How To Get Rid Of Raccoons From Yard: Safe & Effective

You want to know how to get rid of raccoons from your yard safely and effectively? Getting rid of raccoons often means using smart raccoon removal techniques that keep them away without hurting them or other animals. We will look at the best raccoon deterrents, natural raccoon repellent ideas, how to use humane raccoon trapping if needed, and how to keep raccoons away for good using simple raccoon damage prevention steps and strong raccoon control solutions. Sometimes, you might need professional wildlife removal, but many times you can use simple steps yourself to get rid of raccoons from your garden and do a good job of raccoon proofing your yard.

Raccoons look cute with their masked faces and ringed tails. But they can cause big problems when they visit your yard. They can dig up your lawn, raid your trash cans, eat your pet’s food, and even try to get into your house or other buildings. Raccoons are very smart and good at solving problems, which means getting them to leave and stay away takes some effort.

Let’s break down what draws raccoons in and how to gently tell them your yard is not a good place for them. We will cover ways to make your yard less appealing, things you can use to scare them away, and what to do if they just won’t leave.

How To Get Rid Of Raccoons From Yard
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What Draws Raccoons to Your Yard?

Knowing why raccoons visit helps you stop them. Raccoons come to your yard mainly for three things: food, water, and shelter. If you have these things easy to find, your yard is like a fancy restaurant and hotel for them.

Food is the Biggest Pull

Raccoons are scavengers. They eat almost anything. This includes food meant for people or pets.

Open Trash Cans: This is the number one reason raccoons visit. Full, easy-to-open trash cans are a buffet for them. They have strong paws and smart brains. They can open many lids.
Pet Food Outside: Leaving pet food bowls outside, especially overnight, is a clear invitation. Raccoons smell the food and come to eat it.
Bird Feeders: Bird seed, suet, and nectar attract birds. But they also attract raccoons looking for an easy meal.
Gardens: Fruits, vegetables, and corn in your garden are tasty treats for raccoons.
Grills: Leftover grease and food bits on grills are attractive smells.
Fallen Fruit: Fruit that falls from trees is easy food.

Water Sources

Just like any animal, raccoons need water to drink.

Pet Water Bowls: Water left out for pets is an easy source.
Bird Baths: These are shallow pools that raccoons can drink from.
Ponds or Water Features: If you have a pond, even a small one, it is a water source.
Standing Water: Anything holding standing water, like clogged gutters or puddles, can attract them.

Shelter Spots

Raccoons look for safe, dry places to rest during the day and raise their young.

Under Decks or Sheds: These spots offer protection from weather and predators.
Attics or Crawl Spaces: If they can get in, attics are warm and safe places, especially for mother raccoons and babies.
Hollow Trees or Logs: Natural spots in your yard might be used if available.
Wood Piles: These can offer cover.

If you remove these attractions, you take away the main reasons raccoons come around. This is the first and most important step in raccoon control solutions. It’s a key part of raccoon damage prevention.

How to Tell Raccoons Are Visiting

How do you know if raccoons are the ones causing problems in your yard? Look for these signs.

Knocked-Over Trash Cans: This is a classic sign. Trash is often spread around.
Torn Garbage Bags: Raccoons tear bags open to get food.
Damage to Gardens: Eaten vegetables, pulled-up plants, or damage to corn stalks are common. Corn is often eaten right off the cob while still on the stalk.
Tracks: Raccoon tracks look like small human hands with five long fingers. They are about 3-4 inches long. Look for them in mud or soft ground.
Droppings (Feces): Raccoon droppings look like small logs. They often leave them in certain spots called “latrines.” These can be on decks, patios, woodpiles, or at the base of trees. Be careful! Raccoon droppings can have harmful parasites.
Damage to Structures: Look for torn vents, damaged soffits, broken screens, or holes near the roof or foundation. This means they might be trying to get inside.
Pet Food Missing: If you leave pet food out and it’s gone by morning, but you know your pet didn’t eat it all, a raccoon might be the culprit.
Noises at Night: Raccoons are most active from dusk to dawn. You might hear thumping, scratching, or vocal sounds (like chittering or growling) coming from your yard, attic, or crawl space.
Rolled-Up Sod: Raccoons sometimes roll back strips of grass in lawns when they are looking for grubs and insects to eat.

Seeing these signs means you likely have raccoon visitors. Now you need to act.

Starting Steps: Make Your Yard Unwelcoming

The safest and most effective way to handle raccoon problems is to make your yard a place they don’t want to be. This is all about removing the things that attract them. This is foundational to raccoon damage prevention.

Secure Your Trash

This is step one. Make trash cans raccoon-proof.

Use Strong Cans with Locking Lids: Cans made of metal or thick plastic are harder to chew through. Lids that screw on or have clamps are best.
Secure Lids: If your lids don’t lock, use bungee cords or heavy weights (like bricks or stones) on top.
Wait Until Morning: If possible, do not put trash cans out the night before pick-up. Put them out in the morning instead.
Store Cans Securely: Keep trash cans in a garage, shed, or a secured bin until collection day.
Clean Cans Regularly: Rinse trash cans with ammonia or a bleach solution. This removes food smells that attract animals.

Manage Pet Food

Feed Pets Indoors: This is the simplest fix.
Bring Bowls Inside: If pets eat outside, pick up all food bowls right after they finish eating. Do not leave food out overnight.
Store Pet Food Safely: Keep large bags of pet food in strong, sealed containers that raccoons (or rodents) cannot get into.

Protect Your Garden

Harvest Regularly: Pick ripe fruits and vegetables as soon as they are ready. Do not let them sit on the ground or plants too long.
Clean Up Fallen Fruit: Remove any fruit that drops from trees.
Consider Fencing: A strong fence around your garden can help. Raccoons can climb, so the fence needs to be at least 3-4 feet tall and ideally tilted outwards at the top. An electric wire strand might be needed on top for persistent climbers.
Netting: Placing netting over low plants can offer some protection.

Eliminate Water Sources

Bring Pet Water Inside: Just like food, bring water bowls in overnight.
Empty Bird Baths: Empty bird baths in the evening or make them less accessible.
Cover Ponds: If you have a pond, consider covering it with netting. This also protects fish from raccoons.
Fix Leaks: Repair leaky pipes or spigots. Make sure gutters are clean so water does not collect.

Taking these steps makes a big difference. It changes your yard from a free restaurant to a place with no easy meals. This is a key part of raccoon removal techniques that focus on prevention.

Using Raccoon Deterrents

Once you’ve removed the main attractions, you can use deterrents to make your yard even less welcoming. There are many types, and the best raccoon deterrents often use things raccoons don’t like: smells, sounds, or lights.

Scent Deterrents (Natural Raccoon Repellent)

Raccoons have a good sense of smell. Some smells bother them. Many natural raccoon repellent options use strong odors.

Ammonia: The smell of ammonia can make raccoons think a predator is nearby (like urine). Soak rags in ammonia and place them in or near areas raccoons visit, like trash cans or entry points. Be careful: Place rags in containers so animals don’t touch the liquid. Replace rags often as the smell fades. Do not use this where children or pets can easily reach.
Cayenne Pepper or Pepper Flakes: Sprinkling cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes around plants or trash cans might deter them. This irritates their paws and noses. You need to put it out often, especially after rain.
Garlic: Crushed garlic or garlic spray can be off-putting.
Mothballs: Some people use mothballs, but they contain chemicals and the smell is unpleasant for people too. They are also harmful if eaten by pets or children. Many wildlife experts do not recommend using mothballs.
Predator Urine: The smell of urine from animals that hunt raccoons (like coyotes or dogs) can scare them. You can buy predator urine products at garden stores. Place them around the edges of your yard.
Strong Smelling Soaps: Some people find that shavings of certain strong-smelling soaps placed near plants help keep animals away.

Remember that scent deterrents often need to be reapplied regularly, especially after rain. Their effectiveness can also wear off as raccoons get used to the smell.

Noise Deterrents

Sudden or strange noises can startle raccoons and make them leave.

Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These are very effective. They combine surprise noise and water spray. Place them near trash cans, gardens, or areas where raccoons enter the yard. When a raccoon walks by, the sprinkler turns on suddenly. Most raccoons hate being sprayed with water and will run away.
Radios: Leaving a radio on a talk station near problem areas might help, as the sound of human voices can deter them.
Ultrasonic Devices: These devices claim to emit high-frequency sounds that animals can hear but humans cannot. Their effectiveness is debated, and animals might get used to the sound over time.

Light Deterrents

Raccoons are nocturnal (active at night). Bright, sudden lights can scare them.

Motion-Activated Lights: Install motion-sensor lights in your yard, especially near entry points, trash cans, or areas they visit. When the raccoon triggers the light, the sudden brightness can make them leave. Using flashing lights might be even better.

Combining different types of deterrents can increase your chances of success. For example, using motion-activated sprinklers and securing trash cans addresses multiple senses and needs.

Raccoon Proofing Your Yard and Home

Raccoons are skilled climbers and can fit into small spaces. Raccoon proofing your yard and house is essential to stop them from finding shelter, especially in attics or under structures. This is a critical part of raccoon damage prevention and permanent raccoon control solutions.

Secure Your House

Inspect your home for possible entry points. Look closely at the roof, attic, crawl space, and foundation.

Chimney Caps: Make sure your chimney has a sturdy metal cap. Raccoons often use chimneys for dens.
Roof and Soffits: Check for loose or damaged shingles, fascia boards, or soffits. Repair any holes or weak spots. Cover vents with strong metal mesh.
Vents: All vents (attic, dryer, foundation) should be covered with heavy-duty metal mesh that raccoons cannot chew through.
Crawl Spaces: Ensure crawl space doors or access points are secure and sealed. Screen any vents.
Porches and Decks: Seal off the areas under porches, decks, or sheds with sturdy wire mesh (like hardware cloth) buried at least 6-12 inches into the ground. Raccoons will try to dig under. Bend the mesh outwards in an ‘L’ shape at the bottom before burying it to stop digging.
Pet Doors: Raccoons can sometimes use large pet doors. Lock or secure pet doors, especially at night.

Secure Outbuildings

Sheds, garages, and other small buildings can also offer shelter.

Check Doors and Windows: Make sure doors close tightly and windows are secure or screened.
Seal Gaps: Look for any gaps or holes in the walls or foundation and seal them with strong materials.

Raccoon proofing takes effort, but it is one of the most effective ways to prevent future problems once you’ve gotten rid of the current visitors. It’s a vital part of keeping raccoons away.

Getting Rid of Raccoons From Garden Areas

Gardens are prime targets. Besides removing ripe produce and fallen fruit, here are more ways to protect your hard work. This is specifically about how to get rid of raccoons from garden plots.

Fencing: As mentioned, a good fence is key. Combine height (at least 3 feet) with a floppy top or an outward angle. Electric fencing specifically designed for gardens can be very effective for stubborn visitors. Place one wire 6-8 inches off the ground and another about 12-15 inches high.
Netting: Cover valuable plants, especially corn or fruit bushes, with sturdy netting. Secure it to the ground so raccoons cannot get under it.
Raised Beds: While not always possible, raising garden beds can make them slightly less accessible, though raccoons are good climbers.
Row Covers: Use row covers over plants. This also helps with insect control.
Planting Smells: Some gardeners plant strong-smelling herbs like mint or garlic around the edges of their garden, hoping the smell will deter pests, including raccoons. This is part of the natural raccoon repellent approach.
Motion Deterrents: Motion-activated sprinklers placed strategically near the garden are excellent for scaring them off when they approach.

Protecting your garden requires being consistent and using a combination of methods.

Humane Raccoon Trapping

Sometimes, raccoons are persistent and won’t leave despite your best efforts. In these cases, humane raccoon trapping might be considered. However, trapping is complex and often regulated. Before you trap:

Check Local Laws: It is critical to know the laws in your city, county, and state regarding trapping and relocating raccoons. In many places, it is illegal for homeowners to trap and move wildlife. Releasing a raccoon in a new area can also spread diseases and harm the animal or existing wildlife in the new location.
Identify the Animal: Make sure it is actually a raccoon before trapping.
Consider the Risks: Raccoons can carry diseases like rabies and distemper. They can also be aggressive when cornered or trapped. Handle traps with extreme caution.

If trapping is legal and you choose to do it, here’s how it generally works for humane raccoon trapping:

Use a Live Trap: Get a large cage-style trap designed for raccoons. It should be big enough for the raccoon to fit inside comfortably without hitting the sides.
Bait the Trap: Use tempting bait like marshmallows, dry pet food, or a piece of fruit. Place a small amount outside the trap and the rest inside, past the trigger plate.
Place the Trap: Put the trap on a flat surface near where you see raccoon activity (like knocked-over trash cans or entry points). Place it in the evening, as raccoons are nocturnal.
Check the Trap Often: Check the trap early in the morning. Leaving an animal in a trap for a long time can cause stress, dehydration, or heatstroke.
Handle with Care: If you catch a raccoon, approach the trap carefully. The animal will be scared and possibly aggressive. Cover the trap with a blanket or tarp to help calm the animal.
Relocation (If Legal): If local laws allow relocation, you need to know where you are allowed to take it. Many wildlife experts advise against relocating raccoons far from where they were caught. They might have trouble finding food or shelter, or they might try to travel back, facing dangers like roads. Relocation is often less humane than people think.
Dealing with Babies: Never trap a mother raccoon and leave babies behind. If you think there might be babies (e.g., if the raccoon is entering your attic), do not trap. Trapping the mother will cause the babies to starve and die inside your home, leading to more problems. Use deterrents to encourage the mother to move her babies herself.

Because of the risks, legal issues, and welfare concerns, humane trapping is often best left to professionals.

When to Call for Professional Wildlife Removal

Sometimes the problem is too big, too complex, or too risky for you to handle yourself. This is when professional wildlife removal services are needed. They offer comprehensive raccoon control solutions.

Call a professional if:

Raccoons are Inside Your Home: If raccoons are in your attic, walls, chimney, or crawl space, this is a serious issue. Professionals have the tools and knowledge to remove them safely and find potential babies.
You Suspect Rabies or Illness: If a raccoon is acting strange (stumbling, acting aggressive during the day, looking sick), do not approach it. Call animal control or a wildlife professional immediately.
The Problem is Persistent: You’ve tried deterrents and removing attractants, but the raccoons keep coming back and causing damage.
There Are Babies Involved: Removing mothers without babies is dangerous for the babies. Professionals can assess the situation and ensure all animals are removed humanely.
Legal Restrictions: If local laws prevent you from trapping or handling raccoons yourself.
You Are Uncomfortable: If you are scared or uncomfortable dealing with wild animals, it’s always better to call experts.

Professional wildlife removal services know about raccoon behavior, safe trapping methods (when necessary and legal), how to find entry points, and how to seal them up properly. They can also advise on cleaning up after raccoons, which is important because their droppings can contain harmful things. They provide the most direct raccoon removal techniques for difficult situations.

Cleaning Up After Raccoons

Raccoon droppings can carry roundworm eggs (Baylisascaris procyonis). This parasite can be harmful or even deadly to humans if accidentally swallowed. Always be very careful when cleaning areas used by raccoons, especially latrines.

Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves (rubber or disposable), a mask (N95 respirator is recommended), and eye protection.
Do Not Stir Up Dust: Avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings, as this can release eggs into the air.
Use Water: Gently wet the droppings with water before cleaning to keep dust down.
Disinfect: Use a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water to disinfect the area. Let the solution sit for at least 10-15 minutes before wiping it up. Raccoon roundworm eggs are hard to kill; professional cleaning might be needed for large infestations or areas like attics.
Dispose Safely: Bag up droppings and soiled materials in sealed plastic bags and dispose of them in the trash.
Wash Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning.

Cleaning up is a crucial part of raccoon damage prevention, not just for property but for health.

Making Your Yard a No-Raccoon Zone: A Summary

Getting rid of raccoons from your yard and keeping them away involves several steps. Think of it as a multi-layer approach to raccoon control solutions.

Remove Attractants: This is the most important step. Secure trash, clean up food sources (pet food, fallen fruit, garden produce), and remove water.
Use Deterrents: Make the yard unpleasant using smells (natural raccoon repellent like ammonia or pepper), sounds (motion-activated sprinklers), and lights (motion-activated lights). Try different things to see what works. These are effective raccoon removal techniques for discouraging visits.
Proof Your Property: Seal off potential entry points into your house, sheds, and under decks or porches. This is key to raccoon proofing your yard and structures.
Protect Specific Areas: Use fencing, netting, or motion deterrents specifically for gardens to get rid of raccoons from garden plots.
Consider Humane Trapping (Carefully): Only use live trapping if legal in your area and you know how to handle the animal safely and humanely. Be aware of the risks and complexities.
Know When to Call Pros: For inside-the-home issues, sick animals, or problems you can’t solve, professional wildlife removal is the safest and most effective option.
Clean Up Safely: Always use protection when cleaning areas with raccoon droppings.

By being consistent and using these strategies together, you can make your yard far less appealing to raccoons and enjoy your outdoor space without unwanted visitors. Keeping raccoons away is possible with effort and smart planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will mothballs keep raccoons away?
A: Mothballs contain chemicals and have a strong smell that might deter raccoons temporarily, but they are not a reliable long-term solution. They are also toxic to pets and children and can harm the environment. Most wildlife experts advise against using mothballs for pest control.

Q: Are raccoons dangerous?
A: Raccoons are wild animals and can be dangerous if they feel threatened, especially if they are cornered or protecting their young. They can bite and scratch. They also carry diseases like rabies and distemper, which can be passed to pets and humans. It’s best to avoid direct contact.

Q: What time of day are raccoons most active?
A: Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night, typically from dusk until dawn. However, it’s not unusual to see a raccoon out during the day. Seeing one during the day doesn’t automatically mean it’s sick, but unusual behavior (stumbling, vocalizing strangely, acting aggressive) could be a sign of illness like rabies.

Q: Can raccoons climb fences?
A: Yes, absolutely. Raccoons are excellent climbers. Standard fences usually won’t keep them out. To deter climbing, fences need to be tall (4+ feet) and ideally have a floppy top or an outward-leaning section, or an electric wire on top.

Q: How small a space can a raccoon fit through?
A: Raccoons can fit through surprisingly small openings, often spaces as small as 4 inches wide. They are strong and can also enlarge small openings by chewing or tearing. This is why sealing even small gaps is important for raccoon proofing your yard and home.

Q: Will my dog or cat keep raccoons away?
A: While a dog barking might scare off a raccoon, it’s not a guaranteed deterrent. Raccoons can be aggressive and may injure pets. It’s safer to keep pets indoors, especially at night, than to rely on them for raccoon control. Pet confrontations can lead to injuries for both animals and potential disease transmission.

Q: Is it okay to feed raccoons?
A: No, you should never feed raccoons. Feeding them directly or indirectly (by leaving food out) makes them lose their natural fear of humans and become dependent. This can lead to them being more aggressive in seeking food and can draw more raccoons to your area, increasing conflicts and potential problems.

Q: How long does it take to get rid of raccoons?
A: It depends on the situation. Removing attractants might work quickly if that was the main issue. Using deterrents and proofing can take time and consistency. If raccoons are living inside your home or you have a large, ongoing problem, getting professional help might resolve it faster and more completely. Patience and persistence are key.

Q: What should I do if I find baby raccoons?
A: If you find baby raccoons that seem to be alone, it’s likely the mother is nearby looking for food or was scared away temporarily. Wait and watch from a distance. The mother will usually return. If the babies appear sick, injured, or are truly abandoned for a long time (many hours), contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal control for advice. Do not handle them yourself.

Q: Can raccoons cause structural damage?
A: Yes. Raccoons can tear apart roofs, siding, insulation, and wiring when trying to enter or create dens in attics, walls, or under structures. Their droppings can also build up and cause damage or harbor mold and parasites. Raccoon damage prevention includes securing these areas before they become a problem.