How to Keep Raccoons Out of Trash Can?
Raccoons, with their masked faces and nimble paws, are notorious for their nocturnal raids on unprotected trash cans. Successfully deterring these resourceful creatures requires a multi-pronged approach, combining secure containers, strategic deterrents, and vigilant maintenance.
Understanding the Raccoon Trash Problem
Raccoons are highly adaptable scavengers, driven by an insatiable appetite and a keen sense of smell. Trash cans, brimming with discarded food scraps, are irresistible beacons for these animals. Addressing the problem effectively requires understanding their motivations and vulnerabilities.
Why Raccoons Target Trash Cans
The primary reason raccoons target trash cans is simple: food. They are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they’ll eat almost anything. Discarded leftovers, meat scraps, and even rotting fruits and vegetables offer an easy and reliable source of sustenance. Furthermore, raccoons are intelligent and remember locations where they’ve found food in the past, making trash cans a recurring target. Their exceptional dexterity, similar to human hands, allows them to manipulate lids and latches with surprising ease.
The Dangers of Raccoon Encounters
Beyond the mess they create, raccoons can pose significant risks. They are carriers of diseases like rabies, raccoon roundworm, and leptospirosis, which can be transmitted to humans and pets through bites, scratches, or contact with their feces. Furthermore, their scavenging activities can attract other unwanted pests, such as rodents and insects, exacerbating sanitation problems. The damage they inflict on trash cans and surrounding areas can also be costly.
Effective Strategies for Raccoon Deterrence
There is no single magic bullet for keeping raccoons out of trash cans. A combination of strategies is often necessary to achieve long-term success.
Investing in Raccoon-Proof Trash Cans
The most effective solution is to invest in raccoon-proof trash cans. These are specifically designed to withstand raccoon attempts to access the contents. Look for cans with the following features:
- Secure Lids: Lids that latch or clamp tightly shut are essential. Bungee cords, while a temporary solution, are often easily defeated.
- Weight and Stability: Heavier cans are more difficult for raccoons to tip over. Some models can be anchored to the ground or a wall.
- Durable Materials: Choose cans made from thick, rigid plastic or metal that raccoons cannot easily chew through or claw apart.
Employing Deterrents
Even with a raccoon-proof trash can, additional deterrents can reinforce your efforts.
- Motion-Activated Lights and Sprinklers: These devices startle raccoons and discourage them from approaching the trash area. Place them strategically to cover the most vulnerable areas.
- Ammonia or Vinegar: Raccoons dislike the strong smell of ammonia or vinegar. Soak rags in these substances and place them near the trash cans (but avoid placing them inside as this poses an environmental hazard).
- Spicy Sprays: Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, is a natural deterrent. You can create a homemade spray by mixing cayenne pepper with water and spraying it on and around the trash cans. Use caution and avoid spraying near your eyes or pets.
- Electronic Repellents: Some devices emit ultrasonic sounds that are unpleasant to raccoons but inaudible to humans. The effectiveness of these devices can vary, so research different models before purchasing.
Practicing Proper Trash Management
Even the best defenses can be undermined by poor trash management practices.
- Double Bagging: Use sturdy garbage bags and double-bag particularly odorous items like meat scraps or leftover food.
- Freezing Food Waste: Freeze particularly smelly food scraps until trash day. This reduces the odor that attracts raccoons.
- Washing Trash Cans Regularly: Periodically wash your trash cans with soap and water to remove lingering odors.
- Securing the Area Around Trash Cans: Keep the area around your trash cans clean and free of clutter, which can provide cover for raccoons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Raccoon Trash Prevention
Here are some common questions and answers to help you keep raccoons away from your trash.
FAQ 1: What is the best type of latch for a raccoon-proof trash can?
The best type of latch is a locking latch that raccoons cannot easily open or manipulate with their paws. Metal latches with a locking mechanism are generally more effective than plastic clips.
FAQ 2: Will bungee cords keep raccoons out of my trash can?
While bungee cords can offer some temporary resistance, they are generally not effective against determined raccoons. Raccoons can often chew through or manipulate bungee cords to access the trash inside.
FAQ 3: Is it safe to use mothballs to deter raccoons?
No, using mothballs as a raccoon deterrent is not recommended. Mothballs contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to humans, pets, and the environment. Furthermore, their effectiveness against raccoons is questionable.
FAQ 4: Can I use peppermint oil to repel raccoons?
Some people believe that peppermint oil can deter raccoons, but scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited. While the strong scent may be unpleasant to them initially, raccoons may eventually become accustomed to it.
FAQ 5: Should I feed raccoons to keep them away from my trash?
No, feeding raccoons is never a good idea. It habituates them to humans and encourages them to return to your property, potentially leading to more problems.
FAQ 6: How do I clean up raccoon feces safely?
Always wear gloves and a mask when cleaning up raccoon feces. Use a disinfectant solution to thoroughly clean the affected area. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming, as this can aerosolize harmful pathogens. Dispose of contaminated materials in a sealed bag.
FAQ 7: What should I do if a raccoon is injured on my property?
Do not attempt to handle an injured raccoon. Contact your local animal control or a wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance.
FAQ 8: How do I know if a raccoon is rabid?
Signs of rabies in raccoons include excessive drooling, uncharacteristic aggression, disorientation, and paralysis. If you suspect a raccoon is rabid, contact animal control immediately and avoid any contact with the animal.
FAQ 9: Are there any plants that repel raccoons?
Certain plants, such as marigolds and cucumbers, are believed to deter raccoons due to their strong scent or prickly texture. However, the effectiveness of these plants is not always guaranteed.
FAQ 10: How can I keep raccoons from nesting under my deck or porch?
Seal any openings under your deck or porch with wire mesh or solid barriers. Trim bushes and shrubs to eliminate potential hiding places. Consider using motion-activated lights or sprinklers to deter raccoons from approaching these areas.
FAQ 11: What is the best time of year to focus on raccoon prevention?
Raccoon prevention efforts should be ongoing, but are particularly important during the spring and fall, when raccoons are actively searching for food and preparing for winter.
FAQ 12: Is it possible to trap and relocate raccoons?
Trapping and relocating raccoons is often illegal and may not be effective. Relocated raccoons may not survive in unfamiliar territory, and other raccoons may simply move into the vacated area. Furthermore, it can spread disease. Check your local regulations before attempting to trap and relocate raccoons.
By implementing these strategies and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of raccoons raiding your trash cans and protect your property and your health. The key is persistence and a willingness to adapt your approach as needed.