How to Keep Raccoons and Possums Away: Expert Strategies
Keeping your property safe from unwanted wildlife is crucial. The most effective ways to keep raccoons and possums away involve securing food sources, eliminating potential shelter, and employing humane deterrents to create an unwelcome environment for these opportunistic animals.
Understanding Raccoons and Possums: Why They Invade
Raccoons and possums, while fascinating creatures in their natural habitats, can become serious nuisances when they encroach upon our homes and gardens. Understanding their behavior and motivations is the first step in effectively deterring them.
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Food Sources: Raccoons and possums are omnivores with a highly adaptable diet. They’re attracted to:
- Unsecured garbage cans
- Pet food left outdoors
- Bird feeders
- Fruit trees and gardens
- Compost piles
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Shelter: Both species seek out safe and sheltered places to rest and raise their young. Common hiding spots include:
- Under decks and porches
- In sheds and garages
- Attics
- Chimneys
- Hollow trees or logs
The Benefits of Keeping Raccoons and Possums Away
Protecting your property from raccoons and possums extends beyond mere inconvenience. These animals can pose several threats:
- Property Damage: They can tear through roofs, insulation, and siding in search of shelter.
- Disease Transmission: Raccoons and possums are carriers of diseases like rabies, leptospirosis, and parasites like fleas and ticks.
- Aggression: While typically shy, they can become aggressive when they feel threatened, especially if they have young.
- Contamination: Their droppings can contaminate yards and gardens, posing a health risk.
Proven Strategies: How do you keep raccoons and possums away?
The most effective approach to keep raccoons and possums away involves a multi-pronged strategy combining preventative measures, humane deterrents, and professional assistance when necessary.
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Secure Food Sources:
- Use metal garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and secure them with bungee cords or clamps.
- Bring pet food indoors at night.
- Clean up fallen fruit from trees promptly.
- Use wildlife-resistant bird feeders or bring them indoors at night.
- Enclose compost piles in secure containers.
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Eliminate Shelter:
- Seal any openings in your home’s foundation, roof, and around pipes.
- Install hardware cloth over vents and chimneys.
- Trim overgrown bushes and trees near your home.
- Secure sheds and garages.
- Consider installing wire mesh under decks and porches.
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Employ Deterrents:
- Motion-activated sprinklers: These provide a sudden, startling burst of water that deters animals without harming them.
- Motion-activated lights: Bright lights can startle nocturnal animals and discourage them from entering your property.
- Repellents: While results vary, some commercially available repellents containing ingredients like capsaicin (from peppers) or predator urine can be effective. Use caution when applying these, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Noise: Playing a radio at a low volume can disrupt their natural environment. Avoid loud noises as this can disturb neighbors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving food accessible: This is the biggest mistake. Accessible food is a magnet for raccoons and possums.
- Using poison: Poisoning is inhumane and can also harm non-target animals, including pets. It’s also often illegal.
- Trapping and relocating: Relocating animals can disrupt their established territories and may not be legal in your area. It’s often more effective to focus on making your property unattractive to them.
- Ignoring the problem: Ignoring the issue allows the problem to escalate, leading to more damage and a larger infestation.
- Improper repellent use: Using the wrong repellent or applying it incorrectly can be ineffective and even harmful.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, raccoons or possums may persist. Consider calling a wildlife control professional if:
- You suspect an animal is injured or sick.
- You have a large infestation that you can’t control.
- You are uncomfortable handling the situation yourself.
- You are concerned about disease transmission.
A professional can safely and humanely remove the animals and provide guidance on preventing future infestations.
Table: Comparing Raccoon and Possum Deterrent Strategies
| Strategy | Effectiveness Raccoon | Effectiveness Possum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ——————– | ———————— | ———————– | —————————————————————————— |
| Secure Garbage | High | High | Essential for both species. |
| Eliminate Shelter | High | High | Equally important for both. |
| Motion Sprinklers | Medium | Medium | Effective deterrent, especially when combined with other methods. |
| Motion Lights | Low | Low | More effective as a supplement to other deterrents. |
| Repellents | Variable | Variable | Effectiveness depends on the specific product and application. |
| Professional Removal | High | High | Recommended for severe infestations or when DIY methods are unsuccessful. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to approach a raccoon or possum?
No, it is never safe to approach a raccoon or possum. While they are typically shy animals, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened, especially if they have young. They can also carry diseases, like rabies.
Are raccoons and possums nocturnal?
Yes, both raccoons and possums are primarily nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night. This is why securing food sources and eliminating shelter is crucial before nightfall.
What is the best way to secure my garbage cans?
The best way to secure garbage cans is to use metal cans with tight-fitting lids. Secure the lids with bungee cords, clamps, or purchase cans specifically designed to be wildlife-resistant.
What smells do raccoons and possums hate?
While there is no universally hated smell, raccoons and possums are often repelled by strong odors such as peppermint oil, ammonia, and certain commercially available repellents. However, effectiveness can vary.
Will mothballs keep raccoons and possums away?
The use of mothballs is generally not recommended for deterring raccoons and possums. They are toxic and can pose a health risk to humans and other animals, including pets.
Can I trap and relocate raccoons or possums?
Trapping and relocating animals is often illegal and inhumane. It can disrupt their established territories, and the animals may not survive in a new environment. It’s better to focus on deterring them from your property.
How do I know if I have raccoons or possums in my attic?
Signs of raccoons or possums in your attic include scratching noises, droppings, and a musky odor. You may also see damage to insulation or wiring.
What should I do if I find a baby raccoon or possum?
If you find a baby raccoon or possum, do not touch it. Observe from a distance to see if the mother returns. If the mother does not return after a reasonable amount of time or the animal appears injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Are raccoons and possums dangerous to my pets?
Yes, raccoons and possums can be dangerous to pets. They can transmit diseases and parasites, and they may attack if they feel threatened. Keep pet food indoors and supervise your pets when they are outside.
How can I protect my garden from raccoons and possums?
To protect your garden, use fencing or netting to create a barrier. You can also try using motion-activated sprinklers or repellents.
Will removing bird feeders really help keep them away?
Yes, removing bird feeders, especially at night, can significantly reduce the attraction for raccoons and possums. Birdseed is an easy and readily available food source for them.
What are the legal implications of dealing with raccoons and possums?
Regulations regarding raccoons and possums vary depending on your location. It’s important to check with your local animal control or wildlife agency to understand the legal implications before taking any action, such as trapping or using certain deterrents.