Raccoons can be a very troublesome pest. They are sly, clever and they are relentless when it comes to getting what they want from your backyard. Raccoons will eat all of the plants you’ve planted with their sharp teeth and destructive paws. They will take every bit of food that you leave out overnight. Which is dangerous for both them and your pets; and if there’s any chance that raccoons could get into your house through an open window or door. Then chances are good that these animals have already found a way in. But don’t worry! There’s hope for you yet just follow these simple steps to rid yourself (and your yard) of raccoons for good.
Determine the Size of Your Problem
With raccoons being nocturnal animals, it can be difficult to know how many of them are living in your backyard. However, the best way is through their scat; raccoons leave droppings out around feeding and nesting areas. So these will give you a clue as to where they live or have been visiting recently.
If you’re not able to find any scat but want help determining the size of their population there’s one more thing we recommend trying: use sound recordings with noisemakers like radios and bottle caps and see if there’s any response, also try using ammonia which will attract the animals and find out how many they are.
A good place to start is by getting a live trap; raccoons can’t resist eating food so you’ll be able to clear your backyard of these pests with this technique as long it has been set up properly in advance.
Let’s look at some tell-tail signs you have a raccoon problem in your backyard.
Signs You Have Raccoons
Some of the signs you have raccoons in your backyard are:
Noise: Raccoons typically make a lot of noise, so if you’re hearing loud screeches and noises at night time it’s likely that they are coming from the raccoon.
Raccoon Scat: The presence of fecal matter in your backyard is also an indicator. You may find them near bird feeders or plants as often these animals forage for food. Fecal matter is usually dry and dark to light brown in color, depending on the type of fruit or vegetable that was eaten by a raccoon.
Plant Destruction: If you notice that your plants are being uprooted, or if there is an increase in the number of insects and pests (that may be attracted to water sources) then this could indicate raccoon activity.
Trash Bags: If you notice a bunch of trash bags around your house or near trees then this is also likely to be an indicator that raccoons are living in the backyard.
How to Get Rid Of Raccoons
Raccoons come into urban areas for one thing food and the population can rapidly grow if there is a lack of natural predators. Raccoons are known for carrying and spreading the rabies virus, so it is imperative that if you’re dealing with a raccoon problem in your home or backyard then act quickly to get rid of them before they have time to multiply into an infestation.
10 Ways How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Your Backyard
1. Secure the trash can.
The first step to getting rid of raccoons is securing the trash can. Raccoons are notorious for getting into trash cans and rummaging through them looking to eat anything they can find, so it’s important that you use a garbage bag or sealable lid if possible. Even though these pest animals have been known at times just climb up the side of your home. If there is not an appropriate lid for the trash can, then you need to find a way of securing it with something that will keep them from getting in.
2. Bring in pet food.
If you have pet food that you need to leave outside, make sure that you bring it in at night. Raccoons will be attracted by the smell and they can get into your pet’s food dish when no one is around.
3. Bring in your bird feeder.
Nighttime, the time when birds sleep and raccoons come out to play. These sneaky creatures climb up trees in search of an easy meal before they head back home for a nap. To keep them away from your feeders and discourage their nighttime climbing habits, make sure you are using at least one method that deters raccoons. Like bringing your feeder inside or placing it on top of a shepherd’s hook where no other creature can reach its tasty treats!
4. Clear up fallen fruit and nuts.
It’s best to clear up fallen fruit and nuts. Raccoons will be attracted by the food scent, so they’ll get near your garden when you have a lot of these items on the ground surface around it! This is extremely dangerous for seedlings or plants that are still growing in nurseries because raccoon feces may carry diseases that may harm your plants.
5. Add secure fencing.
Add secure fencing to the outer edge of your garden. This is a type of fence that has been reinforced with wire mesh, so it’s difficult for the raccoons to tear through or climb over! You can find this at your local home improvement store in different shapes. You can also use a live hedge since raccoons are not able to climb over one that is dense and high enough!
6. Never provide raccoons with food.
While raccoons may look cute and cuddly they can cause great damage to your backyard and property. Never be tempted to leave food or garbage outside for them, this will only make the raccoon problem worse! If you have neighbors feeding raccoons inform them how much damage they are doing or can do.
7. Use barrier screens.
Even if your fence is in good condition, it’s important to have a barrier screen on top of the fencing. Barrier screens are small panels that attach to existing fences or walls. With screws and they can be removed after they’ve fulfilled their purpose! They are also excellent to use to block any entrances to your home.
8. Motion-sensor devices.
Another way to scare away raccoons is by using motion-sensor devices. These are automated, battery-operated lights that activate when they detect movement nearby. Which then makes a noise or flashlight at the intruder! It’s important not to set these up near windows as children may be attracted towards them instead of scared off as you want with these devices.
The best motion-sensor device is one that can detect movement up to 30 feet away and has a range of 300 square ft! They are also easy for you or your children not to activate. So they will work at night when it’s dark outside as well without worrying about someone tripping on them in the yard while walking around.
Unfortunately, these devices are a little bit more expensive than the other options listed here. But if you have many raccoons in your backyard or garden they may be worth it!
9. Pets.
Dogs can be trained to bark at raccoons and chase them off your property. However, if you have cats or small dogs raccoons have been know to attack them! So if you have small pets, they may not be the best choice to protect your yard from raccoons.
10. Noise.
A very simple and inexpensive way to scare raccoons away is by playing loud music at night. Raccoons are smart, so they may come back after the noise stops or if you stop playing it for a while. So be sure to keep up with this technique! Some people find that using an air horn works better than music. Because raccoons will stay away from high-pitched sounds and loud noises most likely scare them. You have to be aware you could also annoy your neighbors so this should only be a temporary method.
Reduce Potential Nesting Sites
Once you know how many raccoons are coming to your yard and take some tips to get rids of them. You don’t want to have them back so reduce potential nesting sites.
Yard work. should be done in the evening and early morning when raccoons are less active. Remove plants, brush piles, or anything else that could serve as a potential nest site. For them to have young while you’re trying to get rid of their adults!
Seal off your chimney. Raccoons can use it as a way to get into your house.
It’s important that you seal off any openings on the roof or around vents and pipes. Because raccoons love tight spaces in which they are able, sometimes by accidentally crawling inside them while searching for food scraps!
Seal off other entry points. For example, if your dog has a doghouse or you have an area where the door is often left open. Then make sure that all entrances to those areas are sealed off from raccoons. If there are any gaps around windows and doors in winter (such as when heaters vent out), fill these with caulking!
Other Methods Of Removing Raccoons
Trap Raccoons. Trapping a raccoon requires some level of knowledge and understanding of the animal. If you are unsure how to do this, please consult a professional trapper that knows what they’re doing and is aware of any laws for trapping raccoons in your area!
Call The Professionals. If you’ve tried all of the methods mentioned and are still struggling to get rid of raccoons from your yard, it is time that calls a professional company.
Can Raccoons Transmit Disease?
Raccoons in a small number of cases have been known to transmit rabies and other diseases to humans.
This can happen if a raccoon bites you or scratches an open wound, for example after grooming themselves in your garden while they were infected with the disease! If this happens please consult medical attention immediately as it is extremely dangerous without treatment!
While they can carry diseases it is rare they are passed onto humans and the biggest thing you will deal with is the destruction they cause.