How to Keep a Raccoon Away From Your House
The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an omnivorous animal known best for its distinctive mask-like markings around its eyes and the dark and light colored rings around its tale. Although the raccoon prefers a wooded area with a source of water, it adapts well to other environments and sometimes makes a home in suburban backyards or the chimney and attic of a house. Since the raccoon is a nocturnal animal, you may not be aware that it is present, but scattered garbage from trash cans and quickly vanishing cat food from bowls on the porch are often tell-tale signs that one is present. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Secure the lid of your trash can. Raccoons are often drawn to the tasty tidbits of garbage awaiting them inside your trash can. Stretch a bungee cord across the top of trash cans to help hold lids in place. You can also add some weight to the lids of your trash can by placing a brick or heavy rock on top of the lid.
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Install motion-sensitive security or flood lights. Since raccoons prefer the dark, the brightness of a security or flood light often scares them away.
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Place a radio on the porch or near your trash can. Select a talk show program that has the constant sound of voices. The raccoon will think humans are close by and will do its best to avoid them.
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Put your pets' food up at night. Cat and dog food kibble is a favorite treat for raccoons. If you eliminate the food source for the raccoon, it will typically go elsewhere to search for food.
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Stop feeding the birds. Raccoons will not only steal food from bird feeders, but will also scavenge it off the ground. Discontinue filling the feeder until the raccoon moves on or relocate the feeder further from the house where the raccoon will not be an issue.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not send your dog outdoors to scare the raccoon away. Some raccoons can weigh up to 30 pounds. They can inflict serious injury on a dog when they feel threatened.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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Comments
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I use sardiens or honeybuns works good.BBQ a coon yesterday real good! Creek behind the house, good spot.
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I am going to try this in the next few days. My dogs go crazy in the night with the garbage attacks by the raccoons. I want them to leave without being harmed.
