Raccoons are cute to watch on TV, but they're not as cute when they leave your trash all over your backyard.humane techniques can be used to get rid of the raccoons in your house.Trash cans should be unattractive or difficult to enter.If you want to have food sources in your yard, remove them.It's a good idea to block any areas that would allow raccoons to enter your home.
Step 1: The trash can lids should be secured.
Attach the lid with a rope, chain or bungee cord.You could use weights, bricks, or other heavy objects to weigh down the lids.To prevent the strongest adult raccoons from getting in, aim for 20 pounds of weight.If they're within your budget, you could purchase trash cans with locks.
Step 2: The trash cans need to be cleaned.
They should be washed out with the hose every week.Baking soda can be used to remove food odors.If you tip them upside down, they won't be able to store water for mosquitoes.
Step 3: Don't put the trash out.
If you store your trash cans in the garage, they will not be able to break into it at night.The morning of your pickup, take them out to the curb.
Step 4: Food scraps in two bags.
Raccoons have a very keen sense of smell that allows them to detect food sources far away.Food odors can be contained with double bagging.If you must keep your trash outside the night before the next garbage pickup, this is helpful.
Step 5: Take care of your yard by cleaning up food debris.
The berries fell from the trees.All picnic tables and chairs should be completely free of food scraps and crumbs.Completely clean the area.After you finish, double check the area.
Step 6: Pay attention to food.
Raccoons are omnivores, so they won't pass up any dog or cat food scraps.Feed your animals indoors to avoid this problem.When meal time is over, you should clean up every last scrap of wet or dry food.Food bowls should be far away from the access points if you have a cat flap.
Step 7: Bird feeders should be kept out of the reach of people.
A bird feeders with seeds might be attractive to a animal.The pole is about 1.3 cm in diameter.Raccoons can't climb tall poles.Make sure the pole isn't knocked over by securing it firmly.There are metal trash cans that can be used to store bird seed.Lock up your bird feeders in the garage or tool shed at sundown if this isn't an option.
Step 8: Protect the pond.
The raccoons love to fish.Cinder blocks, ceramic pipes, and wire baskets can be placed in the pond.These are places for your fish to hide.Metal leaf nets can be installed over your fish pond.The strongest material is needed to support the raccoon's weight.
Step 9: The points of entry are identified.
Take care of your house, garage, and fence.There are holes 3 inches in diameter or bigger.There are scratches and body oil stains on the downspouts.If they're in the attic, look under the nooks and the broken vent.If you hear them in the crawl space, look for broken vent or borrows.If recent rains have created muddy conditions, it might be helpful to check for footprints.
Step 10: Take a look at the areas where you want to make your nest.
Birds use materials like twigs and leaves.The only way to identify a nest is by the fecal matter they leave.Look for brown cylindrical objects.Small dogs leave similar feces.Contact your local extension office if you are unsure.
Step 11: The entry points and nesting areas are where the raccoons come from.
Put a cup of cayenne pepper and 3-4 habanero chilis in a pot of water and let them cool.It should be put into a spray bottle.You have identified the entry points.The spray will make the area unbearable.Before spraying, use goggles and a mask.Hot peppers can cause irritation to your eyes and mouth.
Step 12: The main entry point should be identified.
Take a look at your roof, foundation, or siding.Dirt stains, freshly dug holes, and hair stuck to the entry point are telltale signs.You can check for paw prints in the soil if the point of entry is near the foundation.
Step 13: Most of the points of entry should be closed off.
Before you seal off any openings, make sure the raccoons have left the area.If you work between 8:00 and 11:00pm, you're most likely to find an empty space.The entry points should be covered with wire meshing.The mesh should be sealed with a foam or caulking gun.
Step 14: You can use a newspaper at the main entry point.
Wait until after 11:00pm.The newspaper should be placed lightly into the opening.You can check the newspaper in the morning.The raccoons might have left if it had been moved.Put it back in place.Continue to watch the area for 48 hours.You can seal the hole if the newspaper is still in place.It might be back if it has been moved.If you're dealing with a mother and her child, check.If this is the case, let the young grow up so that the mother doesn't have to.Call your local wildlife rehabilitation center if you find abandoned young.Hire a professional to install a one-way door if there is no young on site.Don't block the vents with the newspaper.
Step 15: Put a seal on your yard.
There are wood and metal fences.They use nearby trees and shrubs to help over the fence.There are wires at the top and bottom of the fence.Take care of the tree limbs near the fence.If you decide to replace your fence, make sure the mesh is no bigger than 3 inches.Young raccoons will not be able to enter your yard.