How to Keep Raccoons From Getting in the Trash: 11 Things to Try

In This Guide (Click to Jump):

If raccoons are turning your trash cans into their personal buffet, you’re not alone. These highly intelligent, nocturnal animals can weigh up to 57 pounds and use their shockingly nimble paws to pry open even tightly sealed lids. Once they’ve found an easy food source, they’ll keep coming back night after night.

But raccoons aren’t just messy, they’re a legitimate health concern. Known carriers of rabies and other diseases, they can pose serious risks to both pets and people. Their omnivorous appetite means almost anything in your garbage is fair game, making trash protection an absolute must.

The good news? You can absolutely keep raccoons out of the trash with the right approach. From raccoon-proof trash cans and motion-activated deterrents to simple DIY solutions like bungee cords and secured enclosures, there are proven strategies that actually work.

In this guide, we’ll break down 11 smart, effective ways to answer the question “how to keep raccoons from getting in the trash” – so you can wake up to a clean yard, not a cleanup project.

1. Use Animal-Proof Garbage Cans

_{Image Source: Business Insider}

Investing in specialized animal-proof garbage cans is the most effective first line of defense against raccoon intrusions. Unlike standard trash cans, these containers are specifically engineered to withstand the clever tactics that raccoons employ to access your garbage.

Look for locking lids and heavy-duty designs

The material of your trash can makes a significant difference in raccoon deterrence. Standard plastic bins are no match for determined raccoons, which is why you should consider upgrading to containers made from:

Heavy-gage, corrosion-resistant steel that resists punctures and gnawing
Thick polyethylene with reinforced edges
Galvanized metal which provides superior protection compared to plastic options

A secure locking mechanism is essential for keeping raccoons at bay. Look for trash cans featuring steel-reinforced rims and latches that raccoons cannot manipulate. Double-walled lids offer another layer of protection against persistent animals trying to pry their way in.

Many homeowners find success with cans like the Varmint Vault, which includes a specialized rodent rim that prevents animals from tipping and pushing over the container. This design element alone eliminates many of those frustrating morning cleanups after nighttime raccoon visits.

Recommended features for raccoon resistance

For maximum raccoon protection, prioritize these key features when selecting an animal-proof garbage can:

Advanced locking mechanisms – Look for recessed latches that are easy for humans to operate yet impossible for raccoons to bypass. Quick-release latches for humans combined with secure locks prove most effective.
Heavy-duty piano hinges – Durable hinges with stainless steel pins prevent raccoons from breaking in by attacking weak points in the lid attachment.
Weighted or stabilized base – Raccoons often tip cans over to access contents, so models with wider or weighted bottoms offer added stability.
Specialized rodent rims – These design features secure the top of the can, preventing animals from leveraging the lid open.
Weather resistance – Choose garbage cans with powder-coated finishes that withstand humidity, salt spray, ultraviolet rays, and other environmental conditions.

Although animal-proof cans require a higher initial investment than standard containers, they offer long-term value by eliminating recurring cleanup tasks and preventing property damage. Furthermore, these specialized containers reduce the likelihood of human-animal conflicts and protect both your family and the raccoons from potentially dangerous interactions.

For areas with occasional raccoon visitors, you might opt for a middle-ground solution like adding aftermarket locking mechanisms to existing cans. However, for persistent raccoon problems, a purpose-built animal-proof container represents the most reliable solution.

Remember that animal-proof garbage cans work best as part of a comprehensive strategy. Even the most secure container benefits from being placed in strategic locations and combined with other deterrent methods for maximum effectiveness.

2. Secure the Lid with Bungee Cords or Clips

_{Image Source: Amazon.com}

For a budget-friendly solution to raccoon invasions, bungee cords and specialized clips offer remarkable effectiveness. This simple addition to your existing trash cans can instantly transform them into raccoon-resistant containers without purchasing entirely new units.

How to attach bungees properly

The installation process varies depending on whether you’re using standard bungee cords or specialized trash can locks:

Standard bungee cords:

Select heavy-duty bungee cords with strong hooks or clasps
Stretch the cord from one handle of your trash can
Pull it tightly over the center of the lid
Secure it to the opposite handle
For added security, consider adding a second cord crossing perpendicular to the first

Specialized trash can straps:
Several purpose-built options provide enhanced security and ease of use:

Lid Lock straps – These install permanently on your can, staying in place and snapping back to secure your can’s lid in seconds. The quick release allows for one-handed operation, which proves particularly useful when carrying trash.
PAHTTO trash lock system – Features a tension-designed elastic cord with a heavy-duty buckle that prevents accidental release. The metal bracket position can be adjusted to fit trash cans between 30-50 gallons, whether round or square.
Critter Clip – This patented device secures hinged-lid trash cans with an adjustable strap system. Installation requires included hardware (stainless steel nuts and bolts) and provides durability in all weather conditions.

Most specialized clips require minimal tools for installation. Some products like the Adjustable Trash Lock can be installed in as little as 30 seconds with an electric screwdriver. After installation, these devices typically allow for quick, one-handed operation while maintaining security against animal intruders.

Why this simple fix works

Raccoons possess remarkably dexterous paws but face limitations when confronted with certain mechanical challenges. Bungee cords and clips effectively exploit these limitations in several ways:

First, the tension created by properly secured cords makes it physically difficult for raccoons to pry open lids. Even with their strength and problem-solving abilities, the consistent pressure keeps the lid firmly attached to the can base.

Second, the smooth surface of bungee cords provides minimal grip for raccoons to manipulate. Unlike latches that can be worked open with their fingers, cords offer no leverage points.

Additionally, raccoons typically give up rather quickly when faced with secured trash cans. As noted in research, “If raccoons discover that they can’t make their way into your cans and get the food, they’ll likely stop coming back”. This behavioral trait works in your favor when implementing even simple deterrents.

The effectiveness of this solution comes from its simplicity. By creating a constant tension that maintains lid closure, you eliminate the raccoon’s primary entry method. Moreover, specialized products offer weatherproof durability, functioning effectively in rain, snow, and harsh conditions.

For particularly persistent raccoons, combining bungee cords with other deterrents mentioned in this guide will create a comprehensive defense system that encourages these clever creatures to seek easier food sources elsewhere.

3. Store Trash Indoors Until Pickup Day

One of the simplest yet most effective strategies to prevent raccoon invasions is keeping your trash completely out of reach until collection day. This method requires no special equipment and immediately eliminates nighttime raids on your garbage.

Safe storage options

Keeping your trash indoors provides a physical barrier that even the most determined raccoons cannot overcome. Consider these practical indoor storage solutions:

Garage storage – Keep trash cans inside your garage, preferably near the door for easy access. This location provides complete protection while maintaining convenience. For everyday kitchen waste that might create odors, consider using only outdoor cans for non-food waste.
Shed or outbuilding – A garden shed or outbuilding offers excellent protection for garbage cans and outdoor equipment. Before choosing this option, measure your shed door width to ensure easy movement of cans in and out. Some homeowners install motion-activated security lights near these structures for added protection.
Freezing food scraps – During warmer months, consider freezing particularly smelly food waste until pickup day. This trick prevents odors from developing while waiting for collection. Simply place meat trimmings, seafood remains, and other potent items in a freezer-safe container.
Commercial storage options – If indoor space is limited, consider investing in specialized outdoor trash can enclosures. Many retailers offer galvanized steel horizontal storage sheds, cedar wood storage units, and metal bin sheds specifically designed for trash containment.

For maximum security, ensure that container lids remain properly secured even when stored indoors, as improperly sealed lids can still attract pests like large black ants.

How overnight exposure invites raccoons

Leaving trash outside overnight practically guarantees raccoon visits. Understanding why helps reinforce the importance of indoor storage:

Raccoons are primarily nocturnal animals that do most of their foraging after dark. Your unattended garbage cans become prime targets during these hours. Their heightened nighttime activity means that putting trash out the evening before collection significantly increases the risk of invasion.

These intelligent creatures possess remarkably dexterous front paws that allow them to manipulate lids, open containers, and even doors when searching for food. Consequently, standard trash cans without special locks present little challenge to determined raccoons.

Furthermore, raccoons have powerful memories for reliable food sources. Once they successfully raid your trash, they establish patterns and frequently return to those specific locations. By putting your trash out only on the morning of collection day instead of the night before, you break this pattern.

Even brief overnight exposure to your garbage invites trouble. Raccoons can detect food odors from a considerable distance due to their highly developed sense of smell. After finding a dependable food source with minimal risk, they’re unlikely to stop visiting unless you change your habits or implement deterrents.

First, try adjusting your routine to put trash out the morning of collection rather than the night before. Then, if outdoor storage remains necessary, combine this strategy with secure lids and other deterrents mentioned in this guide.

4. Double-Bag Smelly Items

Raccoons rely primarily on their keen sense of smell to locate food sources. Strong odors from your trash can act like a dinner bell, drawing these masked bandits straight to your property. Double-bagging smelly waste effectively reduces these attractants and makes your trash significantly less appealing.

Best practices for food waste disposal

The decomposition of food scraps creates the most offensive smells in your garbage. Meat, fish, and plant-based leftovers become powerful raccoon magnets as they break down. To combat this problem:

Double-bag all food waste, especially meat scraps, fish remains, and leftovers
Seal each bag tightly before placing it in your main trash bag
Wrap particularly wet waste in newspaper first to absorb moisture before bagging
Use heavy-duty or scented garbage bags that help mask food odors
For extremely smelly items like meat trimmings, freeze them until trash day

Double-bagging works because it creates multiple barriers that contain odors. The first bag traps immediate smells, while the second provides backup protection in case the inner bag tears or leaks. This double-layer approach makes it much harder for raccoons to detect the enticing aromas that typically draw them to your property.

Indeed, for areas with frequent raccoon activity, consider triple-bagging particularly pungent items. Though it requires extra bags, this small investment prevents the much larger hassle of cleaning scattered garbage from your yard.

Keep odors under control

Beyond double-bagging, several additional strategies can help minimize garbage odors:

Regularly cleaning your trash cans prevents residual smells from building up. Wash bins with soap and water at least once a month, paying special attention to sticky residue at the bottom. For extra odor-fighting power, use a mixture containing ammonia as raccoons find this scent particularly unpleasant.

Commercial deodorizers offer another effective solution. Products like Odorcide Dumpster & Chute eliminator are specifically formulated to neutralize trash can odors. These products work by eliminating odors chemically rather than simply masking them. For a budget-friendly alternative, sprinkling baking soda at the bottom of clean trash cans helps absorb odors before they develop.

Certainly, rinsing food containers before disposal makes a meaningful difference. Even a quick rinse removes food particles that would otherwise rot and produce smells. This simple habit reduces overall trash odor and makes your garbage less attractive to wildlife.

For particularly troublesome food waste, composting provides an excellent alternative to trash disposal. Food scraps like vegetable peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds can be diverted to a compost bin, keeping these odor-producing items out of your main garbage altogether.

5. Rinse Containers Before Tossing

Those leftover food residues clinging to containers in your garbage serve as powerful raccoon attractants. Taking a few extra seconds to rinse containers before disposal can significantly reduce your chances of unwanted nighttime visitors. This simple habit removes the tempting food smells that draw raccoons to your property.

Focus on cans, jars, and food packaging

Raccoons have an exceptional sense of smell that helps them locate food sources even when sealed in trash bags. To counter this natural ability, prioritize rinsing these high-risk containers:

Food cans and jars – Even small amounts of sauce, soup, or oil residue emit strong odors
Takeout containers – These often contain lingering food particles and sauces
Pet food cans – These are particularly attractive to raccoons due to their strong meaty scents
Milk cartons and juice bottles – Dairy and sugar residues ferment quickly, creating powerful odors

The rinsing process doesn’t need to be elaborate. A quick wash under running water for about 10-15 seconds typically removes most food residue. For stubborn substances like peanut butter or cooking oils, a brief soak in soapy water followed by a rinse works best.

Pay special attention to recyclables, as these often sit longer before collection. As one wildlife education resource notes, “Before they hit the recycling bin, be sure to wash out all containers REALLY well. You don’t want to see any kind of food inside. If a container doesn’t smell like food, it won’t attract wildlife”.

Reducing scent trails

Beyond basic rinsing, several additional strategies can enhance your odor-fighting efforts:

Firstly, consider using ammonia when rinsing containers or cleaning trash cans. Multiple sources confirm that raccoons find ammonia’s scent particularly unpleasant. A small amount diluted in water creates an effective deterrent that masks food smells.

Similarly, regularly cleaning your trash bins prevents odor buildup. According to pest control experts, “When you store your trash cans outdoors, it’s important to clean them out and disinfect them regularly to remove lingering odors and trash residue”. A monthly cleaning with a hose and disinfectant cleaner helps eliminate accumulated scents that might attract wildlife.

Pressure washing your garbage area occasionally provides even deeper cleaning. Accordingly, this eliminates subtle scent markers that raccoons might follow. As noted in one source, “Take the time to rent a pressure washer and hose down everything in your garbage area to make sure that it’s scent free and relatively clean”.

Despite being simple, this approach works because it addresses the primary attraction mechanism. Without food smells to guide them, raccoons are much less likely to target your property. In fact, many homeowners report that consistently rinsing containers alone can substantially reduce raccoon problems in areas with occasional visitors.

6. Install Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers

Motion detection technology gives you a powerful advantage in the battle against trash-raiding raccoons. These nocturnal creatures can be effectively discouraged with devices that trigger sudden bursts of light or water when they approach your trash area.

Why raccoons hate surprises

Raccoons naturally prefer operating under the cover of darkness. Their nocturnal habits make them particularly vulnerable to sudden changes in their environment.

Motion-activated lights exploit this vulnerability perfectly. While raccoons may eventually adapt to constant light sources, the unexpected flash of brightness from motion sensors creates a startling effect that disorients them. This momentary confusion triggers their natural instinct to flee from potential danger.

Similarly, motion-activated sprinklers deliver a startling combination of sensory disruptions that raccoons find highly unpleasant:

A sudden burst of water (approximately 2-3 cups per spray)
The distinct noise of sprinkler activation
Unexpected movement in their vicinity

These devices work by using infrared sensors that detect both heat and movement, activating only when a raccoon approaches. The best models can sense animals from impressive distances – up to 40 feet away with a 120-degree viewing angle or even 60 feet with properly positioned sensors.

Budget-friendly deterrent options

Several reliable options exist that won’t break your budget:

Motion-activated lights:
Advanced outdoor security lights can emit up to 2700 lumens, creating an intensely bright and disorienting effect for raccoons. Many homeowners appreciate that these lights conserve energy by activating only when needed, providing protection without wasting electricity.

Motion-activated sprinklers:
The Orbit Yard Enforcer stands out as a popular choice among homeowners. This device features adjustable settings allowing operation during specific times (day, night, or 24-hour protection). Installation typically requires simply staking the unit into the ground and connecting a standard garden hose.

The Critter Ridder Motion-Activated Animal Repellent offers similar benefits with a sensitivity dial featuring four settings to customize detection levels. Both products use minimal water while providing maximum deterrent effect.

For best results, consider varying the placement of your motion-activated devices periodically. This unpredictability keeps raccoons from becoming accustomed to their locations. Also note that while these deterrents effectively discourage raccoons, persistent animals may eventually adapt to their presence if used as your only defense method.

Combining motion-activated devices with other strategies mentioned earlier creates a multi-layered approach that significantly increases your chances of keeping raccoons away from your trash permanently.

7. Use Natural Raccoon Repellents

_{Image Source: Apple Pest Control}

Natural repellents offer a chemical-free approach to keeping raccoons away from your trash. These solutions take advantage of raccoons’ sensitive noses to create barriers that don’t require special equipment or professional help.

Common household items that work

Several everyday items in your home can effectively deter raccoons from your garbage:

Vinegar: Raccoons strongly dislike the smell of vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it around your trash cans and lids. Alternatively, soak cotton balls in vinegar and place them strategically around your garbage area.
Hot peppers: Cayenne pepper and other spicy substances create discomfort for raccoons. Sprinkle cayenne pepper powder around your trash area or make a spray by boiling hot peppers with water for 20 minutes and straining the liquid.
Ammonia: This chemical mimics predator urine and typically sends raccoons running. Soak rags in ammonia and place them near your trash cans, or leave small bowls of ammonia (uncovered) around your garbage area.
Essential oils: Peppermint oil is particularly effective as raccoons find its strong scent overwhelming. Apply a few drops to cotton balls and distribute them around your trash storage area.
Epsom salt: Sprinkle this around your garbage cans as a deterrent that’s safe for your lawn.

Safety tips for pets and kids

Prior to using natural repellents, consider these important safety precautions:

Store all repellent materials out of reach of children and pets.
Avoid placing ammonia-soaked items where pets might investigate them, as ammonia can be harmful if ingested.
Reapply repellents regularly, primarily after rainfall, as their effectiveness diminishes over time.
Combine multiple repellents for a more comprehensive approach, as raccoons may eventually become accustomed to a single deterrent.
Consider predator urine (available at outdoor stores) as an alternative, yet keep it away from areas where children play.

Nonetheless, remember that natural repellents provide temporary protection. Consistent reapplication is critical to maintaining effectiveness, regardless of which option you choose.

8. Try Commercial Raccoon Repellents

Commercial raccoon repellents offer ready-made solutions for those seeking convenience in their battle against trash-raiding bandits. While results vary depending on the product and your specific situation, these store-bought options can be worthwhile additions to your raccoon defense strategy.

What to look for in a store-bought solution

Commercial raccoon repellents typically come in three main formats:

Liquid spray repellents – Ideal for surface protection on garbage cans, trash bags, hard surfaces, and containers. Most work best in temperatures above 40°F and require reapplication after rainfall.
Granular repellents – Perfect for creating perimeter barriers around garbage areas. These last longer than liquid formulations and can work in any climate.
Electronic repellent devices – These use ultrasonic sounds beyond human hearing range to irritate raccoons. Some products offer specific “raccoon” settings and cover areas up to 3,000-4,000 square feet.

Look for repellents containing ingredients raccoons find objectionable, such as predator urine (particularly coyote), hot pepper compounds, or ammonia-based substances. Nevertheless, be aware that some experts report raccoons quickly become accustomed to taste and smell-based deterrents.

Application tips for maximum effect

For maximum effectiveness with commercial repellents:

Follow directions meticulously – Unlike household products, animal repellents require precise application to work properly.
Maintain a regular schedule – Reapplication is crucial as scents fade over time. Consider keeping a calendar specifically for tracking when to reapply.
Apply strategically – Place repellents in the general area around your trash cans and slightly beyond to create a buffer zone.
Combine with other methods – Commercial repellents work best as part of a comprehensive strategy. One wildlife expert notes, “Unless you’re spraying the repellent daily, it’ll eventually lose its effectiveness”.
Choose appropriate formulations – Match the repellent type to your specific situation. Electronic options require minimal maintenance while sprays need frequent reapplication.

Basically, commercial repellents should be viewed as temporary solutions that complement other deterrents mentioned throughout this guide. Correspondingly, you’ll achieve better results using them alongside secure trash cans, proper waste management, and environmental modifications.

9. Eliminate Other Attractants Near Trash

Even with well-secured garbage cans, raccoons may still frequent your property if other food sources remain available. These intelligent creatures don’t discriminate between trash and other edibles you might inadvertently provide.

Pet food, bird seed, and compost tips

Outdoor pet food ranks among raccoons’ favorite finds. Feed pets indoors whenever possible or pick up food bowls before sunset since raccoons are primarily nocturnal. As one wildlife expert notes, “Either feed your cats and dogs in the house or bring their food bowls inside at night.” Uncollected pet food near pet doors can actually tempt raccoons to enter your home.

For bird enthusiasts, raccoon-proofing feeders is essential. Install feeders on thin poles raccoons cannot climb, or attach raccoon guards to prevent access. Likewise, position feeders at least 5-6 feet away from structures that raccoons might use as launching points. To minimize ground feeding, place seed-catching trays beneath feeders to reduce spillage that attracts wildlife.

Regarding compost management, follow these guidelines:

Use compost bins with secure, locking lids
Never add meat, dairy, or oily foods to compost
Avoid adding grains like bread, pasta, or rice
Cover freshly added food scraps with a layer of “brown” materials like dried leaves

Yard clean-up habits that help

Fallen fruit presents a powerful attractant for foraging raccoons. Subsequently, gather any fruits or nuts that drop from trees promptly. For vegetable gardens, harvest ripe produce regularly and remove decomposing plants that emit strong odors.

Meanwhile, eliminate potential raccoon shelters by securing spaces beneath decks, porches, and outbuildings with wire mesh or fencing. Trim tree branches that extend near rooflines to prevent roof access, essentially cutting off entry points to your attic or chimney.

Typically, raccoons seek yards that provide the complete package: food, water, and shelter. By removing standing water sources like pet bowls, bird baths, and containers that collect rainwater, you make your property substantially less appealing.

Remember that effectively keeping raccoons out of trash requires a whole-property approach focused on eliminating anything that might invite these clever critters to consider your yard their dining room.

10. Place Cans on a Raised Platform

Elevation creates a simple yet effective barrier between raccoons and your garbage. These masked bandits may be excellent climbers, yet a strategically raised platform can significantly reduce their success rate in reaching your trash.

Make access harder for raccoons

Placing your garbage cans on elevated surfaces immediately complicates a raccoon’s approach. These animals, while remarkably agile, prefer easy targets and often move on when confronted with physical barriers that require extra effort.

Elevated platforms work through several key mechanisms:

They prevent raccoons from easily tipping cans over, a common tactic these animals use
They create an unstable surface that raccoons find uncomfortable to navigate
They combine with other deterrents to create a multi-layered defense system

For maximum effectiveness, position your raised platform at least 3 feet off the ground. Additionally, ensure your elevated trash area remains far from potential “jump points” including trees, fences, walls, or any structure a raccoon might use as a launching pad. Raccoons can easily jump onto trash cans from these points, defeating the purpose of elevation.

Equally important is placing your platform in well-lit areas, typically near your house or garage. This location adds an extra psychological barrier as raccoons generally avoid brightly illuminated spaces.

DIY elevation ideas

Creating your own raised platform doesn’t require advanced carpentry skills or expensive materials. Consider these practical solutions:

Concrete Block Platform:
Initially, gather 6-8 concrete blocks from your local hardware store. Arrange them in a stable configuration, then place a piece of plywood on top to create a flat surface. This simple structure provides a solid base for your garbage cans.

Simple Wooden Platform:
For a more permanent solution, construct a basic wooden platform using 2x4s as skids. Cut decking boards to length and attach them to the skids, optionally adding a slight bevel to the front edges for easier can access. This design elevates your cans while creating a stable base.

Repurposed Materials:
Existing outdoor furniture, unused benches, or sturdy tables can serve as immediate elevation solutions. Look around your property for stable items that might offer the height needed without additional expense.

Thereupon, whichever method you choose, test your platform thoroughly before relying on it. Ensure it can support the weight of full garbage cans without wobbling or collapsing. The platform should remain stable even when you’re removing or replacing cans.

11. Install a Trash Can Enclosure

_{Image Source: PlasticMill}

Keeping raccoons out of your trash requires a strategic combination of methods rather than relying on a single solution. Smart storage practices, like using animal-proof containers and securing lids properly, create your first line of defense. Additionally, simple habits such as double-bagging smelly items and rinsing containers before disposal significantly reduce attractive odors.

Physical deterrents, including motion-activated devices and raised platforms, make your trash area less appealing to these clever creatures. Natural and commercial repellents add extra layers of protection when used consistently. Remember that raccoons adapt quickly, so rotating between different deterrent methods helps maintain their effectiveness.

Start with secure storage solutions and proper waste management practices. These fundamental steps, combined with other deterrents mentioned above, will help you maintain a cleaner yard and discourage persistent raccoon visitors. Most importantly, stay consistent with your chosen methods – raccoons typically move on to easier targets when they encounter reliable resistance.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can Keep Raccoons From Getting in the Trash

Successfully preventing raccoon raids takes persistence and a strategic approach. After implementing several of the methods covered in this guide, you’ll likely see a significant reduction in unwanted trash visitors.

Combine strategies for best results

Layering multiple deterrent methods creates the most effective defense system against these clever creatures. Consider these powerful combinations:

Secure containers (animal-proof cans or bungee cords) plus natural repellents around the perimeter
Indoor storage together with motion-activated devices for times when trash must remain outside
Raised platforms paired with proper food waste management techniques

As the seasons change, alternate between different repellents to prevent raccoons from becoming accustomed to any single method. Remember that consistency remains key—raccoons quickly identify and return to easy food sources, yet reliably abandon locations that consistently provide challenges.

When to consider professional help

Typically, the methods outlined in this guide resolve most raccoon problems. Nevertheless, sometimes professional intervention becomes necessary. Consider contacting wildlife control services in these situations:

Multiple raccoons repeatedly visit your property even after trying several deterrent methods
You notice raccoons displaying unusual daytime activity or strange behavior (possibly indicating rabies)
Raccoons have established a den on your property, perhaps under a deck or in an outbuilding
You discover raccoon droppings in living areas, which pose health risks through parasites like roundworm
Young children or pets regularly use outdoor areas where raccoons visit

Professional wildlife services offer humane trapping, exclusion methods, property inspection for entry points, and damage repair. These experts usually guarantee their work and can address the underlying causes of persistent raccoon problems.

Henceforth, by implementing several of these proven strategies and remaining vigilant, you can take back control of your trash area and enjoy raccoon-free mornings once more.

FAQs

Q1. What are some effective ways to keep raccoons out of trash cans?
Some effective methods include using animal-proof garbage cans with locking lids, securing lids with bungee cords, storing trash indoors until collection day, and using motion-activated lights or sprinklers near trash areas. You can also try sprinkling cayenne pepper or ammonia around trash cans as natural deterrents.

Q2. What smells do raccoons dislike?
Raccoons are repelled by strong scents like ammonia, vinegar, peppermint oil, and hot pepper. You can use these as natural deterrents by spraying or sprinkling them around your trash cans. Commercial raccoon repellents containing predator urine scents can also be effective.

Q3. How can I raccoon-proof my existing trash cans?
To raccoon-proof existing cans, secure lids tightly with bungee cords or specialized trash can locks. Place cans on a raised platform or in a fenced enclosure. You can also try adding weight to the lids or using motion-activated deterrents nearby. Regularly cleaning cans to remove food odors is also helpful.

Q4. Is it effective to use lights to deter raccoons from trash?
Yes, motion-activated lights can be an effective deterrent for raccoons. These nocturnal animals prefer darkness and may be startled by sudden bright lights. For best results, combine lighting with other methods like secure lids and odor control.

Q5. How often should I clean my trash cans to prevent raccoon attraction?
It’s recommended to clean your trash cans thoroughly at least once a month using a mixture of water and vinegar or a commercial deodorizer. Regularly rinsing food containers before disposal and double-bagging smelly items can also help reduce attractive odors between cleanings.