How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Backyard for Good (Effective Strategies)

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Dealing with raccoons in your backyard can be a frustrating challenge for homeowners. These intelligent creatures are drawn to residential areas in search of food and shelter, often causing disturbances and potential damage.

If you’re looking for effective solutions on how to get rid of raccoons in your backyard, it’s important to combine preventative measures with humane deterrent strategies.

This guide will provide you with practical tips and techniques to discourage raccoons from entering your outdoor space, helping you maintain a peaceful and secure backyard environment.

Table of Contents

Signs You May Have a Raccoon Problem

If you suspect raccoons are frequenting your backyard, the first step is identifying their presence. Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, so you might not see them during the day.

Instead, look for these telltale signs:

Disturbed Trash Cans: Raccoons are notorious for rummaging through garbage. If you notice overturned bins or garbage strewn about, it could be a raccoon’s handiwork.
Tracks and Droppings: Raccoons leave behind distinctive tracks that resemble tiny human handprints, with five fingers spread out. Their droppings are another sign; they are tubular, dark, and often found in clusters.
Damaged Garden Plants: Raccoons may dig up your garden or eat fruits and vegetables, leaving behind partially eaten produce or uprooted plants.
Noises at Night: Listen for unusual noises coming from your attic, garage, or around your yard at night, such as thumping or scratching sounds.
Nesting Material: These animals often create nests using twigs, leaves, and other debris. Finding such piles in or around your property could indicate their presence.

Recognizing these signs early can help you take timely action to prevent potential damage to your home and garden.

Identifying and Understanding Raccoons

Understanding raccoons is crucial for effective management and prevention. Here’s what you need to know about these crafty critters:

Appearance: Raccoons are medium-sized mammals with a distinctive black “mask” across their eyes and a bushy, ringed tail. They usually weigh between 10 to 30 pounds.
Behavior: Known for their intelligence and dexterity, raccoons use their front paws to open lids, doors, and even latches. They are most active at night, which is when they forage for food.
Diet: Omnivorous by nature, raccoons have a diverse diet ranging from fruits, nuts, and vegetables to small animals and insects. They’re particularly drawn to easy food sources like pet food, birdseed, and garbage.
Habitat: Raccoons are adaptable and can thrive in various environments, from wooded areas to urban settings. They often make their dens in tree hollows, attics, or under decks.
Social Structure: Typically, raccoons are solitary animals except during mating season or when a mother is raising her young.

By understanding these characteristics, you can tailor your approach to managing raccoons in your backyard, ensuring your home remains safe and your garden intact.

What Attracts Raccoons?

Raccoons are opportunistic feeders, and several common features of your backyard might be attracting them. Understanding these can help you make strategic changes to deter these unwelcome guests.

Accessible Garbage Cans

One of the main attractions for raccoons is easily accessible garbage. They have an uncanny ability to open unsecured bins, looking for food scraps and leftovers.

To prevent this, ensure your garbage cans are tightly sealed and made of sturdy materials. Consider using bungee cords or locks on lids and storing bins in a garage or shed overnight.

Pet Food and Bird Seed

Raccoons are drawn to pet food and bird seed left outdoors. If you feed your pets outside, remove any leftover food promptly after mealtime.

For bird feeders, opt for designs that are raccoon-proof or position them in places that are difficult for raccoons to reach. Cleaning up spilled seed regularly can also reduce the attraction.

Gardens and Trees

Your garden can be a buffet for raccoons if not properly protected. They are particularly fond of fruits and vegetables, so using fencing or netting can help keep them at bay.

Additionally, trees with low-hanging branches can provide easy access to your home, so trim branches to discourage raccoons from climbing. Planting certain herbs, like mint or garlic, may also act as natural repellents due to their strong scents.

Plenty of Available Water

Water sources can be a major draw for raccoons in your backyard. They need water not only to drink but also for washing their food, a behavior they’re known for. If you have ponds, birdbaths, or pet water bowls outside, these can inadvertently invite raccoons.

To minimize attraction, consider implementing the following strategies:

Cover Water Sources: Use mesh or netting to cover ponds and water features when not in use. This makes it difficult for raccoons to access the water.
Regular Maintenance: Empty birdbaths and pet water bowls at night and refill them in the morning. This simple routine can help keep raccoons from frequenting your yard.

Shelter

Raccoons are always on the lookout for cozy and safe places to rest and hide. Your backyard might offer several potential shelters:

Dense Vegetation and Wood Piles: Overgrown shrubs, piles of wood, or debris can provide the perfect hiding spots. Regularly trim back vegetation and clear away unnecessary clutter to reduce these opportunities.
Openings in Structures: Check for and seal any gaps or openings in your home’s exterior, sheds, or garages. Raccoons can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces, so ensure that all vents, chimneys, and crawl spaces are adequately covered with mesh or similar materials.

How to Keep Raccoons Out of Your Home and Yard

Taking proactive measures is key to preventing raccoons from making themselves at home in your backyard.

Here are some effective strategies:

Secure Trash Cans

One of the simplest and most effective deterrents is ensuring your trash cans are raccoon-proof. Here’s how you can achieve this:

Heavy-Duty Containers: Use bins made from strong, durable materials like metal or thick plastic that raccoons cannot easily tip over or chew through.
Lid Locks and Bungee Cords: Secure lids with locks, straps, or bungee cords to prevent raccoons from prying them open. Consider using cans with attached, snap-on lids for added security.
Storage Solutions: If possible, keep trash cans inside a garage or shed until collection day. This physical barrier can greatly reduce the likelihood of raccoons accessing your garbage.

Remove Possible Food Sources

Raccoons are opportunistic feeders, so removing any accessible food can discourage them from visiting your yard. Feed pets indoors whenever possible. If feeding outdoors, supervise and remove any leftovers immediately after meals.

Opt for raccoon-resistant bird feeders, and clean up any spilled seed regularly. Consider bringing feeders indoors overnight when raccoons are most active.

Protect Your Fruits and Veggies

Gardens can be tempting for raccoons, especially those bearing fruit and vegetables. Protect your produce with these tactics:

Fencing and Netting: Use wire fencing or netting to create barriers around your garden. Ensure the fencing is buried at least a foot underground to prevent raccoons from digging under it.
Plant Deterrents: Incorporate plants with strong scents, such as marigolds, mint, or garlic, around your garden. These can act as natural deterrents due to their pungent aromas.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Install motion-activated sprinklers to surprise and scare off raccoons when they enter your garden area.

Block Access to Hiding Places

Raccoons are adept at finding cozy spots to hide and rest. Reducing these opportunities is essential in keeping them out of your yard:

Clear Clutter: Remove piles of wood, rocks, or debris where raccoons might hide. Keep your yard tidy and well-maintained to limit shelter options.
Secure Sheds and Garages: Ensure that all storage areas are locked and secure. Raccoons can sneak into garages or sheds through small openings, so be vigilant about sealing any potential entry points.

Eliminate Water Sources

Water is a necessity for raccoons, and limiting their access to it can deter them from frequenting your property:

Cover Water Features: Use covers or nets on ponds and fountains to prevent raccoons from accessing the water.
Manage Pet Water Bowls: If you have outdoor pets, bring water bowls inside at night. This will also help in keeping other wildlife away.

Seal Entrances

Prevent raccoons from entering your home by thoroughly inspecting and sealing potential entry points:

Check for Gaps and Openings: Look for holes or openings in your home’s exterior, including roofs, attics, and basements. Use materials like metal mesh or hardware cloth to seal these spaces.
Secure Chimneys and Vents: Install chimney caps and vent covers to block raccoons from entering through these openings.

Trim Trees

Raccoons are excellent climbers, and tree branches can provide easy access to your home’s roof and upper levels. Trim branches that extend close to your home to make it more difficult for raccoons to reach your roof.

Regularly maintain your trees to prevent weak branches from breaking and providing pathways to your home.

Never Feed the Raccoons

Feeding raccoons, intentionally or unintentionally, encourages them to return and can lead to dependency. Do not leave food out specifically for raccoons. This can alter their natural behaviors and increase the likelihood of them becoming a nuisance.

Make sure family members and neighbors are aware of the importance of not feeding raccoons and the potential issues it can cause.

Learn More:

Ways to Get Rid of Raccoons: 11 Methods for Humane Removal

If raccoons have already made their way onto your property, it’s important to focus on humane removal methods to encourage them to leave and prevent their return.

Here are some effective strategies:

Identify Where the Raccoons Are Nesting

The first step in humane removal is to locate the raccoons’ nesting site:

Listen and Observe: Pay attention to noises such as scratching or thumping, especially during the night when raccoons are most active. This can help pinpoint their nesting area.
Look for Signs: Check for raccoon droppings, tracks, and disturbed areas that can indicate their presence and nesting sites.

Seal Off Entry Points

Once you’ve identified where raccoons are nesting, it’s crucial to prevent them from entering these spaces again:

Inspect Your Property: Thoroughly inspect your home and yard for any holes, cracks, or openings that raccoons could use to gain entry.
Seal Entry Points: Use durable materials like steel mesh or hardware cloth to seal these entry points. Be sure to do this when you’re certain the raccoons have vacated the area, to avoid trapping them inside.

Exclude Them

Exclusion involves creating barriers to prevent raccoons from accessing certain areas:

Use One-Way Doors: Install one-way exclusion doors over entry points. These allow raccoons to leave but not re-enter. Ensure no young are left behind before using this method.
Physical Barriers: Set up physical barriers such as fences around gardens or decks, ensuring they’re buried at least a foot underground to prevent digging.

Repel the Raccoons With Minor Annoyances

To create an uncomfortable environment that deters raccoons, install outdoor or motion-activated lights to disrupt their nocturnal habits.

Additionally, using sound devices that emit ultrasonic or high-pitched sounds can irritate raccoons without disturbing humans.

Scare Them Away

Scaring raccoons can be achieved by playing loud music or using noise-making devices intermittently to startle and discourage them from staying.

You can also apply predator scents, like commercially available predator urine, to mimic the presence of natural predators and further deter them.

Install a One-Way Door

A one-way door allows raccoons to exit an enclosed area but prevents them from re-entering. It’s important to ensure no young are left behind before installing these doors.

Position the door over known entry points and check regularly to confirm all raccoons have left before sealing the area permanently.

Use a Motion-Activated Sprinkler

Motion-activated sprinklers serve as an automatic deterrent by startling raccoons with sudden bursts of water, encouraging them to move on.

For best results, position these devices near gardens, trash areas, or other spots where raccoons frequently visit. Employing these methods can help to humanely and effectively remove raccoons from your property while ensuring they do not return.

Try an Ultrasonic Repeller

Using an ultrasonic repeller can effectively deter raccoons by emitting high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to them but inaudible to humans. These devices can be placed in areas where raccoons are frequently active, providing a non-intrusive and humane way to keep them at bay.

Deter Raccoons Naturally

Natural deterrents offer a gentle yet effective way to keep raccoons away from your property. This can include planting certain types of plants that raccoons dislike or using natural barriers and landscaping techniques to make your area less appealing to them.

Apply Scent Repellents

Applying scent repellents can be another strategy to deter raccoons. These repellents often contain strong smells, like peppermint or ammonia, which raccoons find offensive.

By strategically placing these around entry points or areas of activity, you can create an environment that discourages raccoons from settling.

Set a Live Raccoon Trap

Setting a live raccoon trap can be a more direct approach to handling a raccoon problem. This involves safely capturing the raccoon in a humane trap and then relocating it to a suitable environment far from your property.

It’s important to check local regulations and guidelines when using this method to ensure humane and legal practices.

Tips for Safely Dealing With Raccoons

When managing raccoon issues, it’s crucial to prioritize safety for both humans and the animals involved. Here are some tips to ensure a safe approach:

Work at Dusk

Raccoons are primarily nocturnal creatures, so addressing their presence at dusk, when they are less active, can reduce the risk of confrontation. This timing allows you to take necessary actions while minimizing the chances of startling or provoking them.

Avoid Messing With Newborn Raccoons

If you encounter a family of raccoons, particularly those with newborns, it’s important to avoid interfering. Mother raccoons are protective and can become aggressive if they perceive a threat to their young.

Allow time for the mother to relocate her babies naturally before taking further action.

Mind the Raccoon Droppings

Raccoon droppings can carry parasites and diseases, so handling them with care is essential.

Always use gloves and a mask when cleaning areas where droppings are found, and thoroughly disinfect the area to prevent health risks. Proper disposal and sanitation are key to maintaining a safe environment.

Getting Rid of Raccoons: DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

When faced with a raccoon problem, deciding between a DIY approach and hiring a professional can depend on several factors, including the severity of the issue, personal expertise, and budget considerations.

DIY Approach: Opting for a DIY method can be cost-effective and suitable for minor raccoon issues. It involves using deterrents like ultrasonic repellers, scent repellents, or traps. However, it requires time, effort, and a good understanding of raccoon behavior to ensure effective results.
Hiring a Professional: For more significant infestations or if you’re unsure about handling the situation safely, hiring a wildlife control professional is advisable. Professionals have the expertise and tools to efficiently and humanely remove raccoons while ensuring compliance with local wildlife laws.

How Much Does It Cost to Remove Raccoons?

The cost of raccoon removal can vary based on several factors such as the location, the extent of the infestation, and the methods used. Generally, professional raccoon removal services can range from $150 to $500. This cost typically includes inspection, removal, and preventative measures to avoid future infestations.

More complex situations, like those involving structural damage or multiple entry points, may incur higher costs. It’s advisable to obtain quotes from several service providers to find the best value for your specific needs.

FAQ About Raccoons

Raccoons are fascinating yet often troublesome creatures when they encroach on human habitats. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about raccoons:

What Do Raccoons Eat?

Raccoons are omnivorous and have a highly varied diet. They eat fruits, nuts, insects, small mammals, and bird eggs. In urban areas, they often scavenge through garbage, pet food, and compost for food, making them adaptable to different environments.

How Do You Keep Raccoons Out of a Chicken Coop?

To protect your chicken coop from raccoons, ensure it’s secure by using sturdy materials and locking mechanisms that raccoons cannot manipulate. Installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers can deter raccoons, as they dislike sudden movements and water. Additionally, maintaining a clean coop area without leftover feed can reduce attraction.

Do Moth Balls Repel Raccoons?

While mothballs are often mentioned as a deterrent, they are not an effective or recommended method for repelling raccoons. The chemicals in mothballs can be harmful to humans, pets, and the environment. Instead, consider safer alternatives like scent repellents specifically designed for wildlife.

Do Raccoons Carry Disease?

Yes, raccoons can carry several diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets. These include rabies, raccoon roundworm, and leptospirosis. It’s important to exercise caution when dealing with raccoons or their droppings and to ensure pets are vaccinated against common diseases.

When to Call a Pest Control Professional

Deciding when to involve a pest control professional is crucial in effectively managing raccoon issues and ensuring safety.

Here are some scenarios where calling a professional is advisable:

Persistent Infestations: If raccoons repeatedly return despite your DIY efforts, a professional can provide more effective, long-term solutions. They have the expertise to identify and secure entry points that may not be obvious.
Structural Damage: When raccoons cause damage to structures, such as roofs, attics, or walls, professional intervention is necessary. Pest control experts can assess the extent of the damage and carry out repairs or recommend specialized services if needed.
Health Concerns: If you suspect raccoons are spreading diseases, especially if there is direct contact with humans or pets, it’s important to call a professional. They can safely handle and remove the raccoons, minimizing the risk of disease transmission.
Newborn Raccoons: Handling situations involving mother raccoons with newborns requires special care to ensure humane treatment. Professionals are trained to deal with such sensitive scenarios appropriately.
Legal Considerations: In some areas, local laws and regulations may govern the removal of raccoons and other wildlife. A licensed pest control professional will be knowledgeable about these regulations and ensure compliance.

Involving a pest control professional not only ensures the safe and humane handling of raccoons but also provides peace of mind with comprehensive and effective solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are effective ways to deter raccoons from my backyard?

To deter raccoons, remove food sources by securing garbage cans and removing pet food and birdseed. Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers to scare them away and install fencing or barriers to block access.

Are there natural repellents I can use against raccoons?

Yes, you can use natural repellents like ammonia-soaked rags, vinegar, or commercially available scent repellents designed for raccoons. Planting prickly or aromatic plants such as lavender or rosemary may also help.

Should I use traps to remove raccoons from my backyard?

Using traps can be effective, but it’s important to check local regulations as trapping and relocating wildlife may require permits. Hiring a pest control professional ensures humane and legal handling of raccoons.

How can I prevent raccoons from coming back?

Maintain a clean yard by trimming overgrown shrubs and trees that provide shelter, regularly clean up fallen fruits, and fix any holes or gaps in fences or sheds that could allow entry.

When should I call a professional for raccoon removal?

If raccoons are causing significant damage, repeatedly return, or if there’s a concern about disease transmission, it’s advisable to call a pest control professional. They can provide safe and effective solutions.

Conclusion

Successfully getting rid of raccoons in your backyard involves a combination of removing attractants, using deterrents, and occasionally seeking professional help.

By implementing the strategies discussed in this guide—such as securing trash bins, eliminating food sources, and installing deterrents like motion-activated lights—you can significantly reduce raccoon activity.

Remember, persistence and consistency are key in keeping these persistent critters at bay. With the right approach, you can reclaim your backyard and enjoy a raccoon-free outdoor area.