How to Stop Raccoons from Getting Into Your Trash

Raccoons are nocturnal omnivores that will eat anything they can get their paws on. Therefore, the mischievous critters are regularly spotted diving into residential trash cans in search of food. The longer raccoons stay on your property, the more damage they can cause to your yard, your home, and your health. Fortunately, there are several raccoon prevention strategies to keep the pests from getting into your garbage.

Raccoon Prevention Techniques

Raccoons may be clever, but it’s easy to outsmart them. Some ways to protect your garbage cans from raccoons include:

• Reducing the smell: Raccoons rely on their sense of smell to find their next meal. Try double-bagging what you throw away to reduce the smell from attracting hungry raccoons. Mothballs or ammonia-soaked rags will also keep them away.
  
• Securing your trash bins: It’s easy for a raccoon to lift the lid and crawl into your garbage can, so make sure the lids are tightly sealed. To keep them out, consider adding an extra layer of protection to your trash can, like a bungee cord or lock. If you can, keep your garbage cans stored inside at night.
  
• Scaring them off: Since they’re scavengers, raccoons are easily frightened. Set up motion-activated sprinklers or lights to spook them. When at the curb, place your garbage cans in a well-lit area where raccoons are less likely to venture.
  
• Changing it up: Raccoons are smart, and they may eventually figure out your tactics. It’s a good idea to change up your raccoon prevention methods to keep them away from your garbage.

Professional Raccoon Removal Services Near You

Ultimately, the most effective way to permanently get rid of raccoons is to hire a raccoon removal expert. Wild raccoons can pose health risks when you directly interact with them. That’s why raccoons should only be handled by the equipped and experienced professionals at Critter Control® of Polk County. Instead of dangerous removal techniques that can be toxic and inhumane, we use safe, eco-friendly methods of removal and exclusion for permanent raccoon removal.

To schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate for our effective raccoon removal services, call Critter Control® of Polk County today at 863-204-2815.