How To Keep Raccoons Out Of Your Yard: Proven Methods

Raccoons like to visit yards because they find food, water, and shelter there. If you want to keep them away from your property and prevent raccoons in your garden or damage to your home, you need to remove these attractions and use ways to scare them off. This guide shares proven raccoon deterrence methods and steps for humane raccoon removal if they are already living nearby, along with ways to secure trash cans from raccoons and other tips for wildlife control targeting raccoons.

How To Keep Raccoons Out Of Your Yard
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Why Raccoons Come Around

Raccoons are smart animals. They look for easy meals and safe places to live. Your yard can be a perfect spot for them. They are not picky eaters. They eat fruits, nuts, insects, small animals, and trash. Water sources also bring them in. Ponds, bird baths, or even puddles are fine for them. They look for shelter under decks, in sheds, or inside attics. Knowing what brings them helps you stop them from visiting.

Making Your Yard Less Welcoming

The first step to keep raccoons away from property is to make your yard less appealing. Think about what raccoons want. Then take it away.

Take Away Food

Food is the main reason raccoons come near. Get rid of easy food sources.

Secure Your Trash

Trash cans are like buffets for raccoons. They can easily open many lids. You need raccoon proof garbage cans.

Use Strong Cans: Get cans made of metal or thick plastic. Raccoons can chew through thin ones.
Get Locking Lids: Look for cans with lids that lock tightly. Some lids use screws or clamps. These are harder for raccoons to open.
Add Extra Locks: You can use bungee cords or ropes to tie lids down. Make sure they are tight. Heavy weights on lids can also help.
Use Trash Can Straps: Special straps wrap around cans and lids. They keep everything closed.
Store Cans Safely: Keep your trash cans inside a garage or shed. Only put them out on the morning of trash day. This is better than leaving them out all night.

Securing trash cans from raccoons is one of the most important steps you can take.

Put Away Pet Food

Do not leave pet food outside, especially overnight. Pet food is a big draw for raccoons. Feed pets inside. If you must feed outside, pick up bowls right after they finish eating. Clean up any spilled food.

Guard Your Grill

Clean your barbecue grill after each use. Greasy grills smell like food. Raccoons can smell this from far away. Burn off grease. Clean the grates. Empty the grease tray.

Pick Up Fallen Fruit

If you have fruit trees, pick up fruit that falls on the ground. Do this often. Raccoons love sweet fallen fruit.

Remove Water Sources

Raccoons need water. Any open water can attract them.

Cover Ponds: If you have a fish pond, cover it with netting or wire mesh. This protects fish and removes a water source.
Empty Bird Baths: Empty bird baths at night. Refill them in the morning.
Fix Leaks: Repair any leaky outdoor faucets or pipes. Standing water from leaks attracts animals.

Get Rid of Shelter Spots

Raccoons look for safe places to rest or have babies.

Seal Entry Points: Look for holes or gaps under decks, sheds, or porches. Raccoons might try to get under there. Use strong wire mesh or boards to seal these spots. Dig a trench around the base. Bury mesh or boards partly underground. This stops them from digging under.
Cap Chimneys: Raccoons sometimes go down chimneys. Put a sturdy cap on your chimney. Make sure it’s made of metal and is strong.
Check Attics and Crawl Spaces: Make sure windows and vents are sealed well. Raccoons can squeeze into small openings. Use mesh or screens.

Raccoon damage prevention starts with removing things that attract them.

Using Raccoon Deterrence Methods

Once you have removed attractants, you can use things that scare raccoons away. These are raccoon deterrence methods. They use things raccoons do not like, like certain smells, sounds, or sights.

Smells Raccoons Dislike

Raccoons have a good sense of smell. Some smells can keep them away. These can be called natural raccoon repellent.

Ammonia: The smell of ammonia is like the smell of urine from other animals. Raccoons see this as a danger sign. Put ammonia-soaked rags in cans or open containers near areas they visit. Place them near trash cans, garden edges, or entry points under decks. Be careful with ammonia. Do not pour it on plants or grass. Do not leave it where children or pets can reach it.
Vinegar: White vinegar also has a strong smell. Soak rags in vinegar. Place them like ammonia rags.
Spicy Smells: Raccoons do not like hot peppers. You can make a spray with water and cayenne pepper flakes or hot pepper sauce. Spray this around the base of plants, fences, or trash cans. Reapply after rain. Be careful not to spray where pets or children might touch it and rub their eyes.
Garlic and Onion: Planting garlic or onions in your garden can help. Raccoons dislike their strong smell. You can also scatter chopped garlic or onions in problem areas.
Commercial Repellents: There are sprays and granules you can buy. They often use smells like predator urine, blood, or other things raccoons find unpleasant. Read the label carefully. Follow the directions. Check if they are safe for plants and pets.

Sounds Raccoons Dislike

Loud or sudden noises can scare raccoons.

Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These are very effective. They connect to a hose. When a raccoon walks by, a sensor triggers a sudden spray of water. This scares the raccoon. It also gets them wet, which they dislike. Put these near gardens, trash cans, or entry points.
Radios: Leaving a radio on in a shed or near a problem area can sometimes deter them. Talk radio is often suggested. The sound of human voices can make them uneasy. This works better for short periods. Raccoons might get used to constant noise.
Motion-Activated Lights: Bright, sudden lights can startle raccoons. Install motion-activated lights around your yard. Place them so they light up areas where raccoons go. This makes them feel less safe to move around.

Physical Barriers: Raccoon Fencing Solutions

Fences can be a good way to keep raccoons out of certain areas, like gardens. But raccoons can climb and dig. So, a simple fence is often not enough. You need special raccoon fencing solutions.

Electric Fencing: A low-level electric fence can be very effective. It does not harm the raccoon. It just gives a small shock that scares them away. Set up a few wires low to the ground (about 4 and 8 inches high). Raccoons touch it with their sensitive nose or paws. They learn to stay away. This works well around gardens or chicken coops.
Mesh Fencing: Use strong wire mesh (like chicken wire or hardware cloth). Make the fence at least 4 feet high.
Overhang at the Top: Raccoons can climb straight up fences. Add an overhang at the top. Bend the top 1 or 2 feet of mesh outwards at a 45-degree angle. This makes it hard for them to climb over.
Bury the Base: Raccoons can dig under fences. Bury the bottom of the mesh fence 6 to 12 inches deep in the ground. Bend the buried part outward in an ‘L’ shape. This stops them from digging directly down next to the fence.
Smooth Surfaces: Raccoons have trouble climbing smooth surfaces. If possible, use smooth metal or plastic sheeting for the lower part of a fence or around structures.

Combining different methods often works best. Use smells, sounds, and physical barriers together.

Prevent Raccoons in Garden Areas

Raccoons love gardens. They eat fruits, vegetables, and even destroy plants looking for grubs. To prevent raccoons in garden areas, you need focused steps.

Harvest Quickly: Pick ripe fruits and vegetables as soon as they are ready. Do not leave them on the plants or ground.
Netting: Cover berry bushes or corn stalks with fine mesh netting. Make sure the netting is secured tightly to the ground all around. Raccoons can get tangled or bypass loose netting.
Garden Fencing: As discussed, use proper raccoon fencing solutions around your garden. An electric fence is often the most reliable garden protector against raccoons.
Raised Beds: While raised beds make it harder for them to dig, raccoons can still climb into them easily. Combine raised beds with fencing or other deterrents.
Remove Grubs: Raccoons dig up lawns and gardens looking for insect larvae (grubs). Treating your lawn for grubs can remove a food source and reduce their digging. Use organic grub control methods if possible.
Repellent Sprays: Use natural raccoon repellent sprays (like the pepper or garlic spray) around the edges of your garden beds. Reapply often, especially after watering or rain.

Raccoon damage prevention in the garden requires persistence. You might need to try a few things to find what works best for your situation.

If Raccoons Are Already There

Sometimes raccoons are already living under a deck, in a shed, or even in your attic. This requires a different approach. This is where wildlife control focusing on raccoons comes in. You want to use humane raccoon removal methods.

Finding Where They Live

First, figure out where they are getting in. Look for signs:

Droppings
Tracks (look like small handprints)
Smell of urine
Scratch marks
Entry points (holes, loose boards)

Look for signs of babies. Raccoons have babies in spring and summer. If you block the parent out, the babies will be left inside and die. This is not humane. It also creates a smell problem.

Humane Removal Steps

Once you know where they are and if there are babies, you can plan removal.

Make Noise: Raccoons do not like noise or change when they are nesting. Place a radio tuned to a loud station near the entry point. Put bright lights there too. The goal is to make the spot uncomfortable so the mother raccoon moves her babies herself.
Use Smells: Strong smells like ammonia or vinegar placed near the entry point can also make them want to leave.
Eviction Fluid: For mother raccoons with babies, there are special products called “eviction fluid.” These mimic the scent of a male raccoon, which might kill baby raccoons. The mother will often move her babies quickly to protect them. Place eviction fluid soaked rags near the entry point.
Check if They Left: After a few days of using noise, lights, or smells, place soft dirt or crumpled newspaper in the entry hole. Check it later. If the dirt or paper is disturbed, they are likely still using the entry. If it stays in place for 24-48 hours, they might be gone.
Seal the Entry: Once you are sure they are gone (and that there are no babies left inside!), seal the entry point with strong materials like heavy-gauge wire mesh or thick boards. Bury the mesh underground if it’s near the base of a structure. Make sure your seal is strong enough that they cannot rip it open again.

Important: If you suspect babies are present, try to make the mother move them herself. Do not seal the hole until you are certain they are all out. Check nearby trees or structures. The mother might move the babies close by.

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes, dealing with raccoons is too difficult or dangerous.

If you cannot find the entry point.
If the entry point is hard to reach (like on a high roof).
If you are not comfortable handling animal removal.
If the raccoons seem sick or aggressive.
If you know there are babies and you are not sure how to handle it humanely.

In these cases, call a professional wildlife control service. Look for companies that use humane methods. They have the tools and knowledge to safely remove the animals and prevent them from coming back. They can help with proper wildlife control targeting raccoons.

Long-Term Raccoon Damage Prevention

Keeping raccoons away is an ongoing task. It requires regular checks and upkeep.

Regular Yard Checks: Walk around your property often. Look for signs of raccoon activity. Check fences, garden areas, trash cans, and under structures.
Maintain Barriers: Make sure fences are still strong and buried properly. Check seals on decks, sheds, and chimneys. Repair any damage right away.
Be Consistent with Deterrents: Reapply repellent sprays after rain. Check batteries in motion lights or sprinklers.
Educate Neighbors: Raccoons can travel between yards. If your neighbors also take steps to keep them away, it helps everyone.

By consistently removing attractants and using deterrence methods, you can keep raccoons away from property for the long term. Raccoon damage prevention is easier than dealing with damage after it happens.

Summary of Proven Methods

Here is a quick look at proven methods to keep raccoons out of your yard:

Remove Food: Secure trash (raccoon proof garbage cans), put away pet food, clean grills, pick up fallen fruit.
Remove Water: Empty bird baths, cover ponds, fix leaks.
Remove Shelter: Seal entry points under decks/sheds/porches, cap chimneys, secure attic vents.
Use Deterrents: Smells (ammonia, vinegar, pepper, garlic), Sounds (motion sprinklers, radios), Lights (motion-activated).
Use Barriers (Raccoon Fencing Solutions): Electric fences, tall mesh fences with overhangs, buried fence bases.
Protect Gardens (Prevent Raccoons in Garden): Harvest quickly, use netting, use garden fencing, remove grubs, use repellents.
Humane Removal (Wildlife Control Raccoons): Use noise/lights/smells to encourage them to leave, seal entry points only when sure they are gone, call a professional if needed.

Keeping raccoons away takes effort. But by using these proven methods, you can protect your yard and home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can mothballs repel raccoons?
Some people say mothballs work, but they are not very effective. They can also be harmful to pets and children. It’s better to use safer natural raccoon repellent like ammonia or pepper spray.

Will predator urine keep raccoons away?
Yes, predator urine (like coyote urine) can sometimes work as a deterrent. Raccoons smell it and think a predator is nearby. You can buy commercial products that contain this. However, raccoons in urban areas may not be scared of these smells if they are used to being around dogs or cats.

Are raccoons dangerous?
Raccoons are generally not aggressive towards humans. But they can bite or scratch if they feel trapped or threatened. They can also carry diseases like rabies. It’s best to avoid direct contact with them. If a raccoon seems sick (stumbling, acting strangely), stay away and call animal control.

How high can a raccoon climb?
Raccoons are excellent climbers. They can climb trees, fences, walls, and even drainpipes. This is why simple fences are not enough. Special raccoon fencing solutions like overhangs are needed.

What time of day are raccoons most active?
Raccoons are usually nocturnal. This means they are most active at night. They may also be seen at dawn or dusk. Seeing a raccoon during the day does not automatically mean it is sick, but it’s less common behavior.

Will removing a raccoon solve the problem?
Removing a raccoon might help temporarily. But if you do not fix what attracted it in the first place (food, water, shelter), new raccoons will likely move in. Long-term prevention needs you to remove attractants and use deterrents consistently. This is key for effective wildlife control for raccoons and lasting raccoon damage prevention.