If you’re like me, then you probably love animals. But there’s one animal in particular that I can do without: the raccoon. These pests are known for their mischief and destruction, and they can be a real hassle to get rid of. If you’re dealing with a raccoon problem, don’t worry – I’m here to help! In this post, I’ll share some tips on how to get rid of raccoons safely and effectively. So read on for all the details.
What do raccoons look like and where do they live?
Raccoons are small to medium-sized mammals with a black mask around their eyes and a bushy tail. They are found in North and South America and live in forests, marshes, and urban areas.
What do raccoons eat and how do they hunt for food?
Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet consists of fruits, nuts, insects, small mammals, and birds. Raccoons typically hunt for food at night by rummaging through garbage cans or raiding bird feeders.
What is the life cycle of a raccoon?
Raccoons are born blind and deaf and stay with their mother for the first few months of life. After about 3-4 months, they are old enough to begin exploring on their own. Raccoons typically live 2-3 years in the wild, but can live up to 20 years in captivity.
What kind of damage can raccoons cause to homes and gardens?
Raccoons can cause significant damage to homes and gardens. They are known to tear up shingles, break into attics, and uproot plants. Raccoons can also carry diseases that are harmful to humans, such as rabies and roundworm.
How to get rid of raccoons?
If you’re dealing with a raccoon problem, you’re not alone. These pesky critters are common pests in many parts of the country. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them for good.
16 Tips on how to get rid of raccoons fast [humanely]
1. Install a motion activated sprinkler.
This is a great way to keep raccoons away from your property without harming them. Simply set up the sprinkler near areas where raccoons are known to congregate and it will automatically deter them with a quick blast of water when they come close.
2. Test out an ultrasound animal repeller.
These devices emit a high-pitched noise that is only audible to animals, so it won’t bother humans. However, it can be very effective at keeping raccoons away.
3. Use rodent repelling trash bags.
This is a simple but effective way to deter raccoons from going through your garbage. There are special bags available that are infused with a scent that repels rodents. Simply use these bags for your trash and the raccoons will stay away.
4. DIY Spicy raccoon repeller.
If you’re looking for a more natural solution, try this DIY repellent made with hot peppers and water. Simply mix together and spray around areas where raccoons are known to congregate. The strong smell of the peppers will deter them from hanging around.
5. Block off access points.
Raccoons often enter homes through holes in the roof or gaps in the foundation. Inspect your home and seal up any openings that could be potential entry points. This will help to keep raccoons out of your home for good.
6. Use strategic placement of ammonia
If you have a raccoon problem, one way to deter them is to place ammonia-soaked rags or cotton balls around your property. The strong smell of ammonia will bother raccoons and they’ll stay away from the area. Just be sure to keep the rags or cotton balls away from children and pets.
7. Secure the trash can
Another way to deter raccoons is to make sure your trash can is secure. Raccoons are known for rummaging through garbage, so if you keep your trash can lid tightly closed, they’ll be less likely to bother with it. You can also try placing a heavy rock or brick on top of the lid to keep raccoons out.
8. Remove food sources
If you’re wondering how to get rid of raccoons, one of the best things you can do is remove any food sources that may attract them. This means keeping your garbage can secure and making sure there’s no food left out in your yard or on your porch. If you have a pet, be sure to keep their food and water dishes inside so raccoons can’t access them.
9. Raccoon proof your bird feeders
If you enjoy feeding birds, you may need to take some extra steps to raccoon proof your bird feeders. One way to do this is to hang the feeders from a wire or rope that raccoons can’t climb. You can also try placing the feeders on a pole with a baffle (a cone-shaped device) attached to the top so raccoons can’t reach the food.
10. Seal off your chimney
Raccoons often enter homes through the chimney, so it’s important to make sure yours is properly sealed. Start by checking the cap on your chimney to see if it’s secure. If not, you can buy a cap that will keep raccoons out. You may also need to seal the sides of your chimney with wire mesh to prevent them from climbing in.
11. Seal your roof, attic, and holes in your house
Raccoons can also enter your home through openings in the roof or attic. Make sure these areas are well-sealed so raccoons can’t get in. You can also seal any holes leading into your home, such as those for vents or pipes.
12. Remove easy access to roof
If raccoons have easy access to your roof, they’re more likely to try and get into your home. To prevent this, trim trees and bushes so they’re not touching your roof. You should also remove any objects that raccoons could use to climb onto your roof, such as ladders or lawn chairs.
12. Eliminate raccoons with a fence
If you have a serious raccoon problem, you may need to install a fence around your property. This will keep raccoons from being able to get onto your property, and will also make it more difficult for them to get into your home. Make sure the fence is at least 6 feet tall, and bury it at least 2 feet deep so raccoons can’t dig under it. You can also add an electric fence to deter raccoons.
13. Use a raccoon trap
If you want to get rid of raccoons, one of the most effective ways is to trap them and then release them in a wooded area far away from your home. There are many different types of raccoon traps available, so choose one that is appropriate for the size of the raccoons you are trying to catch. Bait the trap with food that raccoons like, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, or meat. Once a raccoon is caught, make sure to wear gloves when releasing it so you don’t get bitten.
14. Make loud noises
Raccoons are startled by loud noises, so make sure to make plenty of noise if you see one on your property. This could include banging pots and pans together, blowing a whistle, or yelling.
15. Spray strong animal repellent concentrate
There are many commercial animal repellents available that can be effective in deterring raccoons. Be sure to choose a product that is specifically designed to repel animals, and follow the instructions carefully.
16. Call a professional
In some cases, it may be necessary to call in a professional to help get rid of raccoons. This is especially true if the animals are causing damage to your property or pose a danger to you or your family. A professional will be able to provide you with information on how to safely and effectively get rid of the raccoons.
FAQs:
What smell will keep raccoons away?
There are a few smells that raccoons hate, and you can use these to your advantage to keep them away. One is the smell of ammonia. Raccoons are particularly sensitive to the smell of ammonia, so placing a rag soaked in ammonia near where they’re getting into your home will usually deter them. Another effective scent is garlic. You can place cloves of garlic around your property or even make a spray with garlic oil and water to keep raccoons away. Finally, many people find that the scent of peppermint is also unpleasant for raccoons. You can grow peppermint plants around your home or make a spray with peppermint oil and water.
How do you get rid of raccoons fast?
The best way to get rid of raccoons is to trap them and then release them into the wild. You can buy a live trap from a hardware store, bait it with some food, and then check it regularly. Once you’ve caught a raccoon, you’ll need to take it at least 10 miles away from your home before releasing it.
What is a natural deterrent for raccoons?
There are a few different natural deterrents that you can use to keep raccoons away from your property. One is the smell of ammonia. Raccoons are particularly sensitive to the smell of ammonia, so placing a rag soaked in ammonia near where they’re getting into your home will usually deter them. Another effective scent is garlic.
You can place cloves of garlic around your property or even sprinkle some garlic powder on the ground. Raccoons aren’t fond of the smell of either of these, so they’ll usually stay away if they sense them.
Does vinegar keep raccoons away?
Vinegar is an excellent raccoon repellent, as the strong smell is unpleasant to them. Simply soak some rags in vinegar and place them around your property in areas where you’ve seen raccoon activity. You can also spray vinegar directly on any surfaces that are frequented by raccoons.
Will bleach keep raccoons away?
Bleach is another effective repellent forraccoons, as they are sensitive to the chemical and it will deter them from entering your property. Simply mix equal parts bleach and water in a spray bottle and apply it to any areas where raccoons are a problem.
Does Irish Spring soap keep raccoons away?
Irish Spring soap is also effective at keeping raccoons away, as the scent is strong and unpleasant to them. Simply place bars of soap around your property in areas where raccoon activity has been seen.
How do you make homemade raccoon repellent?
You can also make a homemade repellent by mixing equal parts water and vinegar, and adding a few drops of essential oil such as citrus or peppermint. Apply this mixture to areas where raccoons are a problem.
Will a porch light keep raccoons away?
A porch light can also help keep raccoons away, as they are nocturnal creatures that prefer to avoid light. By keeping your porch light on at night, you’ll discourage raccoons from approaching your home.
Conclusion:
Although raccoons can be pesky pests, there are ways to get rid of them. If you’re having trouble getting rid of raccoons on your own or need professional help, contact a local pest control company for assistance. Raccoon removal is not only possible, but it is also an important step in keeping your home and property safe from these animals. Have you had success removing raccoons from your property? What methods did you use? Share your tips in the comments below!
