If you’re a homeowner in Baltimore, you may already know about the challenges of dealing with raccoons. Their persistence and adaptability often lead them to explore residential properties, causing significant property damage and necessitating wildlife removal.

Understanding how to get rid of raccoons and implementing preventative measures can save you both time and money while protecting your home. Below are ten effective strategies to help keep your property raccoon-free.  

Secure Your Garbage 

Raccoons are clever scavengers, and unsecured garbage cans are often their go-to snack spots. If you’re tired of dealing with tipped-over bins and unwanted messes, here are some simple tips to keep raccoons out of your trash. 

• Use raccoon-proof garbage cans with locking lids. 
• Avoid overfilling bins and ensure trash is securely placed inside. 
• Only set out garbage on collection days to limit access. 
• Double-bag trash and tie bags tightly to reduce odors. 
• Store bins in a secure location, like a locked shed or garage, when not in use. 

By taking these precautions, you can prevent raccoons from turning your yard into their favorite buffet and keep your trash safe and secure.

Eliminate Food Sources  

Beyond garbage, other types of food can attract raccoons to your property. Pet food left outside, uncovered compost piles, and bird feeders are common culprits. Make a habit of bringing pet food indoors after feeding time and ensuring that outdoor areas are kept clean of scraps.  

For compost piles, consider investing in a sealed compost bin to prevent raccoons from scavenging through them. Bird feeders can also be adapted to be raccoon-proof, using baffles or specialized designs that limit access for these agile animals. Remember, even small crumbs or leftovers in your yard can be enough to attract a curious visitor.  

Fruits or vegetables from garden plants can also be enticing. If you have a garden, consider fencing it with hardware cloth to keep raccoons from helping themselves to your hard-earned produce.  

Block Entry Points to Prevent Property Damage  

Raccoons are skilled climbers and can easily access roofs, chimneys, and attics if entry points are available. Cover any open vents with heavy-duty screening, inspect your roof for loose shingles, and ensure that soffits and eaves are secure.  

Pay special attention to chimneys, as raccoons often choose them as den sites. Installing a chimney cap is a simple but highly effective measure. Regular inspections of these areas will ensure that aging materials or weather damage won’t leave your home vulnerable.  

Don’t underestimate the determination of raccoons when it comes to getting indoors. They can widen small gaps using their strong paws and teeth. Make a regular habit of examining your property for vulnerabilities in siding, the foundation, or any accessible attic vents.  

Keep Your Yard Tidy  

A cluttered yard can attract raccoons by providing them with shelter and hiding spots. Overgrown shrubs, wood piles, and neglected landscaping make your property an ideal home for these critters. Keeping your yard tidy is crucial in deterring raccoons.

• Store firewood at least 18 inches off the ground and away from exterior walls. 
• Trim tree branches that hang over your roof to limit access points. 
• Maintain your lawn with regular mowing and leaf cleanup to discourage wildlife. 
• Install motion-activated lights or sprinklers to disrupt raccoon activity. 

By taking these proactive steps, you can make your outdoor space less inviting to raccoons and protect your property from unwanted visitors.

Protect Your Attic and Crawl Spaces  

Raccoons often invade attics and crawl spaces, especially in colder months. To protect your home, make sure attic vents are covered with heavy-duty mesh, and repair any broken vents immediately. For crawl spaces, seal access points with sturdy materials.

Raccoons can squeeze through gaps as small as four inches, so check for and seal even tiny cracks or holes. If raccoons have already entered, contact a professional for safe and humane removal in Baltimore.

Inspect and Repair Roofing  

Raccoons are clever creatures that often find their way into homes through the roof. Loose shingles, damaged soffits, or rotting wood can be an open invitation for them to break in, causing extensive damage once inside. Protect your home by taking these preventative measures: 

• Conduct regular roof inspections to identify and fix vulnerabilities. 
• Replace damaged shingles, loose panels, and reinforce weak spots. 
• Install roof vent covers made of durable materials like steel to block access. 
• Trim overhanging tree branches that raccoons can use as bridges to your roof. 

By staying proactive with maintenance and repairs, you can keep raccoons out and avoid costly damage to your home down the road.

Install Fencing  

If raccoons frequently visit your yard, fencing can act as a physical barrier. However, basic fences are often not enough, as raccoons are excellent climbers. Installing a fence with an outward-facing top—commonly referred to as a “floppy top”—can deter them from climbing over.  

Electric fencing is another option, particularly for gardens or areas that require extra protection. Ensure that your fence extends at least six inches below ground to prevent raccoons from digging underneath.  

When choosing fencing materials, opt for durable options like welded wire or hardware cloth. These materials are difficult for raccoons to breach, ensuring that your property remains secure.  

Deter Wildlife with Noise  

Raccoons prefer quiet, undisturbed areas for shelter and scavenging. Introducing noise deterrents can make your property less appealing. Motion-activated devices that emit sudden sounds can startle them and discourage further visits.  

Additionally, consider setting up a portable radio in areas where raccoons seem active. Playing music or talk shows can mimic human presence, increasing their unease.  

While noise deterrents alone may not be enough, combining them with other preventative measures can significantly reduce raccoon activity.  

Educate Your Neighbors  

Raccoon prevention efforts are most effective when the whole community is involved. If your property is secure but your neighbor’s yard offers abundant food or shelter, raccoons may still venture into the area—and potentially work their way back to your property.  

Share tips and strategies with neighbors to create a collective effort in keeping these animals away. Organizing a neighborhood cleanup or discussing wildlife prevention at community meetings can make a big difference.  

Joining forces with your neighbors can also help identify recurring raccoon hotspots and promote widespread solutions.   

Consider Professional Wildlife Removal in Baltimore  

If preventative measures aren’t enough, it’s time to bring in the professionals. At Skedaddle, we specialize in humane and effective wildlife removal, addressing both immediate issues and long-term prevention to keep your home safe.

• Thorough property assessment: We identify entry points, vulnerabilities, and signs of activity. 
• Customized removal plan: Safe and humane handling tailored to your situation. 
• Future-proofing: We safeguard your property against future intrusions. 
• Damage and health risk reduction: Minimize property damage and eliminate health hazards caused by wildlife. 

Don’t wait for the problem to escalate—take action now to protect your home and family with expert help from Skedaddle.

Safeguard Your Home Today  

Preventing property damage caused by raccoons requires a multifaceted approach. By securing entry points, eliminating attractants, and maintaining your property, you can reduce the likelihood of wildlife interference.

If you need additional support, Skedaddle is here to help with expert wildlife removal in Baltimore. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in keeping your home raccoon-free.