If you are like most Vaughan homeowners, keeping raccoons away from your home can be a real problem. These scavengers are known to knock over trash cans, invade gardens, and even come into your home through unsealed entry points. Not only are raccoons irritating, but they can also spread harmful diseases and parasites. Luckily, raccoons are predictable creatures and there are things you can do to deter them from taking up residence in your yard. Follow these tips to keep raccoons away from your Vaughan home:

Tip #1- Keep Pet Food Indoors

Many Vaughan residents have dogs and cats that live outdoors in the warm summer months. Many people leave food and water on their porches or in the backyard so their pets can easily access it while they are away. All types of pet food will attract raccoons. Avoid leaving pet food out overnight and limit the food you leave out during the day. If you must leave food out for pets while you are at work, bring the dishes into your home before dusk. Raccoons typically sleep during the day and do not actively look for food until after dark.

Bird feeders are not as tempting as dog or cat food, but hungry raccoons may still attempt to steal the seeds. Bird activity around the feeders may also draw in raccoons. If you start noticing raccoon activity near your bird feeders, consider taking them indoors at night.

Tip #2- Don’t Leave Trash Cans Outside

Trash cans will draw hungry raccoons from miles away. In the wild, these creatures dig for food in burrows and wooded areas. The hunt of finding food in a trash can closely mimics what raccoons do in the wild. Thus, foraging in trash cans is instinctual for many raccoons. Consider buying a trash can with a locking lid if you notice unusual raccoon activity.

However, these animals may be attracted by the smell of the trash, even if they cannot open the trash can lid. Never leave your trash cans outside at night and avoid leaving your cans on the curb for a long time on trash collection day.

Aside from garbage cans, avoid leaving recycling bins outside. Even though your bin may only contain empty cardboard food containers, the lingering smell of food may still be strong enough to attract a hungry raccoon. Identify all possible sources of food and remove them if you want to keep these animals away from your Vaughan home.

Tip #3- Install Lights

Are you wondering how to keep raccoons away from your home? Raccoons avoid well-lit places, so installing repellent lights can discourage them from visiting your home. Repellent lights periodically flash brightly coloured lights across your yard to keep away unwanted creatures. Many nocturnal animals, including raccoons, are sensitive to light and flashing lights disturb their eyes. Flashing lights may irritate them enough to keep them away from your yard.

Purchase battery-powered lights that are small and portable. Small lights that you can easily hide near trash bins and move around depending on where raccoon activity is occurring are ideal.

Tip #4- Seal Entry Points

While not all raccoons are daring enough to enter homes, hunger may prompt them to venture inside through unsealed entry points. Inspect your home and seal entry points such as chimneys, eaves, basements, and attics.

How We Can Help You

Are you wondering how to get rid of raccoons? Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control specializes in raccoon removal in Vaughan. Skedaddle technicians will examine your home to identify unsealed entry points. If you are searching for raccoon removal near me, we specialize in humane wildlife removal techniques. We provide services throughout the York Region. Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation assessment.