Raccoons may look cute, but when they get into your trash, they can create a big mess and a major headache. These nocturnal scavengers are incredibly intelligent and persistent when it comes to finding food, making your garbage cans a prime target. If you’re tired of waking up to trash scattered across your yard, it’s time to take action.
In this post, we’ll explore why raccoons are attracted to your garbage and provide practical tips to keep them out for good.
Why Do Raccoons Get Into Trash?
Raccoons are opportunistic feeders, meaning they’ll eat just about anything that’s easy to access. Your trash provides a buffet of food scraps, making it an irresistible meal source. Here’s why raccoons love rummaging through garbage:
- Food Availability: Even small traces of food, like grease-stained napkins or discarded leftovers, can attract raccoons.
- Easy Access: If your trash cans aren’t properly secured, raccoons can easily pry off lids or tip them over to get inside.
- Nocturnal Feeding Habits: Raccoons are most active at night, so they can raid your garbage while you sleep, leaving a mess behind by morning.
Stopping raccoons from getting into your trash requires making your garbage less appealing and more difficult to access.
How to Keep Raccoons Out of My Trash?
If you want to stop raccoons from making a mess of your garbage, try these proven strategies:
Use Animal-Proof Trash Cans
Investing in a sturdy, wildlife-resistant trash can is one of the most effective ways to keep raccoons out. Look for cans with:
- Locking or bungee-secured lids
- Heavy-duty materials that can’t be chewed through
- A design that’s difficult to tip over
Some cities offer raccoon-proof trash cans as part of their waste management services, so check with your local provider.
Store Trash Cans in a Secure Area
If possible, keep your trash bins inside a garage, shed, or other enclosed space until collection day. This prevents raccoons from even having the chance to access your garbage.
Secure the Lid with Bungee Cords or Weights
If you don’t have a locking trash can, you can secure the lid using:
- Bungee cords wrapped tightly around the can and lid
- Heavy objects like bricks or cinder blocks placed on top
- Rope or straps tied around the can to keep the lid from being pried off
Take Out the Trash in the Morning
Raccoons are most active at night, so if you can, wait until the morning of trash collection to put your garbage out. This minimizes the amount of time raccoons have to access your bins.
Keep Your Trash Area Clean
Regularly clean up food scraps and spills around your trash bins. The smell of food, even small traces, can attract raccoons. Washing your trash cans periodically with a mix of water and vinegar or ammonia can help mask food odors.
Use Natural Deterrents
Raccoons have a strong sense of smell and dislike certain scents. Try these deterrents:
- Ammonia-soaked rags placed near the trash cans
- Cayenne pepper or hot sauce sprinkled around the bins
- Predator urine (fox or coyote) sprays, which can be found at garden stores
These deterrents can help discourage raccoons from approaching your garbage.
Install Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers
Raccoons prefer dark, quiet areas for scavenging. Installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers near your trash bins can startle them and deter future visits.
What do I do If Raccoons Keep Returning to my Trash?
If raccoons continue raiding your trash despite your efforts, they may be nesting nearby. In this case, it’s best to consult a professional wildlife removal service.
At Dog Gone Wildlife, we specialize in humane raccoon removal and prevention. Our team can:
- Identify and remove raccoons that have taken up residence on your property
- Help you secure your home and trash areas to prevent future intrusions
- Provide expert guidance on keeping your property raccoon-free
Keep Raccoons Out for Good with Dog Gone Wildlife
Raccoons don’t have to be a constant nuisance. By securing your trash cans, removing attractants, and using effective deterrents, you can keep these clever scavengers away from your property.
If you need professional help dealing with raccoons, Dog Gone Wildlife is here for you. We offer 24/7 humane wildlife removal services in Columbus, Ohio, and surrounding areas, including Powell, Westerville, and Upper Arlington.
Contact us today for expert wildlife control and take back your trash from unwanted visitors!