what to do if you have raccoons in your yard

• Pick Up Fallen Fruits and Nuts. The number one reason why raccoons are attracted to a property is because of food. ...
• Clean up Your Yard. While you’re picking up fruits and nuts in your yard, take some time to clean it up as well. ...
• Don’t Leave Pet Food Outside. Does your puppy or kitty have a pet dish outside? ...
• Secure Your Trash Cans. Raccoons have a strong sense of smell and are smart creatures. ...
• Fence off Other Food Sources. If you have a compost pile, garden, and/or pond, these are other places raccoons might try to find food in.
Install Motion-Activated Speakers. Loud noises will scare any animal, and this includes raccoons! ...
Get Help From a Pest Control Company. If you’ve tried all the above methods and raccoons are still calling your house their home, then it’s time to bring out the ...
We’ll Take Care of Raccoons in Your Yard. Raccoons in your yard might be fun at first. ...

Full Answer

How to deter raccoons from your yard {14 easy ways}?

Make it difficult for them to get what they want

• Close any access points. Use wooden boards, wired mesh, netting or newspaper to seal any access points to your home, under your deck or under & in your shed.
• Cover water Sources. Raccoons are always on the hunt for water sources, so make sure you aren’t leaving them any. ...
• Protect your garbage. ...
• Don’t leave pet food out. ...
• Install bird feeders on thin poles. ...

How do you get rid of raccoons in your yard?

• Humane and silent control for unwanted animals like raccoons. ...
• How it works: High-frequency sound waves – which are silent to most humans – annoy and irritate raccoons and other yard pests making them to seek calmer, untreated areas.
• Effectiveness: Yard Guard effectively repels raccoons and protects gardens, lawns and trees from pest damage.

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How to repel raccoons from yard?

What Are Some Other Effective Methods to Repel Raccoons?

• Natural Oils That Smell Great to You But Not to Raccoons. The smell of natural oils is often very appealing. ...
• Shine Bright Lights in The Raccoons’ Direction. ...
• Using Predator Urine to Repel Raccoons. ...
• Granules Are Another Excellent Raccoon Repellent. ...

How to get rid of raccoons in the backyard?

What Scent Will Keep Raccoons Away?

• Hot Pepper. When raccoons seek food, their smell senses are the most effective way for them to find a food supply.
• Peppermint Oil. Using these scents as your pest control and keep raccoons away from your property takes a lot of time and effort.
• Epsom Salt. ...
• Predator Urine. ...

What should I do if I see a raccoon in my yard?

Let it be, let it be.If there is a raccoon in your yard who does not appear to be sick or injured, let him be. ... If you're having work done on your trees and discover baby raccoons, let them be. ... If you see a raccoon out in the daytime, let him be.More items...•

What attracts raccoons to your yard?

Raccoons are generally in your yard searching for food or shelter. Unsealed or open garbage cans, unattended pet food or bird seed, openings under porches and decks, compost piles, chicken coops, climbable trees, and produce gardens are the most common things that attract raccoons to yards.

What scent 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.

Will raccoons 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.

Where do raccoons go during the day?

During the day, raccoons find shelter in all environments. In urban areas, raccoons sleep in abandoned cars, dumpsters, and sewer drains, but hide in attics, garages, and underneath decks in suburban areas. In the wilderness, they live sleep in tree hollows, under rocks, and vacant animal dens.

Should I be worried about raccoons?

Raccoons And Human Health Raccoons are dangerous to human health. They can carry rabies, which is a life threatening disease for humans. However, raccoons pose a bigger threat through their droppings. Diseases such as salmonella, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm are all carried in urine and fecal matter.

What do raccoons hate the most?

Raccoons enjoy the dark, so a strategically placed flashlight can be a deterrent. Because they're also put off by strange noises, playing a small radio may help keep them at bay. Finally, raccoons hate the smell of ammonia, so leave a saucer full of the stuff (or an ammonia-dipped rag) near the creatures' entry point.

Do wind chimes scare raccoons?

Wind chimes are a passive noise deterrent to keep raccoons as well as other unwelcome critters away.

What is the best raccoon deterrent?

As a general rule, the best raccoon repellents irritate the senses of a raccoon to keep them away. Peppermint essential oil, bright lights, coffee grounds, chili pepper, cayenne pepper, epsom salt, predator urine, ammonia, vinegar, loud noises and fragrant soaps all can repel raccoons.

Do raccoons sleep in the same place every night?

Raccoons change dens frequently, sometimes moving on to a new den every night. A raccoon may live in a tree one night and relocate to a cozy spot in your attic the next night. During breeding season and harsh winter conditions, however, they will opt to remain hunkered down in their den for more extended stays.

What months do raccoons have babies?

Baby raccoons are called kits, and they are typically born in early spring between March and April, but if a mother's first litter does not survive she may give birth to a second litter as late as June. There's nothing better than the care of a mother!

What are raccoons afraid of?

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.

Why do raccoons keep coming back to my house?

Get Rid of Any Smell That Invites Raccoons So if you're not going to seal these food sources, they'll be back in your property once they get accustomed to the scent that you're using to keep them out. What's worse is that these food sources could be a huge reason for them to endure the unwanted smell you're using.

What scent attracts raccoons?

Raccoon Bait to Trap and Relocate RaccoonsMarshmallows. Marshmallows make a great bait for raccoons. ... Wet Cat Food. The stinkier, the better. ... Bacon. Speaking of oily meats, bacon attracts raccoons really well.Fresh Fruit. ... Canned Tuna or Salmon. ... A Whole Egg. ... Sweet Corn on the Cob. ... Sugar or Honey-Coated Veggies.More items...•

What are raccoons afraid of?

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.

What is the best raccoon deterrent?

As a general rule, the best raccoon repellents irritate the senses of a raccoon to keep them away. Peppermint essential oil, bright lights, coffee grounds, chili pepper, cayenne pepper, epsom salt, predator urine, ammonia, vinegar, loud noises and fragrant soaps all can repel raccoons.

Do raccoons like humans?

From a raccoon’s point of view, humans make excellent neighbors. After all, raccoons don't know that our luscious vegetable gardens, uncapped chimneys and full birdfeeders aren't there just for them. And when these clever critters take advantage of the food and shelter we (usually unintentionally) provide, they often get into trouble.

Are you sure it's a raccoon?

Before you do anything, make sure you're dealing with a raccoon (and not your neighbor's dog).

How do I get rid of raccoons in my backyard?

The best way to get rid of raccoons is never to invite them for a visit! Humans are often compelled to feed nuisance wildlife. According to farmanddairy.com, “Never intentionally provide food for raccoons. You shouldn’t try to feed raccoons, and you should discourage your neighbors from feeding raccoons. A readily available food source will only attract more raccoons and create an even bigger problem.”

How do I know if I have raccoons in my yard?

Raccoons are nocturnal and use the cloak of darkness to search for food. Usually, homeowners find signs of raccoon activity in the morning.

What do you know about racoons?

Let’s learn a little about raccoons 1 Raccoons are only about 3 feet long, and of course, you know they are famous for the mask of black fur around their eyes. 2 Raccoons have some of the most dexterous hands in nature, as anyone who’s had a garden, cooler, or garbage can be broken into by one of them knows. Native Americans were the first to note their unusual paws. The English word raccoon comes from the Powhatan word aroughcun, which means “animal that scratches with its hands.” (mentalfloss.com) 3 org tells us: While not all raccoons have rabies, raccoons, in general, are major hosts of rabies in the U.S., especially in the eastern part of the country where their populations are increasing. Just because a raccoon is active during the daytime, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s carrying rabies. However, there are some indicators that a raccoon could be infected with the rabies virus. Key symptoms of a rabid raccoon include confusion and disorientation, leg paralysis or difficulty walking, wet and tangled hair, significant aggression, and production of very loud, unusual noises. Rabid raccoons may also foam at the mouth and have watery eyes. 4 Raccoons will eat both plants and animals, especially backyard mice, rabbits, and insects. 5 These nocturnal animals do not hibernate but lay low during the harshest winter months.

Where do raccoons live?

Raccoons are found all over the United States , but their favorite home is right in our backyard. Raccoons love the woods and the food and water resources it provides. Here are some interesting facts about raccoons.

Can a raccoon be infected with rabies?

However, there are some indicators that a raccoon could be infected with the rabies virus. Key symptoms of a rabid raccoon include confusion and disorientation, leg paralysis or difficulty walking, wet and tangled hair, significant aggression, and production of very loud, unusual noises.

Do raccoons hibernate?

Raccoons will eat both plants and animals, especially backyard mice, rabbits, and insects. These nocturnal animals do not hi bernate but lay low during the harshest winter months.

Can raccoons enter your attic?

You may hear sounds in your attic. Raccoons and other wildlife can enter your home from the roof. Tree branches, chimneys, overgrown bushes, and plants serve as a ladder to these pests and nuisance wildlife. Once on your roof, they have a bird’s eye view and access to your eaves, soffits, windows, and screens. They do not need a lot of space to wiggle indoors.

What are the negative effects of raccoons in the yard?

Raccoons in your back yard can cause cosmetic damage to property, but more concerning is their ability to spread disease. These animals establish nearby latrines where they dispose of waste. Raccoon excrement often contains raccoon roundworm, a parasite capable of killing humans.

What are raccoons' habits?

The presence of raccoons is often marked by their messy eating habits — leaving trash and food scraps behind after feeding. They also rip up sod, steal siding off of homes, and scratch lawn ornaments and fences. Property owners also may notice raccoon tracks, which can resemble the handprints of human children.

Is it safe to remove raccoons from my yard?

Removing raccoons from your property is dangerous and requires the expertise of our trained professionals. If you have problematic raccoons in your back yard, contact Critter Control to safely and humanely remove the nuisance animals.

Can raccoons kill humans?

Raccoon excrement often contains raccoon roundworm, a parasite capable of killing humans. They’re also capable of spreading rabies and leptospirosis. Raccoons in your back yard are just one step away from perhaps the greatest danger, home infestation.

Why do you need to deter raccoons?

Raccoons are pretty adaptable. They will build a nest in pretty much any safe, warm sheltered place they can find. That may mean your shed, decking, trees, or even your home if they find access.

What attracts racoons to my yard?

The main thing that will attract raccoons to your yard is food .

How do raccoons get food in the yard?

One of the easiest ways for raccoons to access food in your yard is through your garbage can.

Why do raccoons hate spices?

Raccoons hate a lot of spices, as they irritate their noses and interrupt their sense of smell. You can use this tip to sprinkle a few common spices around your, yard where you know the raccoons are lurking.

How to keep raccoons from climbing bird feeders?

The easiest way to prevent raccoons from getting access to your bird feeder is by hanging them on high, thin poles. This makes it harder for the raccoons to climb up. If you don’t already have one, you’re looking for a Shepard hook pole like this one.

How to keep trash from getting in garbage can?

The best way to prevent them from getting to your garbage can is to keep it locked away in a secure area until trash collection day.

Why do racoons dip their food?

Raccoons like to dip their food as it gives their paws sensory feedback about what they are eating.

How to keep raccoons out of my garden?

The most effective fence to exclude raccoons is electric. Use a 2-wire electric fence, placing wires 6 and 12 inches above ground. Set the fence on a timer, running it only after dark. 5.

How to keep raccoons away from my house?

Protect your trash. Raccoons can’t resist trash, so you’ll need multiple strategies in this area. Secure non-locking trash can lids with bungee cords or cinder blocks. Use heavy-duty trash bags and double-bag waste meat items to help reduce the odor. 2.

How to tell if a raccoon is in your yard?

Here are some signs that raccoons are visiting your yard or garden: 1 Garbage cans opened and trash tossed about 2 Holes in the lawn and mulch 3 Fish missing from a water garden or fountain 4 Empty birdfeeders each morning (feeders are often mangled and destroyed, too) 5 Half-eaten produce and/or corn stalks pulled down and ears half-eaten 6 Tubular droppings on logs, wood piles, or near the bottom of trees

What do raccoons eat?

They’re omnivores, which means they’ll eat pretty much anything. Sweet corn, grubs, fallen fruit, prize koi, leftover pet food —these critters aren’t picky. Despite their wild-at-heart nature, raccoons have adapted to suburban conditions, and yards with gardens provide the perfect hangout. Toss in a birdbath as a water source, and you’ve created a raccoon paradise.

How do raccoons hide?

Like many animals, raccoons love yards with places to hide as they scurry along. Remove brush, keep grass mowed, and prune overgrown shrubs. Limit other hiding places by sealing the space around the bases of sheds and decks with chicken wire or hardware cloth.

How to scare racoons off?

If raccoons are raiding your garden, try scaring them off with motion-detecting sprinklers or strobe lights. Radios and other noise-makers can also deter raccoons. Switch up your scare strategies to keep raccoons from becoming accustomed to one method.

Where do raccoons drop their droppings?

Tubular droppings on logs, wood piles, or near the bottom of trees. Raccoons display a certain degree of ingenuity and persistence that’s alarming if you’re trying to deter them from their nightly jaunts through your yard. But there are ways to outwit this nocturnal marauder. Here are 7 simple ways to help keep raccoons away.

Raccoons: A Reason to Panic?

It’s real that raccoons– along with skunks, foxes and bats– are described as a “rabies vector species” due to the fact that they are the main carrier for rabies infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control, only one person has ever died from a raccoon strain of rabies, so the event is extremely not likely to happen.

Identification

Raccoons have fuzzy coats in brown-gray with ringed tails and a telltale black mask around their eyes. Their ears are pointed and their paws handlike, efficient in detailed tasks such as pulling apart items or unlocking a door.

Benefits

Thanks to their choice for a variety of foods, raccoons help keep your yard totally free of pests. Raccoons additionally consume various other pests, such as tiny rats, keeping your backyard free of a range of issues.

Drawbacks

While raccoons do offer some advantages to the yard, they pose a greater threat to the safety and security of you and your family. Raccoons carry diseases, such as rabies, roundworms, fleas and parvovirus, which endangers the health of both individuals and pets.

Control Raccoons In Your Yard

Exclusion and maintaining a clean space are the ideal means to handle a raccoon problem.

What does Raccoon Poop look like?

Identifying a raccoon poop can be tricky at times. It can be very like dog poop. If you have a dog then it adds to the confusion.

Roundworm

Raccoon roundworm ( Baylisascaris procyonis) is the main parasite found in raccoon poop.

Giardia

Giardia is a really common digestive disease in the USA. It can spread very quickly and easily. If the raccoon poop comes into contact with water, soil, and surfaces, it will most likely be infected with giardia.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacteria that is found in raccoon urine. The issue is that raccoons will urinate and poop in the same space.

Mold

Untreated raccoon poop can start to grow mold which can be harmful to your health. Mold can host a lot of pathogens. These can be particularly harmful to your respiratory health.

Odor

Raccoon poop and urine have a very strong ammonia scent. Once the poop starts to accumulate it will give off an extremely pungent smell.

Why do raccoons poop in your yard?

Raccoons will poop in your yard because they have found a place where they feel safe and comfortable to open their bowels.