In urban areas, raccoons have become regular visitors to our backyards, often leading to messy encounters with unprotected garbage cans. These creatures are known for their cleverness and strong paws, making it essential to find effective ways to keep them at bay. A raccoon proof garbage can is a practical solution to this common problem. 

By securing your trash properly, you not only maintain cleanliness but also ensure the safety of your surroundings. Understanding how to keep raccoons out of garbage involves simple measures like using locking lids, choosing containers designed to withstand their attempts or using a spray for deterrence. Consider using products specifically made to repel animals; these can be sprayed on your garbage to deter unwanted attention. For example, non-toxic, eco-friendly sprays are available to help discourage raccoons and other animals, answering the query of what can I spray on my garbage to keep animals away. 

These steps are a great start to protect your waste. They also help in preserving the balance between urban living and wildlife, ensuring that both can coexist without any upheaval. By taking these actions, you contribute to a cleaner environment and a more harmonious relationship with nature.

Understanding the Enemy

Raccoons are fascinating animals with unique habits that make them quite the challenge for homeowners. They have nimble paws capable of manipulating objects, which means they can easily open lids that aren’t tightly sealed. Their keen sense of smell draws them to household waste, and once they find a reliable food source, they’re likely to return repeatedly. Knowing these traits can help in developing strategies to deter them.

Their intelligence is another factor that complicates efforts to keep them away. They learn quickly and can figure out even complex mechanisms if given enough time. This makes it essential to continually adapt your strategies to remain one step ahead. Understanding their behaviour, like their tendency to forage at night, can also guide the timing of when to secure your trash.

Additionally, raccoons are often drawn to areas where humans live because these areas offer abundant food sources and relatively safe environments. Urban and suburban settings provide plenty of opportunities for them to scavenge, making it a common problem for many homeowners. Recognizing this can be the first step in tackling the issue effectively.

How to Keep Raccoons Out of Garbage Cans

One of the most effective ways to deter raccoons is by securing your garbage cans. A raccoon-proof garbage can is often the first line of defence in this ongoing battle. These specially designed bins come with features like locking lids or twist-off tops that make it difficult for animals to access the contents. Investing in such solutions can save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

Another practical approach is to use bungee cords or straps to keep lids tightly closed. This simple yet effective method can make it significantly harder for raccoons to open the cans. Ensure that the lids fit snugly and the cords are tightly fastened. Regularly checking the integrity of your bins and the effectiveness of your securing methods is also crucial.

For those who prefer a more natural solution, spraying your garbage cans with a solution known to repel animals can be beneficial. There are various deterrent sprays available that work by masking the food smells that attract raccoons in the first place. However, it’s important to choose sprays that are safe and non-toxic to animals and humans alike.

Timing is Key

Timing plays an important role in keeping raccoons away from your trash. Since they are nocturnal, they typically forage at night. This means putting your garbage out in the morning rather than the night before can reduce the chances of them encountering it. By minimizing the time your trash is accessible, you lower the chances of it becoming a target.

Consistent timing is also important. If raccoons come to expect your trash to be out at a certain time, they’re more likely to visit during those hours. By keeping your schedule unpredictable, you can confuse their expectations and reduce their chances of success. This strategy requires discipline but can be very effective.

Furthermore, promptly cleaning any spills or leftover food scraps around your bins can remove olfactory cues that might attract raccoons. This additional step is often overlooked but can significantly reduce the appeal of your garbage area.

Landscaping Tricks That Can Deter Raccoons

Landscaping can also play a critical role in deterring raccoons from your property. By making your garden less inviting, you can discourage them from sticking around long enough to find your garbage. Removing potential hiding spots like dense shrubbery or overgrown areas can make your garden less attractive to these nocturnal visitors.

Planting certain types of plants can also serve as a deterrent. Prickly plants such as holly or barberry can act as a natural barrier, making it uncomfortable for raccoons to venture through your garden. Additionally, installing motion-activated lights can startle raccoons, making them less likely to linger.

Maintaining a tidy yard also plays a part in reducing the appeal of your property. By keeping your lawn mowed and removing any fallen fruits or nuts, you eliminate potential food sources. This, combined with secure trash practices, creates a less inviting environment for raccoons.

The Importance of Community Efforts

It’s important to recognize that dealing with raccoons is often a community effort. If your neighbours are not taking similar precautions, it could become a losing battle. Encouraging your community to adopt similar garbage security measures can create a unified front that significantly reduces the problem.

Community efforts can include organizing clean-up days or sharing resources for securing trash. By working together, neighbourhoods can exchange tips and experiences, making everyone better equipped to handle the situation. The more cohesive the community’s approach, the more effective the deterrence will be.

Additionally, educating children about the importance of not feeding raccoons or leaving food out can prevent inadvertently attracting them. Community awareness and education can play a significant role in creating an environment that is less hospitable to these persistent visitors.

Why Choose Skedaddle for Wildlife Control in Durham

At Skedaddle, we understand the challenges posed by raccoons to homeowners. Our approach is focused on humane and effective solutions that don’t involve trapping or relocating, which can often be harmful to the animals. Instead, we employ exclusion techniques that prevent raccoons from accessing your property without causing them harm.

Our team is trained to assess your property and identify potential entry points or attractants. We then implement barriers and deterrents tailored to your specific situation. By focusing on long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes, we help ensure that your home remains raccoon-free.

Choosing Skedaddle for your wildlife control needs means opting for a company committed to ethical practices and sustainable outcomes. We pride ourselves on our expertise and our ability to educate homeowners on maintaining a safe and animal-free environment. Our goal is to provide peace of mind through effective and compassionate wildlife management.

Humane and Effective Solutions

Securing your trash from raccoons involves a multi-faceted approach that combines physical barriers, strategic timing, and community efforts. Understanding their behaviour and using this knowledge to deter them is crucial. By following the tips outlined above, homeowners can significantly reduce raccoon-related issues.

For those looking for professional assistance, Skedaddle offers humane and effective wildlife control solutions. Our team is ready to help you protect your home without causing harm to the animals. Reach out to us if you’re dealing with persistent raccoon problems, and we’ll be happy to assist. With the right strategies and support, you can keep your trash secure and your property raccoon-free.