Raccoons are cute, but they can be a nuisance. They can dig through your trash, damage your property, and even carry diseases. That’s why it’s important to learn how to keep raccoons away.
Seal Your Trash Bins
One of the most effective ways to keep raccoons away is by sealing your trash bins. Raccoons are attracted to the smell of food, so make sure your trash bins are tightly sealed. You can also use bungee cords or weights to keep the lids of your trash bins securely closed.
Use Repellents
Another way to keep raccoons away is by using repellents. There are many natural and chemical repellents available in the market. Some common natural repellents are peppermint oil, garlic, and hot pepper. You can also use commercial repellents that contain chemicals like ammonia or mothballs.
Eliminate Food Sources
Raccoons are opportunistic feeders, which means they will eat almost anything. If you want to keep raccoons away, you need to eliminate their food sources. This means cleaning up any fallen fruits, nuts, or berries in your yard. You should also avoid leaving pet food outside overnight.
Install Motion-Activated Lights
Raccoons are nocturnal animals, so they are more active at night. Installing motion-activated lights can help keep raccoons away. When the lights turn on, the raccoons will be scared and run away. You can also install motion-activated sprinklers to scare them away.
Secure Your Home
Raccoons can enter your home through small openings, so it’s important to secure your home. Make sure all your windows and doors are properly sealed. You can also install mesh screens on your windows and chimney caps to prevent raccoons from entering your home.
Trim Your Trees
Raccoons are excellent climbers, so they can easily climb up trees and enter your home through the roof. To prevent this, you should trim your trees so that they are at least 10 feet away from your home. This will make it difficult for raccoons to climb onto your roof.
FAQs
Q: What should I do if I encounter a raccoon?
A: If you encounter a raccoon, do not approach it. Raccoons can be aggressive and carry diseases. Call your local wildlife control agency for help.
Q: Can I trap and relocate raccoons?
A: It is illegal to trap and relocate raccoons in many states. Check with your local wildlife control agency before attempting to trap and relocate raccoons.
Q: How can I make sure raccoons don’t come back?
A: The best way to make sure raccoons don’t come back is by eliminating their food sources and securing your home. If you continue to have problems with raccoons, you may need to call a professional wildlife control service.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to keep raccoons away, you can protect your property and keep your family safe. Remember to seal your trash bins, eliminate food sources, install motion-activated lights, secure your home, and call for help if necessary. With these tips, you can enjoy a raccoon-free home.