How to Stop Animals from Tipping Over Garbage Cans

Curious and hungry critters can make a real mess of your lawn when they tip over the garbage cans. To prevent them from doing this, it is important to secure the lids so they are animal-proof, make the cans inaccessible to the animals, and make the cans as uninviting to the animals as possible using smells to deter them. With a few simple steps, you can eliminate unsightly garbage spills and stop the problem forever.

Things You'll Need

• Drill
• Bungee cords
• Motion sensor lights or noise machines
• Window cleaner or ammonia spray

Instructions

1. Install motion sensor lights or noise making machines in the area you store your garbage cans. You will catch the can-tipping culprits in the act, and scare them off with light or sound.

2. Use bungee cords to secure the lids, while leaving the cans easily accessible for the garbage collector. Drill two small holes on each side of the garbage can cover and two small holes midway down on each side of the can. Hook two bungee cords across the top and bottom holes, crisscrossing them over the lid for an extra-secure hold.

3. Keep your garbage cans inside your garage until collection day.

4. Limit animal-attracting smells. Keep all food scraps stored in the freezer until the day the garbage is collected. Spray your garbage can and bags with diluted ammonia, bleach or window cleaner to detract any curious visitors.

Tips & Warnings

• Secure your garbage cans in the best possible way, while still being easily accessible to the garbage collectors.

• Avoid using ammonia or bleach on your garbage cans if you have dogs or other pets that may also be inclined to get into the garbage.

References

• Products to Keep Wild Animals Out