Coquitlam has strict garbage and recycling regulations because of bears in the area. Still, it is worth noting that smaller critters can also be destructive if they get into trash or designated garbage areas. Raccoons are among some of the most intelligent and persistent animals when it comes to garbage day feasts. If you have a known raccoon problem, contact raccoon removal in Coquitlam to find appropriate and humane solutions.

4 Strategies To Keep Raccoons Out of and Away From Your Garbage

Raccoons are not picky about what they eat. If there is a way into your trash and something smells appetizing, the animal’s tiny dexterous paws will find a way to get ahold of it.

Coquitlam understands the determination and motivation of wildlife, so the area mandates specific times for putting out garbage and provides garbage cans with wildlife-resistant clips. If residents disobey the regulations, they face hefty fines.

Not all areas in Canada have the same strict rules about trash and garbage collection. As a homeowner knowing ways to protect your garbage and property against raccoons and other wildlife is essential.

1. Make the Garbage Inaccessible

The best way to protect your trash is to make it inaccessible to wildlife. If you have a garage, store garbage cans inside and keep the door closed and secure until garbage day. A backyard shed is another excellent option for storing trash until collection day. If you do not have a garage or shed, you can install a wildlife-resistant enclosure.

An enclosure can be anything that secures solid waste and prevents wildlife access. Some options for the enclosure include prefabricated metal storage containers, chain-link enclosed kennels, or storage lockers. For residents in Coquitlam, the enclosure must be fully enclosed with a roof, walls, and a door. The design must also be sufficient to withstand the strength and weight of a 600-pound animal.

2. Keep the Garbage Area Clean

In figuring out how to get rid of raccoons, homeowners should consider the cleanliness of garbage areas. While a raccoon may not care about the clutter-free appearance, clean spaces have fewer places to hide, and they also reduce the amount of odour, which also acts as an attractant.

Odour control is very important for keeping animals away. To help limit food smells from the trash, freeze meats and other odorous foods and only put them out on collection day. Also, hold off throwing away stale or outdated pet food until garbage pickup.

3. Get Better Garbage Cans

Residents in Coquitlam do not have to worry about getting better garbage cans because the city sells the cans it expects residents to use. Thankfully, the cans have wildlife-resistant clips to secure the lids and prevent raccoons and other animals from getting into the trash.

For residents of other cities, look for trash cans with secure, tight-fitting lids. Look for clips or locks if you lack confidence in the cover’s fit.

4. Trim Up Your Yard

Raccoons might be decent-sized animals, but they definitely aren’t on the top of the food chain. They are vulnerable to predators, which is why they prefer to stay in dark areas or areas that provide plenty of natural cover.

An overgrown yard and landscape provide plenty of shelter for the critters. If a yard is unkempt and access to trash is easy, raccoons will always want to stay.

Regular lawn maintenance is crucial to wildlife control. If you can no longer keep up with grass-cutting and other essential tasks, ask for help or hire a professional service.

How To Keep Raccoons Away

The key to keeping raccoons out of your garbage is to deter them from accessing the bins in the first place. If you need help tackling a raccoon problem on your property, contact Skedaddle for humane removal services in Coquitlam. Our team will assess the situation and come up with a plan to protect your property where animals may be present.