how do i get rid of racoons under my deck

Ways To Get Rid Of Raccoons Under Deck

• Close All Access Points Of Deck A raccoon has picked your deck as a haven for her young because it is dark, quiet, and dark. ...
• Let Them Come Out On Their Own When you’re convinced there’s a raccoon in the deck; it’s always difficult to sit, wait, and do nothing. ...
• Noise Can Make Raccoons Uncomfortable ...
• Use Ammonia And Apple Cider Vinegar For Offensive Smell ...

Full Answer

How to get rid of raccoons under your shed or deck?

Below are some tips on how to get rid of raccoons under your shed or deck. One option in this situation is to leave the raccoon alone. If a raccoon has dug a den under your shed or deck, it’s safe to assume she may be raising a family. Raccoons will usually only live in a den for a few months while the babies are too young to be independent.

How do I get rid of a raccoon problem?

Your first option to getting rid of your raccoon problem is to wait until the end of summer if you are not bothered by the wildlife. Raccoons generally live in their underground dens for a short period, so they will be gone within a few months. It is common for a mother raccoon to move their young between multiple sites during the nesting season.

Why do raccoons nest under your deck?

Oftentimes, raccoons nest under decks because it offers safety from would-be predators and the elements. That lowly raccoon hiding under your deck could be mothering a small family without you even realizing it! If you trap the mother, trouble will ensue.

How to keep raccoons out of bird feeders?

While many choose to bring their feeders in every day, there are other ways to deter raccoons. Invest in tall poles that are difficult for raccoons to climb. Baffles are available as well to stop these pests in their tracks. Whether you choose a large baffle or a wrap-around deterrent, make sure it’s rated for raccoons.

What smell will keep raccoons away?

Since raccoons have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find convenient food sources, one can take advantage of this feature by using scents they hate. Hot pepper, garlic, peppermint oil, onion, and Epsom salt are a few scents used to repel raccoons.

How do I get rid of animals under my deck?

For decks and porches, you can use decorative lattice with some wire mesh behind it. Just be sure to bury the bottom of the barrier so animals are unable to sneak underneath it. For sheds and other buildings, fill in any burrow holes with dirt. Then, spread animal repellent in the area a few times each year.

Do raccoons hide under decks?

Mother raccoons have a propensity for adapting accessible areas to meet their nesting needs. One of their favorite places to set up housekeeping is under a deck or shed. Because there is an element of danger to family members and pets.

Will raccoons eventually leave on their own?

Homeowners with an infestation may wonder, “Will raccoons leave on their own?” Generally speaking, these pests won't leave without intervention because they have found food and shelter in the home, allowing them to avoid their natural predators during scavenging.

Will a porch light keep raccoons away?

But, will porch lights keep raccoons away? Yes, in most cases, porch lights keep raccoons away. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, which means they can be very sensitive to light.

What animal could be living under my deck?

Chipmunks, skunks, woodchucks, and rats often dig or burrow underneath your homes deck, porch, or shed. Other pests such as raccoons, opossums, and mice often just travel into available gaps under decks, porch, or shed.

How do you get rid of raccoons fast?

15 Tips on How to Get Rid of Raccoons Fast [Humanely]Install a motion activated sprinkler. ... Test out an ultrasound animal repeller. ... Use rodent repelling trash bags. ... DIY Spicy raccoon repeller. ... Use strategic placement of ammonia. ... Secure the trash can. ... Remove food sources. ... Raccoon proof your bird feeders.More items...

How do you permanently get rid of raccoons?

How to Get Rid of Raccoons Humanely & NaturallyFind out if there are babies. ... Set live raccoon traps to catch and remove all present raccoons. ... Seal all gaps and openings in your attic, including vents and seals. ... Remove all sources of food, water, and bedding material raccoons may be using.

How do you scare away raccoons?

Raccoons aren't fond of spicy smells, so a cayenne pepper spray can be an easy and effective raccoon repellent. Mix a small bottle of cayenne pepper with a bottle of hot sauce, then add both to a gallon of water and shake well. Spray this pepper solution around your plants, bushes, and other garden greenery.

Does Irish Spring soap keep raccoons away?

Many of the same smells that deter deer, such as capsaicin and mint, also repel raccoons. In general, Irish Spring soap can be an effective raccoon repellent. For the most part, you'll never see a raccoon munching in your garden.

How long does it take to get rid of raccoons?

This will take about 8-10 weeks if you do nothing and let nature run its course. 8-10 weeks sounds like a long time to have raccoons running loose over your head. I would agree, I have seen things go very badly in that time.

Will vinegar keep raccoons away?

Vinegar will deter raccoons from returning time and again to your home and yard since they hate the smell. Like if you were using peppermint oil to deter them, you can soak a number of rags with vinegar then put them in key access points around your home and yard to keep them away, albeit until the smell fades.

How do I get rid of rabbits living under my deck?

One idea to keep rabbits from taking up residence is to surround the deck, porch or concrete area with chicken wire or one-inch mesh, galvanized wire. This works best with a little excavation, so the bottom edge is at a depth of 2 inches and secured into the ground with landscape stakes.

How do I get rid of possums under my deck?

1:193:48How to Get Rid of Possums Under Decks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTrim will remove dense hedges or foliage that provides. Cover for their hiding place beneath yourMoreTrim will remove dense hedges or foliage that provides. Cover for their hiding place beneath your deck. Clean up any fruit that has fallen from trees. And clear wood piles.

How do you stop skunks from going under your deck?

Practices such as removing food sources, covering your trash bin, installing an underground wire mesh fence around your deck and shed and keeping your yard well lit are all ways to prevent a skunk from making its den under your deck.

How do I keep rats from nesting under my deck?

To stop rodents getting under your decking, use wood, mesh or chicken wire and run it along the entire edge between the boards and the ground. If you're worried that this will ruin your decking's aesthetic appeal, you can install a wooden trellis and have the mesh running behind it.

How long does it take to get rid of raccoons on a deck?

Make sure you remain persistent when trying to get rid of raccoons from your deck. The following techniques can take several days and nights for animal removal.

How to separate raccoons from deck?

This will ensure the safety of yourself and the animal. Often, the safest and easiest way to separate raccoons from your deck is to hire a wildlife removal company. However, many animal removal companies are not licensed or monitored, so ensure that they adhere to humane practices before hiring them.

Why Are Raccoons Living Under My Deck?

They make a safe, quiet, and dim dwelling for a mother to nest throughout the summer.

How long does it take for a raccoon to go away?

Raccoons generally live in their underground dens for a short period, so they will be gone within a few months. It is common for a mother raccoon to move their young between multiple sites during the nesting season. This means that your deck may be one of many dens.

How long do raccoons stay in their dens?

The good news is that these underground dens are usually only used for a few months. By the end of summer, the mother raccoon and her babies would have moved on from your deck. However, you may run the risk of Raccoons returning the next nesting season, or the mother becoming territorial if they feel threatened.

Why do raccoons like to be on the deck?

A raccoon has chosen your deck because it is seen as a dark, quiet, and safe home for her babies. If you gently harass the mother enough into thinking that your deck is no longer secure, the raccoon and her young will eventually leave your property. The key elements to get rid of raccoons are to incorporate light, sound, and smell. For the harassment techniques to work, they must be placed near the den’s entrance, so that the raccoon cannot ignore them as she enters and leaves the deck.

What do racoons do to your house?

Raccoons can cause a lot of damage to your house and yard. They wreak havoc on trash cans, dig up vegetable patches and destroy gardens. Their tendency to crawl through rubbish can result in harmful bacteria clinging to their fur and claws.

How to get rid of raccoons on deck?

It is not easy to get rid of raccoons who have settled on the deck or shed. Therefore, it is easier to prevent their appearance. To do this, keep the cleanliness near the house. Remove garbage in a timely manner, wash garbage cans, close them at night with a latch.

Why do racoons tear up the ground?

Raccoons tear up the ground and the mulch layer in search of insects and worms that they feed on. They also empty the bird feeders, so keep track of whether you have any problems with the sudden loss of food.

How much does a raccoon weigh?

The body of the mother raccoon is quite stocky. The body can reach 65 cm in length, and taking into account the tail-90 cm. At the withers, the size is 35 cm. The average weight of an adult mother raccoon is 6 kg, although the weight can reach 16 kg. Males weigh slightly more than females. The animal’s paws are short, ending with fingers. Very claws are located on the movable fingers.

How high should a raccoon fence be?

A barrier with electricity will help to scare off the mother raccoon – it is enough to put two wires at a height of 15 cm and 30 cm above the ground.

How big are raccoons?

Raccoons are small mammals, reaching a length of 60-80 cm with a weight of 5-10 kg. The black masks on their muzzles rightly indicate their gangster nature. The tails are fluffy with rings, and the bodies are mostly gray with various shades. The front paws of raccoons resemble human hands with 5 fingers, which makes these animals incredibly agile.

Why is it so hard to identify racoons?

This can make it difficult to identify them because you only find the harm they caused , but not the perpetrators themselves. Searching for traces around this place will allow you to understand who exactly visited your garden.

What does a raccoon's muzzle look like?

In raccoons, the color of the muzzle under the eyes looks like a thief’s mask, which fully reflects their habits. These resourceful animals are the second most persistent and inventive, not counting the squirrel stealing food from the bird feeder. Raccoons under deck are great climbers, swimmers, jumpers and sprinters.

What to do if a raccoon is under a deck?

If you’re unsure of What to do if a raccoon is living under a deck or shed, get in touch with a removal expert. They’ll gladly work with you to determine the best way to get rid of raccoons under deck or shed.

How to get raccoons to leave your den?

One of the ways to encourage the raccoons to leave is to place fabric soaked with ammonia around the entrance to the den space. However, most experts agree that smell alone may not be enough to drive the raccoons away. As a rule, it’s best to use a combination of techniques to guarantee the best results.

What can make a raccoon uncomfortable?

Make the Raccoons Uncomfortable. Rather than trapping as a solution, removal experts may suggest using some type of harassing strategy. This could make the raccoon feel like it’s in their best interests to move somewhere else on their own.

How long does it take for a raccoon to leave the den?

According to ontariospca.ca “During the use of any deterrent method you need patience, as it will take several days for the raccoons to leave. The raccoon must find a new, suitable den site, and if there are young involved, it may take the mother a few nights to relocate them.” When trying to determine if the removal strategies have worked, it’s best to work with an expert.

How long do raccoons stay in the house?

That means property owners will need to be consistent and leave the light, noise, and odor sources in place for several days. Usually, three or four days will be sufficient, but there are no hard-and-fast timeframes.

Can a raccoon be removed by trapping?

A forced removal by trapping may separate the mother raccoon from her young or cause her to abandon the young kits if they are moved very far from their home territory. That’s why animal welfare experts suggest using harassment strategies as a removal technique. The favored techniques include:

Do raccoons live in homes?

While most people love having wildlife nearby, not many homeowners want animals to take up residence in or around their homes. Mother raccoons have a propensity for adapting accessible areas to meet their nesting needs. One of their favorite places to set up housekeeping is under a deck or shed. Because there is an element of danger to family members and pets. most homeowners want any raccoons encroaching on their properties removed quickly. However, there are a few things to consider before deciding on a removal strategy.

How to get rid of racoons in the neighborhood?

Grab an old radio and place it near the entrance of the area you’ve spotted a raccoon in the past. Instead of putting on music, tune in to a station with a talk show. Raccoons don’t care much about the sound of music, but human voices are perceived as threatening. Turn up the volume as loud as you can without annoying your next-door neighbors.

How to scare a raccoon off your property?

However, if you want to see if you can scare the raccoon off yourself, you’ll want to cut off all possible food sources and perform some “humane harassment”. By doing so, you won’t necessarily harm the animal, but should annoy it enough to discourage the raccoon from sticking around your property. Keep in mind that if you are attempting to drive a raccoon out yourself between the months of January to September, you could have a mother raccoon living on your property with babies. If the mother raccoon sees you as a threat to her babies, she could become aggressive.

What happens if you see a raccoon on your property?

You’ve become worried after spotting a raccoon on your property. You know these animals are notorious for strewing trash, and in the past, they have scared your pets. While in your yard one day, you notice a new hole under your deck. After a quick peek inside, you discover that the raccoon is nesting right underneath your feet.

How to keep raccoons away from my house?

You may also consider bringing in your bird feeders when it gets dark or putting them on tall poles or far away from nearby trees. Keep trash and recycling in tightly sealed containers to prevent these animals from feeding on any food waste.

Why do raccoons come out during the day?

As previously mentioned, a raccoon out during the day usually means one of three things: it is looking for a new place to nest, it has babies or it is sick. In any of these scenarios, a wildlife control specialist can advise you on the best next steps.

Why do racoons forage?

Raccoons will occasionally forage for food during daylight hours if they have new babies or if they are searching for a new nesting area. Raccoons that are rabid tend to display one or more of the following characteristics: A sick appearance. Foaming at the mouth. Making strange noises.

Why are raccoons so controlled?

One of the reasons that these animals can be so control without the help of a professional is that they will eat practically anything. A raccoon’s diet may include:

Why Are Raccoons Not Good for Your Deck?

Some animals can be domesticated, but raccoons do not fall under that category. Having a raccoon as a pet or letting one live on your deck will cause more disadvantages than benefits. Here are some of them:

Signs of Raccoon Presence on Your Deck

You might see droppings on your deck or wake up to an upturned trash can every morning, but that does not immediately mean the raccoon is the culprit. Before doing any steps, know what you’re dealing with first.

What Attracts Raccoons?

The kind of yard or deck you have determines largely how comfortable raccoons will be in it. If your property offers them all the things they find attractive, they will stay and make themselves comfortable. Your deck posts may end up being their playground.

How to Keep Raccoons Away From Your Deck

Once you establish a raccoon problem, you can find ways to eliminate them. It would be best to employ various strategies because raccoons are animals that tend to adapt quickly to new environments. So, they can make formidable opponents.

Caution: Handle Raccoons With Care

Due to the dangers that come from dealing with raccoons, it would be wise for you to handle them with care. As previously stated, they are not regular pets and tend to carry rabies.

Final Thoughts

Prevention is always better than cure. If you’re lucky not to have raccoons in your deck, you should do whatever it takes to keep them away for as long as possible.

What happens if a raccoon makes a home on your property?

If a raccoon makes a home on your property, it’s very likely that they will begin to cause problems such as digging in your yard or getting into trash cans. It’s also likely that females will make a den and raise young.

How to tell if a raccoon has moved out?

During daylight hours when the raccoons are likely to be inactive, you can test if they have moved out by using an old newspaper. You can take a couple pages and bunch it up into a ball and place it into the entrance. You can also tape it over the entrance depending on what type of den. Check back the next day and see if the newspaper is removed.

Why do raccoons make dens?

The mother raccoon has chosen to make a den under your deck or shed because it is a safe, dark and quiet place to raise a family. If you disrupt this quiet environment, then you might be able to convince the raccoon to leave your property.

How to disrupt a den?

To disrupt their living space, you upset their sense of quiet, darkness and safety. You can do this by placing a light at their entrance to create a constant light source that will irritate them. You could also place a radio by the den set to a talk radio station to create a constant source of human voices and noise.

How long do raccoons stay on their own?

So even if you do nothing, the raccoons are likely to leave on their own after a few months. Some people choose this route so as to not worry about upsetting the mother and babies.

Can you scare raccoons away from your house in Chicago?

We provide professional raccoon removal services in Chicago area but sometimes you can scare raccoons away on your own.

Can a raccoon dig a den under a shed?

One option in this situation is to leave the raccoon alone. If a raccoon has dug a den under your shed or deck, it’s safe to assume she may be raising a family.

How to stop raccoons from entering my house?

Use barrier screens. Many purposeful openings exist throughout the outside of your home, which you may not ever think of as raccoon entrances. These could include the space leading to your crawl space, your chimney opening, and any side vents in your house that help with ventilation. Place barrier screen over these openings. You can use simple materials like mesh or screen, or nail plywood over openings like your crawl space.

How to protect your house from raccoons?

Seal up any holes you find around the siding, foundation or roof of your house. Any hole that’s three inches wide or larger can be scratched open by a raccoon, creating an optimal entrance for them. You can easily cover these holes yourself with wood, caulk, expandable foam, or concrete. Use a perimeter fence.

What is the egg that raccoons carry?

While rare, raccoon droppings may contain a roundword egg called Baylisacaris procyonis that can transfer a dangerous illness to human children. If a child makes contact with raccoon feces that carry the egg, the roundword’s larvae may reach the child’s eyes or brain and result in blindness or even death.

Why do raccoons leave droppings in the pool?

This is an animal’s way of concealing its odor from predators in the area. Covering the top steps with plastic may be an easy way to force a raccoon elsewhere.

What does it mean when a raccoon makes a loud noise?

If the raccoon is making abnormal noises or seems more aggressive or lethargic, call a professional immediately to help remove the animal from your property. These symptoms could mean that it has rabies, which will be very dangerous for anyone bitten.

What do raccoons eat?

A raccoon will take its plant meals from acorns, grains, wild berries, and fruits. To satisfy its animal hunger, the raccoon eats frogs, squirrels, mice, beetles, crawfish, and poultry eggs. Shelter: Home is everywhere for raccoons. They are a common sight near farms and woodlands because of abundant trees.

How to tell if a raccoon is visiting your home?

To determine whether a raccoon is visiting your home, check for tracks. Their distinctive paw prints carry a distinctive shape that sets them apart from other small mammals. The hind print usually measures 3 ¼” – 4 ½” long, making it much longer than wide. The fore print is only about 3” long, with a similar width.