If you live in an area where raccoons are a nuisance, there are several ways to keep them out of your garbage. Raccoons can range in size from cat-size to Tony Soprano-sized, and weigh eleven to 57 pounds. They can also climb, so you may want to invest in a high-quality garbage restraining system to prevent them from gaining access to your garbage.
Another effective way to deter raccoons from your garbage is to place smelly trash cans in strategic areas, such as your yard or garbage cans. If you want to avoid spending money on a professional raccoon exclusion service, you can try installing sonic pest repellers, which emit high-pitched sounds to drive away many types of wildlife pests without causing lasting damage.
Another way to deter raccoons is to place heavy objects in the trash can. Make sure to use a trash can with a lid that locks. Another method is to place cloths saturated with ammonia inside the trash can. This smells like urine to raccoons, and they will be scared off by the smell. Motion-controlled lights can also deter raccoons from opening the lid.
A second way to prevent raccoons from entering your garbage is to use metal trash cans. Raccoons are known for chewing through plastic and are notorious for their inventiveness. A metal trash can is virtually impossible for them to chew through. For an extra defense against these raccoons, consider installing a lock, or a chain with padlock. If you cannot afford a metal trash can, consider investing in a metal one that has a locking mechanism.
Another way to deter raccoons is to install motion-sensing lights around your home. Raccoons are nocturnal, so they prefer dark environments. Motion-sensor lights are easy to install and inexpensive. Keeping them out of your garbage can will protect you from these animals and prevent them from entering your home. It’s not as easy as you might think, but they are very effective in keeping raccoons out of your garbage.
If you have a pungent odor in your trash, you can use scented trash bags to deter them. They won’t be able to smell it, but the odor they emit will definitely keep them away. Also, if you use scented trash bags, you should make sure to seal them tightly. Raccoons don’t like the smell of mint, so putting scented trash bags around your garbage will keep them away from your garbage.
