If you’ve ever discovered a raccoon rummaging through your garbage, you know it can be a frustrating and unsettling experience. These nocturnal creatures can create a mess, spread disease, and even attack if they feel threatened. Fortunately, there are several effective measures you can take to address the issue of raccoons in your garbage.
To prevent raccoons from accessing your garbage, the first step is to secure your bin. Ensure that the lid fits tightly and is not easily knocked over. Consider using bungee cords or weights to secure the lid further. Additionally, keep your garbage can in a secure location, such as in a locked shed or garage.
If you encounter a raccoon in your garbage, it’s crucial to remain calm and avoid confrontation. Never approach or corner a raccoon, as they can become aggressive. Instead, make loud noises, clap your hands, and stomp your feet to scare the animal away. If the raccoon does not leave, contact your local animal control agency for assistance.
Identify and Eliminate Attractants
Clean Up Pet Food
Pet food is a major attractant for raccoons. Ensure that pet food is stored securely and never leave any uneaten food outside overnight.
Secure Bird Feeders
Bird feeders can also attract raccoons. Hang them high off the ground and choose feeders that are difficult for raccoons to access.
Remove Fallen Fruit
Overripe fruit that has fallen to the ground is a favorite food source for raccoons. Regularly clean up fallen fruit from your yard.
Make Your Yard Less Inviting
Trim Overgrown Vegetation
Raccoons often use overgrown vegetation as hiding places. Trim trees, shrubs, and bushes regularly to reduce cover for the animals.
Cover Openings
Raccoons can squeeze through small openings. Seal any holes or gaps in your home, shed, or garage with wire mesh or caulk.
Install Motion-Activated Lights
Motion-activated lights can startle raccoons and deter them from approaching your property.
Trap and Relocate
Humane Traps
If other methods have failed, consider using a humane trap to catch the raccoon. Place the trap in an area where you’ve seen raccoon activity and bait it with something like pet food or canned corn. Once the raccoon is caught, contact a wildlife rehabilitator or your local animal control agency to relocate it.
Live Traps
Live traps are another option for catching and releasing raccoons. These traps allow the animal to enter but prevent it from escaping. Once the raccoon is trapped, release it in a remote area far from your property.
FAQ
What if a raccoon is aggressive?
If you encounter an aggressive raccoon, stay calm and avoid confrontation. Slowly back away and contact animal control immediately.
Can raccoons carry diseases?
Yes, raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies and roundworm. It’s important to avoid contact with raccoons and to get any bites or scratches treated promptly.
How do I prevent raccoons from getting into my attic?
Seal any holes or gaps in your roof, eaves, and soffits. You can also install wire mesh over chimneys and vents to prevent raccoons from entering.
What is the best bait to use in a raccoon trap?
Pet food, canned corn, and marshmallows are all effective baits for attracting raccoons to a trap.
Can I release a raccoon on my property?
It’s not advisable to release a raccoon on your property, as it may return to your garbage or cause other problems. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator or animal control agency to relocate the animal.
Conclusion
Dealing with raccoons in your garbage can be a challenge, but by following the strategies outlined in this article, you can effectively deter and remove these animals. Remember to prioritize safety and avoid direct confrontation with raccoons. With patience and persistence, you can reclaim your garbage from these nocturnal visitors.