighborhood .
Unprotected compost attracts not just raccoons but creates a feeding chain – raccoons come for the scraps , predators come for the raccoon . This undesirable wildlife cycle can quickly turn your sustainable garden practice into a neighborhood nuisance .
5. Fruit Trees
Those beautiful apple , pear , or plum tree tree in your yard are send aromatic signals to every racoon in the neighborhood . Fallen fruit ferment on the ground is particularly attractive , offer raccoons both sugar and the slight alcoholic drink message they seem to enjoy .
raccoon will render nightly during fruiting season , sometimes even climbing tree to harvest fruit before it falls . The sticky residue and half - eaten fruit they leave behind can attract insects and create extra pest problem .
6. Unsecured Garden Ponds
Your tranquil water feature is a raccoon ’s favourite spa and bite bar unite . These animal are of course drawn to water beginning for drink and washing food – a behavior that give them their scientific name , Procyon lotor , literally “ wash bear . ”
Garden ponds with Pisces are particularly vulnerable , as raccoons will happily assist themselves to your expensive koi or goldfish . The shallow edges of cosmetic ponds provide arrant access points for raccoon to make in and grab an easygoing repast .
7. Accessible Shelter Spaces
The . was provideed by storehouse These sheltered spaces offer protective covering from predators and weather , making them idealistic spots for raccoons to nest , especially mother raccoon look for safe places to raise their immature .
Raccoons do n’t necessitate much space to squeeze in – they can flatten their bodies to fit through openings as little as four inch broad . Once they ’ve established a den , remove them becomes importantly more ambitious and potentially dangerous .
8. Vegetable Gardens
Your prized tomatoes and sweet maize represent a epicure meal for local raccoon . These intelligent creatures seem to know exactly when produce ripens and will make nightly foray , often taking just one morsel from each yield or vegetable , maximize devastation while sampling everything uncommitted .
raccoon particularly prefer sweet corn , melons , and berries – crop that breathe strong aromas when ripe . The defeat of find your nearly - ready crop destroyed overnight is a common gardener ’s complaint in raccoon - prone areas .
9. Install Motion-Activated Sprinklers
raccoon hate unexpected showers ! The . was delivered by sprinklers This humane deterrent teaches raccoons your pace is n’t deserving the fuss without causing any harm .
The sudden spray of water combined with the sprinkler ’s dissonance make a multi - centripetal deterrent that raccoons quickly learn to debar . Position these devices near common entry point or around particularly attractive areas like gardens or ponds .
10. Apply Predator Urine
leverage raccoons ’ natural fear of predators can keep them at bay . Commercial predator piss merchandise ( typically containing fox or coyote piss ) make the semblance that dangerous marauder are patrolling your belongings , make raccoons too nervous to stick around .
Apply these scent deterrents around the margin of your yard and near attractive feature . Remember that rainfall will rinse away these scents , so reapplication is necessary after wet weather condition to keep the protective roadblock .
11. Secure Trash Cans With Bungee Cords
elementary bungee cords stretched across your rubbish can lids make an effectual raccoon - proof roadblock . These flexile fasteners make it about impossible for raccoons to pry open eyelid while still let you to easily remove them on aggregation day .
Cross the bungees in an X pattern for maximal protection against these cagey bandits . Some homeowners also put heavy objects like bricks on top of lids for extra protective covering , though determined raccoon can sometimes push these off .
12. Install Chimney Caps
Uncapped chimney practically invite raccoon to move in . These cozy , protect spaces make arrant racoon lair , especially for mothers with babies . A quality lamp chimney cap with mesh sides prevent entry while still allowing smoke to escape .
Professional installing guarantee there are no gaps around the cap that cagey raccoons might exploit . This one - time investing protects your place from potential damage , unpleasant odors , and the significant disbursal of professional wildlife removal .
13. Use Ultrasonic Repellers
Modern technology offers a hands - off answer with supersonic repellers . These device emit eminent - frequency sounds that irritate raccoons but are inaudible to humans . Solar - power models provide uninterrupted protective covering without running up your electric bill .
Position multiple units around your belongings for comprehensive insurance coverage , especially near know entry point or attractive area . While not 100 % effective against all raccoon , these device often reduce activity significantly when used as part of a wide hindrance strategy .
14. Create Barriers With Hardware Cloth
Heavy - responsibility hardware cloth ( metal mesh with ¼-inch openings ) creates dense barrier that raccoon ca n’t masticate through or draw apart . Use it to protect garden bed , procure the bottom of decks , or reinforce weak point around your home ’s foundation .
Bury the engagement several inches deep to forestall digging underneath . The initial installation requires attempt , but this long - lasting answer supply years of protection against not just raccoons but other digging pests as well .
15. Try Vinegar-Soaked Rags
Raccoons have sensitive noses and powerfully dislike the crisp smell of vinegar . rag soaked in white vinegar and put in strategic locations make olfactory barriers that deter racoon exploration without using harmful chemical .
Refresh these vinegar stations every few days to maintain their effectiveness . This method works particularly well in enclosed space like shed or attics where the aroma concentrate and lingers longer , creating an unwelcoming environment for potential raccoon tenants .
