How to Keep Raccoons Away: Solutions to Help You Deal with Raccoons
Raccoons are cute and fascinating animals known for their intelligence and curiosity. However, when it comes to invading our homes and properties, these cute creatures can be a real nuisance. They can cause damage to structures, create messes, and potentially spread diseases. If you’re dealing with raccoons invading your space, don’t fret! There are many solutions to keep raccoons away safely and effectively.
Secure Your Garbage
Raccoons are attracted to garbage bins since they are a source of food. A simple solution to avoid this problem is to secure your garbage properly. Make sure that your garbage cans have tight-fitting lids or invest in ones that lock shut. Store your garbage cans in a garage or secure shed that is inaccessible to raccoons. Not only does this keep raccoons away, but it also helps to prevent other pests from invading your garbage.
Eliminate Entry Points
Raccoons are smart climbers and can squeeze through small spaces. Therefore, it’s essential to check your home for entry points. Common entry points include cracks and holes in your walls, roof, and foundation. Sealing these entry points with caulking or steel wool can do wonders, and it’s a great way to ensure that raccoons and other pests won’t access your home. Check for entry points regularly and deal with them quickly to prevent raccoons.
Use Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers
Another way to keep raccoons away is to use sudden movements and loud noises. Motion-activated lights and sprinklers can work wonders to deter pesky critters like raccoons. These devices are highly effective since they scare the animals with sudden movements and noises. They are also safe for use, pet-friendly, and an affordable solution to keep raccoons away from your property.
Remove Attractants
Raccoons are attracted to food, shelter, and water. Therefore, removing potential sources of these is an effective way to keep raccoons away. If you have fallen fruits or berries in your yard, make sure to clean them up regularly. Clean up your pet’s food that’s outside, and don’t leave any pet food outside overnight. Eliminating standing water is also important since raccoons need water to survive.
Install Fencing
Another way to keep raccoons away is to install a sturdy fence around your property. Make sure that the fence is at least four feet tall and built with raccoon-proof materials. The fence should also be buried at least 6 inches underground to prevent raccoons from digging underneath it. Installing a fence is an effective solution not only for raccoons but for keeping out other wildlife animals.
Use Natural Repellents
If you prefer a natural solution, there are a variety of repellents that you can use to keep raccoons away. Certain plants, such as mint and lavender, are known to be disliked by raccoons and can be planted around your yard. Vinegar and ammonia are also useful since they create odors that raccoons can’t stand. Spraying areas where raccoons have been with these solutions can keep them away.
Contact Pest Control
If none of these solutions work, and the raccoons are still invading your home or property, it may be time to contact a professional pest control service. They can help you identify entry points, provide solutions, and potentially trap or remove raccoons that have taken up residence in your space. Pest control should be a last resort, but it’s an excellent option for those who’ve tried all other solutions without success.
Conclusion
Dealing with raccoons invading your home or property can be frustrating. However, by securing your garbage, eliminating entry points, using motion-activated lights or sprinklers, removing attractants, installing fencing, and using natural repellents, you can effectively keep raccoons away. It’s essential to take the necessary preventative measures before the raccoons become a bigger problem. Remember, contacting a professional is always an option if you need additional help. Try these methods to keep raccoons away and enjoy your critter-free property.