Back

October 10, 2019Wildlife

How to Prevent Raccoons From Getting into Garbage

Seeing a raccoon hanging out around your home may not seem like a big deal, but when a trip outside means being greeted with overturned trash cans and garbage flung all over the yard, you’re going to wish that little critter never existed. While we can’t magically make these masked bandits disappear, we can give you some helpful tips on how to prevent raccoons from getting into garbage.

5 Tips for Keeping Raccoons Out of Your Garbage:

1. Seal your garbage bags: Racoons have a strong sense of smell and can easily sniff out nearby garbage. Make sure to tightly seal the bags that your garbage is stored in to prevent strong odors from reaching raccoons. You can also try using scented garbage bags for extra support!
2. Weigh down your lid: While raccoons are handy little critters, they’re not very strong. Place a cinder block, a few bricks, or a heavy rock on the top of your garbage can’s lid to keep them from getting inside.
3. Lock it up: A garbage can without a lockable lid is a recipe for disaster. Make sure that the garbage can you are using outdoors has a strong locking capability. If you ever see a crack or your lock starts to break, be sure to replace your garbage can right away.
4. Use repellents: There are a lot of raccoon repellents out there, but household items such as ammonia and cayenne can work just as well as the more expensive products. Just place them on or near the garbage cans to keep those sneaky thieves from getting into your trash.
5. Install motion-sensing lights: Raccoons are nocturnal animals and prefer to do their business in the dark. To keep them away from your home (and trash), install motion-sensing lights around your garbage cans. This way if they ever try to sneak up and grab some grub, they’ll be scared off by the sudden flood of light.

If you’ve tried all of these tips and tricks, and you still can’t seem to shake your raccoon problem, give your neighborhood Bug Guy a call. Raccoons may look cute from a distance, but they can be dangerous if you get too close. Our professionals know how to safely and quickly remove raccoons so that you and your family can go back to enjoying your yard without the mess.