How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Your Backyard

Raccoons are cute and furry, but they can cause a lot of damage in your backyard and even inside your home. They are known for digging up gardens, eating pet food, and rummaging through trash cans. In this blog post, we’ll outline a few effective strategies for getting rid of raccoons in your backyard.

Understand Raccoon Behavior

Before you start taking measures to get rid of raccoons, it’s important to understand their behavior and habits. Raccoons are nocturnal animals that are highly adaptable to urban environments. They are also good climbers and can easily get into your trash cans and other outdoor storage containers. Knowing their behavior patterns will help you understand the best ways to keep them out of your backyard.

Remove Food Sources

Raccoons are attracted to food, so the first step in getting rid of them is to eliminate their food sources. This means securing your trash cans and keeping pet food indoors. You should also remove any fallen fruit from trees and clean up any spilled birdseed.

Fence Your Property

A physical barrier can be a great way to keep raccoons out of your yard. Fencing your property with a tall, sturdy fence can help keep raccoons from entering your yard. Make sure the fence is buried deep enough into the ground so raccoons can’t dig under it.

Use Repellents

There are several commercial raccoon repellents available on the market that can help keep raccoons away from your yard. These products typically contain natural ingredients like hot pepper, garlic, and cinnamon that are unpleasant to raccoons. You can also make your own raccoon repellent by mixing water, vinegar, and hot pepper flakes in a spray bottle.

Trapping and Relocating

If you have a raccoon in your yard that you want to remove, you can trap it and relocate it to a wildlife reserve. This is a humane and effective way to get rid of raccoons, but it should only be done by a professional. Trapping a raccoon can be dangerous and should not be attempted by inexperienced individuals.

FAQs on Getting Rid of Raccoons in Your Backyard:

Why do I have raccoons in my backyard?

• Raccoons are attracted to food sources, such as bird feeders, pet food, and trash cans, in residential areas.

What are some humane ways to get rid of raccoons in my backyard?

• Humane ways to get rid of raccoons in your backyard include removing food sources, securing trash cans, and using deterrents such as lights and noises.

Can I use traps to remove raccoons from my backyard?

• Yes, you can use traps to remove raccoons from your backyard, but be aware that it is illegal in some states to trap and relocate wildlife.

What should I do if I come in contact with a raccoon in my backyard?

• If you come in contact with a raccoon in your backyard, it’s important to stay calm and avoid contact. Raccoons can carry diseases, such as rabies, and should be treated with caution. Contact local wildlife control professionals for assistance.

In conclusion, getting rid of raccoons in your backyard requires a combination of removing food sources, fencing your property, using repellents, and trapping and relocating. By following these tips, you can keep your backyard free of raccoons and protect your property from damage.