How To Keep Raccoons Out Of Trash Cans

How to Keep Raccoons Out of Your Trash Cans

Raccoons are clever, resourceful creatures. Their dexterous paws and insatiable curiosity often lead them to your trash cans, creating a messy and potentially unsanitary situation. But don't despair! Keeping raccoons out of your garbage is entirely possible with the right strategies. This guide will provide you with effective and humane methods to raccoon-proof your trash cans and reclaim your curb appeal.

Understanding Raccoon Behavior: The First Step to Prevention

Before diving into solutions, understanding why raccoons target your trash is crucial. They're driven by the simple need for food. Your carelessly discarded leftovers, spilled pet food, and even seemingly innocuous items like discarded takeout containers are all irresistible temptations. Knowing their motivations helps you target preventative measures effectively.

Identifying Raccoon Activity

• Look for signs: Scratches, overturned cans, and a generally disturbed area around your bins are telltale signs of raccoon activity. You might even spot the culprits themselves at night!
• Note their access points: Are they getting into the trash through a weak lid, climbing over the can, or digging underneath? This helps determine the best solution.

Effective Strategies to Raccoon-Proof Your Trash Cans

Now that you understand their behavior, let's explore practical ways to deter these clever critters:

1. Secure Your Trash Cans Tightly

• Heavy-duty lids: Invest in trash cans with sturdy, well-fitting lids. Ensure the lids latch securely and don't easily budge.
• Weight it down: Place heavy objects on top of the lid to prevent it from being lifted. Bricks, large stones, or even a sturdy bucket filled with sand can work effectively.
• Secure the can to a fixed object: Use strong chains or straps to secure your trash cans to a fence post, tree, or other immovable object, preventing them from being tipped over or dragged away.

2. Make Your Trash Cans Less Appealing

• Regular trash removal: Frequent garbage pickup reduces the attraction of accumulated food scraps. Don't leave trash out for longer than absolutely necessary.
• Cleanliness is key: Regularly clean your trash cans to remove food residue and odors that attract raccoons.
• Proper food storage: Store pet food indoors and ensure leftover food is properly sealed and stored in airtight containers. Avoid leaving food scraps outside.

3. Employ Deterrents

• Motion-activated lights and sprinklers: These deterrents can startle raccoons and make them less likely to approach your trash cans.
• Strong-smelling deterrents: Certain scents, like ammonia, peppermint oil, or commercial raccoon repellents, can be off-putting to raccoons. However, remember these may need to be reapplied frequently. Always follow the product instructions carefully.
• Hardware cloth: Secure any gaps or openings under the trash can lid or around the base with hardware cloth to prevent digging and entry.

4. Consider Alternative Trash Solutions

• Bear-resistant trash cans: Designed specifically to deter animals, these cans are incredibly sturdy and difficult for raccoons to access.

Maintaining a Raccoon-Free Environment: Long-Term Strategies

Preventing raccoons from accessing your trash isn't a one-time fix. It requires ongoing vigilance and consistent application of the methods described above. Regularly inspect your trash cans for any signs of damage or weakness. By combining multiple strategies, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of raccoon encounters and keep your property clean and raccoon-free. Remember, patience and persistence are key to success!