Have you ever woken up to a mess of tipped-over trash cans and garbage strewn all over your yard? You might have some uninvited nocturnal guests—raccoons. These clever critters have a knack for getting into places they shouldn't, and your trash can is no exception. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some friendly and effective tips to keep those raccoons out of your garbage.
Secure the Lid
Raccoons are smart, but they don’t have opposable thumbs! Use bungee cords or heavy-duty straps to keep your trash can lids tightly secured. If your can has handles, loop the cord through them and over the top to make it even harder for raccoons to pry it open. You can even place heavy objects like bricks or cinder blocks on top of the closed lid to help it from being easily pulled open.
Choose Raccoon-Proof Trash Cans
Consider investing in a trash can designed to be raccoon-proof. These cans often have locking lids and are made of sturdy materials that raccoons can’t easily bite through or topple over. Look for cans that have metal locking mechanisms, as raccoons can sometimes figure out plastic ones.
Keep them Clean
Raccoons are attracted to the smell of food. By regularly cleaning your trash cans and ensuring they’re free from strong odors, you can make your garbage less appealing. Use a mixture of bleach and water to clean the inside of your cans every few weeks.
Create a Raccoon Deterrent
Raccoons dislike certain smells and tastes. Sprinkling a bit of ammonia, vinegar, or even cayenne pepper around your trash cans can deter them. You could also try the urine of another predator, like coyotes or wolves, to keep the raccoons away. Just be cautious with these substances if you have pets or small children around.
Install Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers
Raccoons are nocturnal and prefer to do their scavenging in the dark. Installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers near your trash cans can startle them and discourage them from sticking around. The sudden burst of light or water is often enough to send them scurrying away. Try hanging string lights or other constant outdoor lighting to help keep raccoons away from the yard also.
Feed Pets Indoors
If you feed your pets outside, make sure to bring in any leftover food and dishes before nightfall. Pet food is a tasty treat for raccoons, and leaving it out can attract them to your yard—and eventually to your trash cans.
Use Sound to Deter Raccoons
Raccoons can be startled by unexpected noises. Consider using motion-activated sound devices that emit a loud noise or ultrasonic frequency when they detect movement. These sounds can be unpleasant for raccoons, encouraging them to find a quieter place to forage. Because raccoons don’t like humans, you can also leave a portable radio playing softly near your trash cans, as the continuous sound can make raccoons uneasy. Try a radio talk show to ensure constant talking plays to ward off the unwanted vermin.
Double-Bag the Trash
Double-bagging your trash, especially any food waste, can help contain the smells that attract raccoons. Seal the bags tightly before placing them in the trash can. If possible, store your trash bags in a cool place (like a garage or shed) until pickup day to further minimize odors.
Wait Until Morning
Because raccoons are nocturnal animals, they aren’t active during the day. Only take out the trash in the morning on the day it is collected to prevent critters from digging through the garbage.
Store the Can Indoors
One other option to keep raccoons out is to store the garbage can in an enclosed building like a garage or shed to make sure they can’t get in at night. Bring the can out on pickup day, but remember to bring it back indoors before nightfall. If you don’t have a place indoors to keep the can, consider putting up fencing around it to make it harder for the creatures to access.
Raccoons are resourceful and persistent, but with a little effort, you can outsmart them and keep your trash cans safe. By securing the lids, using deterrents, and minimizing tempting odors, you’ll be well on your way to a cleaner, raccoon-free yard.
