Raccoons are cute and cuddly-looking animals. But when they show up in your backyard, you might feel like anything but cute and cuddly.
Raccoons are wild animals, after all. They can be very destructive if they choose to make your backyard their home base, so it’s best to get rid of raccoons as soon as possible.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| To keep raccoons away, remove food sources such as unsecured trash cans and pet food left outside. |
| Humanely trapping and relocating raccoons can be effective but should only be done by a professional. |
| Preventative measures such as fencing, sealing off crawl spaces and attics, and trimming trees away from the roof can help keep raccoons out. |
| It’s important to safely and humanely handle any encounters with raccoons, such as keeping a safe distance and avoiding contact. |
| If you find a baby raccoon, do not attempt to care for it yourself and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or animal control for assistance. |
Manually Get Rid Of Raccoons In The Yard
Wear gloves and a mask to avoid getting bitten.
Use a shovel or rake to remove raccoons from your property, or use your hands if the animal is already dead (but please don’t touch live ones).
The best way to get rid of raccoons is by manually removing them in an area far away from where you want them gone for example, in a wooded area where they can’t return easily and won’t have access to food sources nearby.
Do not use sticks or brooms as weapons against a raccoon; doing so could injure yourself while scaring off only one animal at a time without getting rid of any others that may be nearby
One of the easiest ways to keep raccoons away is by removing their source of food. Secure your trash can with locking lids and avoid leaving pet food outside. Learn more about keeping raccoons away with our simple guide.
Light Up Your Backyard
A motion-activated light is the best way to deter raccoons from entering your backyard. The bright light can also give you a better view of the area so that you can see if there are raccoons present.
Motion-activated lights usually come with a battery, but some models may need an electrical outlet to work properly. You should look for one that is weather resistant and has a long battery life in case it gets wet or foggy outside.
| Item | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Torch Lights | Outdoor Lighting | $25 – $50 |
| LED Patio String Lights | Outdoor Lighting | $30 – $80 |
| Solar Deck Lights | Outdoor Lighting | $15 – $25 |
| Solar Pathway Lights | Outdoor Lighting | $15 – $45 |
| Landscape Spotlights | Outdoor Lighting | $20 – $150 |
This table lists various types of outdoor lighting options that can help light up your backyard. The items are organized by type
Set Traps To Become A Raccoon Trapper
Raccoon traps are a great way to capture raccoons. You can set them in the morning or evening, but make sure you have the right license.
You also need to check that the trap is effective at catching raccoons and has food inside that they like to eat.
Looking to attract raccoons to your yard for wildlife observation or photography? There are safe and responsible ways to do it. Check out our guide on how to attract raccoons to your yard for tips on setting up a safe and inviting environment for these furry visitors
Use Predator Urine To Scare Them Away
If you’re not a fan of raccoons, or if you want to keep them away from your yard, consider using predator urine. Most animals are scared of foxes and coyotes, so by spraying their urine around the area where you want the raccoons to leave, it can help scare them off.
You can buy predator urine at most pet stores or online. Mix it with water and spray on plants in areas where you have seen raccoons hangout or near food sources for them (like bird feeders). Spray along fences and other areas where they may go through and along your property line as well.
Set Up Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Motion-activated sprinklers can be a great deterrent to raccoons. They’re especially useful for keeping them away from your garden and trash cans, as these are the two biggest areas where raccoons forage for food.
The noise of motion-activated sprinklers will startle raccoons, causing them to run away from the area.
If you want to use this method, set up several motion-activated sprinklers around your garden or garbage cans so that if one starts going off, it will scare the rest of the raccoon family away as well.
Raccoons are attracted to the smell of trash and can easily knock over your trash cans to get access to it. By securing your trash cans with bungee cords, you can prevent them from getting in. Check out our guide on keeping raccoons out of trash for more helpful tips.
Use Loud Noises To Scare The Raccoons Away
A high-pitched noise is also effective in scaring away raccoons, so if you have a radio or portable speaker available, that should do the trick.
The same goes for playing loud music from an iPod through a portable speaker; this will help to keep them away because it’s unpleasant for them to listen to and makes it hard for them to hear their normal sounds.
If you don’t have access to either of these things, try recording your dog barking on your phone and playing that instead—you’d be surprised how effective this can be!
Finally, there are devices available online that make noises when activated by motion (like when they’re triggered by an animal entering your yard). These devices include “scary eyes” which shine bright lights at night time so raccoons don’t want come near you!
| Item | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasonic Animal Repeller | Electronic Device | $25 – $50 |
| Motion-Activated Sprinkler | Water Device | $30 – $80 |
| Air Horn | Manual Device | $10 – $20 |
| Motion-Activated Alarm | Electronic Device | $15 – $50 |
| Whistle | Manual Device | $5 – $10 |
This table lists various devices that can be used to scare raccoons away with loud noises. The items are organized by type, including electronic devices such as ultrasonic animal repellers and motion-activated alarms, water devices such as motion-activated sprinklers, and manual devices such as air horns and whistles. The price range for these items varies depending on the type of device and its features.
Install An Electric Fence Around Your Property
One of the most effective ways to keep raccoons away is by installing an electric fence. These fences are typically made with copper wire and powered by a solar panel, which means that as long as your system is working properly, it will constantly be generating electricity.
The best way to install your fence is at least 4 inches above ground level because raccoons can climb trees and other objects in order to get close enough to jump over an electric fence. You should also make sure that you have a proper ground connection so that the current flows through all parts of the barrier.
Finally, use copper wire instead of aluminum because this material conducts electricity more effectively than its counterpart does.
If possible (and affordable), try building an 8-foot tall barrier around your yard so that no raccoon could possibly jump over it without getting shocked first; obviously larger animals will be able to scale this barrier but smaller ones won’t be able to do so without getting zapped in midair!
And even if they do manage somehow then there’s always still time for another round or two before they actually make their way inside anyways which brings us right back where we started from again.”
If you suspect raccoons have taken up residency in your attic or other parts of your home, it’s important to remove them as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Learn how to safely and humanely get raccoons out of your attic with our expert guide
Plant A Thorny Hedge Around Your Property
A thorny hedge can be a great way to keep raccoons out of your backyard, especially if you have a lot of plants that grow taller than the height of your fence.
If you don’t want them digging under it, plant something with thorns like blackberries or rose bushes so they won’t even think about getting through. Bamboo is another option that will work well as a barrier since it grows quickly and reaches heights over 8 feet tall.
Line Up Chicken Wire Around Your Garden Or Trash Cans
Chicken wire is an easy, affordable way to keep raccoons out of your garden. Use it to line the perimeter of your yard or garden and then fill in gaps with smaller pieces of wire. The sharp edges will deter these animals from exploring further into your property.
If you have a garbage can, it may be possible for raccoons to climb it and get inside. If this happens, place chicken wire over the top of the can so that it covers all sides and there are no gaps where raccoons can enter through its openings.
Using foot traps is a humane way to trap and remove raccoons from your property. But it’s important to use them correctly to avoid injuring the animal. Learn how to safely trap raccoons with foot traps with our expert tips.
Get Rid Of Food Sources (Garbage Cans And Compost Piles) That Attract Raccoons
Raccoons are attracted to food sources, so eliminating your yard of these things will help keep them out. Trash cans and compost piles are prime raccoon hangouts.
Keep your trash cans inside a secure shed or garage until garbage day. If you have a compost pile, make sure that it’s far away from the house in an area that’s secure and has no easy access for raccoons or other animals.
Raccoons also like pet food and bird feeders, so be sure to take those away from them as well!
Conclusion
I hope this article helped you get rid of raccoons in your backyard! If you have any questions or concerns about this topic, please contact us.
Further Reading
How to Get Rid of Raccoons: Learn about different methods for trapping and removing raccoons from your yard or home with this detailed guide.
How to Keep Raccoons Away: Check out this article for tips on preventing raccoons from entering your property in the first place, including fencing and removing food sources.
Getting Raccoons Out and Keeping Them Out: The Humane Society offers guidance for safely and humanely removing raccoons and preventing their return with exclusion methods.
FAQs
What is the best way to get rid of raccoons in my backyard?
The best way to get rid of raccoons in your backyard will depend on the severity of the problem. Some effective options include humane trapping and relocation or exclusion methods to prevent access to the property in the first place.
Will raccoons attack humans or pets?
While raccoons may become aggressive when they feel threatened or cornered, they typically do not pose a significant threat to humans or pets. It’s important to keep a safe distance and avoid contact.
What should I do if I find a baby raccoon?
If you find a baby raccoon alone, do not attempt to handle or care for it yourself. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or call animal control for assistance.
Can I use mothballs to repel raccoons?
Mothballs contain toxic chemicals and are not effective or safe for repelling raccoons or other wildlife. Instead, opt for humane exclusion methods or professional pest control services.
How can I prevent raccoons from entering my home?
Preventing raccoons from entering your home involves sealing off potential entry points such as crawl spaces, attics, and chimneys. Trim tree branches away from the roof and secure trash cans with locking lids to discourage them from foraging in your yard.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I write about how to keep pests from invading your home. For the last 10 years, I’ve been working in pest control and am excited to share my expertise with you!
