Raccoons may seem cute, but they can quickly become a major nuisance when they invade your property. If you notice scattered trash, damaged lawns, or strange noises at night, you might be dealing with a raccoon infestation. Learning how to get rid of raccoons starts with recognizing the signs of their presence and understanding what attracts them. These nocturnal creatures are drawn to food, water, and shelter, making homes with unsecured garbage, pet food, or easy attic access prime targets. Fortunately, by identifying their entry points, using deterrents, and securing potential food sources, you can effectively keep raccoons away and prevent future infestations.
Signs You Have a Raccoon Problem
If you suspect raccoons have taken up residence on your property, watch for these common signs:
- Tracks: Raccoon footprints look like tiny human hands, often visible in damp soil.
- Droppings: Dark, cylindrical droppings are a clear indicator.
- Noise at Night: Raccoons are nocturnal, so if you hear scratching, chattering, or thuds at night, they may be around.
- Scattered Trash: If your garbage cans are frequently overturned, raccoons are likely the culprits.
- Damaged Lawns & Gardens: They dig up lawns looking for grubs and snack on fruits, vegetables, and even pet food.
- Nesting Materials: Twigs, leaves, and paper near entry points might mean a raccoon is making a home.
- Chewed Wires & Insulation: If your lights flicker or you notice damage in your attic, raccoons might be to blame.
Ways to Get Rid of Raccoons in the Yard?
Raccoons don’t realize they’re causing chaos—they are just following their instincts. However, when their visits turn into destructive invasions, it’s time to take action. Here’s how to deter them from your yard:
- Remove Their Food Sources: Make sure garbage cans have tight-fitting lids, bring pet food inside, and secure chicken coops. If your lawn has grubs, treating them will help reduce the attraction for raccoons. Additionally, compost bins should be properly sealed, and bird feeders should be placed out of their reach, as raccoons are known to scavenge for seeds and leftovers.
- Install Motion-Activated Lights: Raccoons are nocturnal and don’t like bright, sudden lights. Placing these lights near entry points, gardens, or trash areas can startle them and make your yard less appealing. For even better results, pair them with motion-activated sprinklers, which provide an unexpected and harmless deterrent.
- Deter Raccoons Naturally: Sprinkle substances raccoons dislike, such as garlic, chili powder, peppermint oil, or vinegar, around the yard. Refresh these deterrents regularly, especially after rain, to maintain their effectiveness. You can also use predator urine, such as from foxes or coyotes, to create the illusion of a dangerous presence, encouraging raccoons to steer clear of your property.
How to Repel Raccoons From the Attic or Roof?
Raccoons love attics because they’re warm and safe—perfect for nesting. If they’re already in your attic, don’t rush to remove them if it’s between January and June, as there may be babies inside. Instead:
- Wait Until Nesting Season Ends: Once the babies are grown, consult a professional to remove them humanely. This ensures the young raccoons are not left behind, which could lead to further issues such as odor and damage.
- Seal Entry Points: Use galvanized wire mesh to block openings around vents, chimneys, and eaves. Inspect for weak spots in the roofing structure and reinforce any areas that could serve as potential entry points in the future.
- Make the Space Unwelcoming: Remove nesting materials, food sources, and use strong-smelling deterrents like peppermint oil or ammonia-soaked rags. Additionally, bright lights and loud noises, such as a radio or ultrasonic repellents, can discourage raccoons from returning. Regularly check the attic for signs of activity to ensure they have not found another way inside.
How to Deter Raccoons from Nesting Under Your House or Deck?
If raccoons have taken shelter beneath your home or deck, the best approach is similar to attic control. These clever creatures seek dark, quiet spaces for nesting, so taking preventive measures is essential to repel them away.
- Ensure No Babies Are Present: Before sealing any openings, thoroughly check for young raccoons. Mother raccoons often hide their kits in protected areas, and sealing them in can lead to distress for both the mother and the trapped babies. If you suspect a litter, consider contacting a wildlife professional to safely relocate them.
- Remove Attractions: Keep the area around your home clean by securing garbage bins, removing pet food, and trimming overgrown vegetation. Raccoons are scavengers, and an easy food source will encourage them to stay. Eliminating access to food makes your property less appealing.
- Use Motion-Detecting Lights: Bright lights can startle and deter raccoons, especially if placed strategically near entry points. Motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic deterrents can also enhance effectiveness by adding unexpected stimuli that make raccoons feel unsafe.
- Secure Entry Points: Once you’re certain the area is empty, install durable mesh barriers or hardware cloth around the base of your deck or crawl space. Make sure the material is buried a few inches into the ground to prevent raccoons from digging underneath. Regularly inspect these barriers for any signs of tampering and repair them promptly to maintain protection.
Taking these steps will help prevent raccoons from settling under your home, reducing the risk of damage and unwanted wildlife encounters.
Why Are Raccoons Attracted to Your Property?
Raccoons are always on the lookout for food, water, and shelter, making residential areas an appealing habitat. These intelligent and resourceful creatures can easily find their way onto your property if certain attractants are present. Here are some common reasons raccoons may be drawn to your home and how to scare them:
- Pet Food Left Outside – Always bring pet food inside after feeding, as raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will quickly learn where to find an easy meal.
- Unsecured Trash Cans – Raccoons are skilled at opening loose lids and rummaging through garbage. Use tight-fitting lids, secure them with bungee cords, or store trash cans in a locked shed to prevent access.
- Uncovered Compost Bins – Food scraps in compost bins can be a feast for raccoons. Use a secure, animal-proof compost bin to keep them out.
- Bird Feeders – Raccoons love birdseed and will climb or tip over feeders to get to it. Hang feeders in a way that makes them difficult for raccoons to reach and clean up any spilled seeds regularly.
- Water Sources – Birdbaths, ponds, pet water bowls, and even dripping faucets can provide hydration for raccoons. Limiting access to water can make your property less inviting.
- Outdoor Pet Shelters Or Crawl Spaces – Raccoons seek shelter in cozy, hidden areas. Block off access to spaces under porches, decks, and sheds to scare them from nesting.
- Overgrown Vegetation – Dense shrubbery, woodpiles, and tall grass provide hiding spots for raccoons. Keep your yard well-maintained and remove potential hiding spots to discourage them from settling in.
- Unsealed Entry Points – Raccoons can squeeze through small openings to access attics, basements, or crawl spaces. Inspect your home for gaps and seal them properly to prevent intrusions.
By addressing these attractants, you can reduce the chances of raccoons taking up residence on your property and prevent the potential damage they may cause.
How to Prevent Raccoons From Coming Back?
Raccoons can be persistent visitors, but with the right strategies, you can keep them from coming back. By using strong-smelling repellents, securing trash cans, eliminating food sources, and sealing entry points, you can make your property less inviting. Here are some effective ways to deter raccoons and prevent future infestations.
- Use Strong-Smelling Repellents – Some animal repellents are designed specifically to deter raccoons. You can use natural deterrents like ammonia-soaked rags, vinegar, or predator urine to make your property less inviting. Motion-activated sprinklers and lights can also startle raccoons and discourage them from returning.
- Keep Trash Cans Secured – Strap down lids or store cans in a shed until pickup day. Consider using metal trash cans with locking lids or placing heavy bricks on top of plastic lids to prevent raccoons from opening them. Double-bagging garbage and cleaning the cans regularly can also reduce odors that attract raccoons.
- Eliminate Food Sources – Keep your yard free of fallen fruit, vegetables, and pet food. If you have outdoor pets, feed them indoors or remove leftover food immediately after they finish eating. Secure compost bins with tight-fitting lids, and avoid adding food scraps that might attract raccoons.
- Remove Standing Water – Empty water containers and remove bird baths if necessary. Raccoons are attracted to water sources for drinking and washing their food. Fix leaky outdoor faucets, drain kiddie pools when not in use, and cover ponds with mesh to reduce accessibility.
- Maintain Your Yard – Trim tree branches that hang over your roof or near fences, as raccoons can use them to climb onto your property. Store firewood at least a foot off the ground and away from your home to eliminate hiding spots. Keeping your yard well-lit at night can also make it less appealing to nocturnal animals like raccoons.
What Smells Do Raccoons Hate?
Raccoons have a strong sense of smell, which can be used against them. Try these natural deterrents:
- Garlic: Crush fresh cloves and scatter them around entry points.
- Hot Pepper: Mix chili powder or hot sauce with water and spray it around problem areas.
- Peppermint Oil: Soak cotton balls and place them near potential entry points.
- Vinegar: Soak rags in vinegar and leave them where raccoons frequent.
- Epsom Salts: Sprinkle around your garden and yard to keep raccoons at bay.
- Onions: Their strong scent makes raccoons turn away.
When to Call a Professional?
If you’re dealing with a serious raccoon problem, it might be time to call in the experts. Professional wildlife removal services cost between $350 and $600 on average and can safely handle situations like:
- Raccoons nesting in your attic or crawl space
- Injured or sick raccoons
- Raccoons stuck in walls or chimneys
- Possible rabies cases
- Major property damage caused by raccoons
Final Thoughts
Raccoons are intelligent and resourceful, but with the right steps, you can scare them away from your home and property. Focus on prevention first, and if you already have raccoons hanging around, use humane methods to deter them. If all else fails, call in a professional to handle the situation safely.
By taking these steps, you can enjoy a raccoon-free home while ensuring these creatures stay safe in their natural habitat.
