How to Keep Raccoons out of a Yard

Although they might be cute little critters, raccoons are a nuisance and can be dangerous. While they generally will not attack unless they are cornered, raccoons can carry rabies and parasites and have very sharp teeth and sturdy claws which can seriously harm you or a small pet. Not to mention the fact that they are infamous for tearing through trash and leaving behind a big mess.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Motion Detector Lights
• Fence Repair Items
• Storage Containers
• Sealed Trash Cans
• Rubber Snakes
• Mylar Strips

1. Install motion detector lights. Raccoons are nocturnal mammals who prefer to do their dirty work in the darkness. If several bright lights come on as they enter your yard it might be enough to scare them away.

2. Repair holes in your fence and block even small openings they could squeeze through. Similar to a house cat, raccoons can squeeze through small openings and get into your trash cans, making a mess of it.

3. Store pet food indoors if possible, especially at night. If it must be stored outdoors, keep it in airtight containers that the raccoons will not be able to open. If there is no food for them, they will be on their merry way to find it elsewhere.

4. Keep trash cans in the garage or another enclosed area. Use bins with tightly sealing lids if you can. Like the pet food, raccoons see your trash as a food source, so take away the reason for them entering your yard in the first place.

5. Place lifelike rubber snakes in your yard. You can also try to scare them off with shiny pinwheels and strips or mylar or iridescent sun catchers hanging around the yard. The reflections and movements might startle the raccoons and make them apprehensive about entering your yard.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider other food sources a raccoon might find in your yard, such as a bird feeder or even a fruit tree.
• Never try to chase a raccoon from your yard as it may feel cornered and attack you.

Resources

• Raccoon Repellent