How to Keep Raccoons Out of Your Trash

Are raccoons constantly digging through your trash and making a mess? Can't seem to keep them out? Try these simple steps to send those furry bandits looking elsewhere for their delectable dumpster dinners.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ammonia (regular scent)
• Old rags
• 1 or more mischievous raccoons
• Bungie tie-down cords

1. 

   Of course, making sure your garbage cans are securely covered is a prerequisite. An open trash receptacle is an open invitation to a hungry raccoon!

2. 

   If these clever creatures have figured out how to open your closed trash containers, strap the lids down securely using one or more elastic tie-down cords, which can be found at the home improvement store of your choice.

3. 

   Soak some old rags (an old T-shirt or towel will do) in ammonia and drop the soaked rags into the trash can along with your rubbish. Raccoons cannot tolerate the scent of the ammonia vapors and will seek sustenance elsewhere.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to perform these steps a few times if your masked invader is particularly determined.
• If all else fails and you believe the raccoons are becoming too much of a nuisance, you may need to call in animal control and have the animal captured and released to another location.
• Raccoons are sometimes aggressive and can be carriers of rabies. Never get too close and risk a bite.
• Be careful when using ammonia. Do not let it come into direct contact with your skin and do not inhale the vapors.
• Never mix chlorine bleach and ammonia. It is a deadly combination!

[Kathymcbain]

on 1/10/2009 Never knew this - great tips for keeping raccoons out of the trash.

[jamaclassics]

on 1/9/2009 I keep my raccoons out of the trash by feeding them. They like grapes, dog food and peanut butter. Mama brought her babies when they were tiny, to my raccoon buffet! The have never been aggressive, bothered any of the cats, or dumped the trash cans since 2 yrs ago. These are living things, looking for sustenance. Not evil vermin. They aren't diseased. I feed em. If you were a raccoon, I'd feed you too. If you were a snake, you'd be out of luck, though.

[nancysoffice]

on 1/9/2009 Just like cbeaven I get them, too. Great tips I will try it.

[sunshine11219]

on 1/8/2009 I think that this is a great article and clear pictures on how to keep racoons out of your trash

[MyJB]

on 1/7/2009 Wow. Good tips.