If you’ve been waking up to scattered trash, knocked-over bins, or unwanted late-night noises, you may be dealing with raccoons raiding your bins. These clever urban animals are experts at taking advantage of unsecured garbage bins, and they can cause major headaches for homeowners. With their ability to adapt to city life, they are often attracted to areas like London for easy meals. 

To prevent raccoon garbage raids in London or to effectively use deterrents for garbage bins, a combination of preparation, prevention, and professional support is essential. This guide will share practical tips and safe removal techniques tailored to help homeowners, so you can reclaim control of your property.

Raccoon Damage Beyond Garbage Raids

When we think of raccoons causing trouble, garbage raids are usually the first thing that comes to mind. But the problems they cause often go beyond your trash bins. Raccoons are resourceful animals that find opportunities to explore and exploit weaknesses in your home. Here are some common issues they cause:

• Roof Damage: Raccoons are excellent climbers. They can easily scale walls, fences, or trees to access roofs, where they might tear into shingles or flashing to create entry points into attics. Over time, weather and seasonal wear make these materials even easier for them to manipulate.
• Attic Destruction: Once inside, raccoons can trample insulation, chew on electrical wiring, and damage ducts. These actions not only lead to costly repairs but also create a potential fire hazard.
• Health Hazards: Raccoon droppings are a major concern. They may contain roundworm eggs that are harmful to humans if ingested, as well as bacteria such as salmonella. Additionally, raccoons can carry rabies, which presents a risk to people or pets if they’re bitten or scratched.
• Garden and Yard Mess: Beyond trash bins, raccoons are known to dig through gardens, disturb flower beds, and even access pet food left outside.

Dealing with this kind of damage requires more than a surface-level approach. It’s vital to explore safe raccoon removal methods and implement strategies to prevent re-entry.

Effective Raccoon Deterrents For Garbage Bins

One of the first things we recommend for homeowners is securing their garbage bins. Raccoons are motivated by food, and garbage bins are like treasure chests for them. By denying access to your bins, you can discourage their visits and reduce the likelihood of raids. Here are some effective deterrents:

• Invest in Raccoon-Proof Garbage Cans: Heavy-duty plastic or metal bins with locking lids are an excellent way to stop raccoons. Look for bins certified wildlife-resistant for added peace of mind.
• Secure Lid Clasps or Bungee Cords: Retro-fit your existing garbage can by adding strong lid clasps or bungee cords. This extra layer of security keeps raccoons from prying open lighter bins.
• Keep Bins Clean: Odours attract raccoons. Rinse your bins regularly to eliminate food residue and smell. Deodorizing sprays can help as well.
• Change Your Storage Habits: Avoid leaving bins outdoors overnight. Instead, store them in a garage or secure shed until your collection day.
• Light and Motion Deterrents: Motion-activated sprinklers or lights can scare off raccoons when they approach garbage bins. 

These simple tips can go a long way toward making your property less attractive to raccoons.

Safe Raccoon Removal Tips For Homeowners

Raccoons might look harmless, but when they turn your property into their playground, it’s important to handle the situation carefully. Safety should always be your top priority, as improper handling can lead to bites, scratches, or exposure to diseases. Here’s how to deal with raccoons safely:

• Keep Your Distance: If you notice raccoons in your attic or near your trash, don’t approach them. They may become defensive, and attempting to scare them off can make matters worse.
• Check for Entry Points: Look for spots like roof vents, chimneys, or soffits where raccoons may be sneaking in. Once they’re gone, seal these points to prevent future visits.
• Avoid Handling Baby Raccoons: During spring and summer, mothers with babies may be present. They can become more aggressive, and relocating young raccoons requires specialized techniques.
• Call Wildlife Professionals: Experts like Skedaddle have the tools, experience, and humane methods to safely remove raccoons, clean up contamination, and secure your home against re-entry.
• Protect Your Pets: Keep your pets indoors until the area is cleared, as interactions with raccoons could lead to injuries or disease transmission.

Dealing with raccoons is best left to professionals who ensure the safety of both you and the animals. With proper action, you’ll regain peace of mind and protect your home for the future.

How To Prevent Raccoon Garbage Raids In London

Once raccoons are removed, prevention is key to making sure they don’t return. Implementing additional defensive measures around your property will make it less inviting and help maintain your home’s safety. Here are our suggestions:

• Trim Nearby Trees  

Raccoons use overhanging tree branches to reach rooftops. Trimming limbs at least five to six feet away from your home can help.

• Inspect & Repair

Regularly examine your home for signs of wear. Repair broken vents, screens, or siding as soon as you notice damage.

• Install Roof Barriers

Heavy-duty steel screening over vulnerable areas, like vents and chimneys, is a proven way to keep out wildlife.

• Eliminate Attractants

Remove potential food sources such as outdoor pet dishes or bird feeders that may encourage raccoons to stick around your yard.

• Educate Your Neighbours

Raccoon control is a community effort. Sharing prevention tips with your neighbours can help reduce the overall appeal of your area to raccoons.

Prevention requires a mix of vigilance, regular maintenance, and effective blockades to keep raccoons at bay.

Why Skedaddle is the Best Choice for Raccoon Removal in London

When it comes to effective and humane raccoon removal, Skedaddle stands apart from the competition. With over three decades of experience, we have developed proven methods that prioritize both the safety of homeowners and the well-being of wildlife. Unlike traditional wildlife control approaches, Skedaddle focuses on a humane removal process that safely evicts raccoons without causing harm, followed by the implementation of permanent prevention solutions to secure your home.  

1. Skedaddle’s team of trained professionals understands raccoon behaviour and addresses problems at the source.  
2. Their process includes a detailed assessment of your property to identify and seal all potential entry points.  
3. Skedaddle offers a lifetime workmanship guarantee, ensuring your home remains protected.

Additionally, we operate with a commitment to environmentally responsible practices. Our humane techniques minimize stress on the animals while effectively resolving raccoon invasions. By choosing Skedaddle, homeowners can ensure a raccoon-free property without compromising their values or endangering the local ecosystem. 

Take Control Of Your Property With Skedaddle

Raccoons can quickly turn a quiet home into a chaos zone with their ability to tear open trash bins, destroy rooftops, and spread health risks. But with the right deterrents, regular maintenance, and professional wildlife control, you can regain peace of mind. At Skedaddle, our experienced team knows how to solve these challenges while keeping homeowners safe.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you secure your property and protect your family. Together, we’ll create a strategy that ensures your home remains a raccoon-free zone.