Critter Stop Logo
469-833-4076
Critter Stop Logo
469-833-4076
Home » Blog » How to Keep Raccoons Away from Your Trash Cans in the Garage

How to Keep Raccoons Away from Your Trash Cans in the Garage

How to Keep Raccoons Away from Your Trash Cans in the Garage

Raccoons can be nuisance animals, especially when they target your trash cans in the garage. These clever creatures are known for their ability to rummage through trash and create a mess. However, there are several effective strategies you can implement to deter raccoons from your trash cans and prevent them from causing any further trouble.

Effective Strategies to Deter Raccoons from Your Trash Cans

Raccoons are notorious for rummaging through trash cans, leaving a mess in their wake. If you're tired of dealing with these pesky critters, there are several effective strategies you can implement to deter them from your trash cans. From scare tactics to altering odors, here are some methods to keep raccoons at bay.

Raccoon in a trashcan
Raccoon in a trashcan

Implementing Scare Tactics to Keep Raccoons Away

One approach to discourage raccoons is to utilize scare tactics. Install motion-activated lights near your trash cans to spook raccoons when they approach. The sudden illumination can startle them and make them think twice about venturing near your garbage. Additionally, you can place a scarecrow or a life-sized replica of a predator, such as an owl or a coyote, near the trash cans to intimidate raccoons.

Imagine the scene: as soon as a raccoon gets near your trash cans, the motion-activated lights suddenly turn on, casting a bright spotlight on the intruder. The raccoon, taken aback by the unexpected burst of light, scurries away in search of an easier target. This simple yet effective scare tactic can make a significant difference in deterring raccoons from your trash cans.

Another effective tactic is using noise deterrents. Hang wind chimes or bells around your garage area, creating a racket whenever raccoons get close. The loud noises can be unsettling for raccoons, rendering your trash cans a no-go zone for these curious critters.

Imagine the cacophony of sound that fills the air as a raccoon approaches your trash cans. The wind chimes and bells jingle and jangle, creating a symphony of noise that echoes through the night. Startled by the unexpected clamor, the raccoon retreats, seeking a quieter place to scavenge for food. By implementing noise deterrents, you can effectively discourage raccoons from invading your trash cans.

Altering Odors to Discourage Raccoon Intrusion

Raccoons have a keen sense of smell, which they use to locate potential food sources. By altering odors around your trash cans, you can discourage raccoon intrusion. One method is to sprinkle cayenne pepper or garlic powder around the area. The strong scent can deter raccoons and make them think twice about approaching your trash bins.

cayenne pepper
cayenne pepper is a good odor to repel raccoons from our trash.

Imagine the pungent aroma of cayenne pepper and garlic powder wafting through the air. The combination of these strong scents creates a barrier that raccoons find repulsive. As they approach your trash cans, their sensitive noses are overwhelmed by the powerful odors, causing them to retreat in search of a less offensive meal. By altering the odors around your trash cans, you can effectively deter raccoons from invading your garbage.

Alternatively, soak rags in ammonia and place them near the cans. The pungent smell is very unpleasant to raccoons and can help keep them at bay.

Imagine the acrid stench of ammonia permeating the air. As raccoons approach your trash cans, their sensitive noses are assaulted by the noxious fumes, deterring them from getting any closer. The overpowering smell of ammonia acts as a natural repellent, ensuring that raccoons think twice before attempting to invade your trash cans. By strategically placing ammonia-soaked rags near your garbage, you can effectively keep raccoons away.

Eliminating Food Sources to Prevent Raccoon Visits

Raccoons are opportunistic eaters and are typically drawn to areas where they can find easy meals. To prevent raccoons from visiting your trash cans, it's crucial to eliminate any potential food sources. Make sure your trash cans have lids that are securely fastened, leaving no gaps for raccoons to access.

Imagine a raccoon approaching your trash cans, only to find that the lids are tightly sealed, leaving no room for it to squeeze its mischievous paws inside. Frustrated and hungry, the raccoon is forced to abandon its quest for an easy meal and move on to greener pastures. By ensuring that your trash cans have secure lids, you can effectively cut off the raccoon's supply of food and discourage its visits.

Additionally, avoid leaving pet food or any other food items outside. By cutting off their supply of food, you significantly reduce the chances of raccoon visits.

Imagine a yard free from any trace of food. No pet food bowls left outside, no crumbs from a recent picnic, and no tempting morsels to entice hungry raccoons. With no readily available food sources, raccoons are left with no choice but to search elsewhere for sustenance. By eliminating potential food sources, you can create an environment that is unappealing to raccoons, effectively preventing them from visiting your trash cans.

Seeking Professional Assistance for Raccoon Removal

If raccoons persist in their efforts to breach your trash cans despite your best efforts, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance. Pest control companies and wildlife removal experts have the knowledge and experience to handle raccoon problems effectively. They can provide humane and safe solutions to remove raccoons from your property, ensuring a raccoon-free environment.

Imagine the relief of knowing that you have experts on your side, ready to tackle the raccoon problem that has been plaguing you. With their expertise and specialized equipment, pest control professionals can safely and humanely remove raccoons from your property, providing you with peace of mind. By seeking professional assistance, you can ensure that your trash cans remain raccoon-free, allowing you to enjoy a clean and tidy outdoor space.

Expert Tips for Raccoon Control in Ft. Worth

Ft. Worth, Texas, is known for its raccoon population, making raccoon control a prevalent issue for residents. Raccoons, with their mischievous nature and dexterous paws, can wreak havoc on homes and yards if not properly managed. To keep raccoons at bay in Ft. Worth, it's essential to follow some expert tips:

First and foremost, securing your trash cans with raccoon-proof lids that lock tightly is crucial. Raccoons are notorious for their scavenging abilities and can easily open flimsy lids or knock over unsecured cans. By investing in sturdy, lockable lids, you can ensure that raccoons won't have access to your trash, reducing the chances of a messy encounter.

In addition to securing your trash cans, it's important to be mindful of other potential food sources that may attract raccoons. Pet food and bird feeders are particularly enticing to these curious creatures. To prevent raccoons from feasting on these delicacies, make sure to remove any accessible pet food or bird feeders from your yard during the night. By doing so, you eliminate a significant incentive for raccoons to visit your property.

Raccoon spotted in Fort Worth.
Raccoon spotted in Fort Worth.

Another effective strategy for raccoon control is installing mesh or wire fencing around your property. Raccoons are skilled climbers and can easily scale trees or walls to gain access to your yard. By erecting a barrier around your property, you create an additional layer of protection, making it more difficult for raccoons to infiltrate your space.

Furthermore, it's important to be proactive in eliminating potential entry points to your home. Raccoons are opportunistic creatures and will take advantage of any opening they find. Trim overhanging branches that could serve as a bridge to your roof and seal any gaps or cracks in your garage or attic. By fortifying these vulnerable areas, you reduce the likelihood of raccoons making themselves at home in your living spaces.

Lastly, keeping your yard clean and free of fallen fruits or easily accessible food sources is essential for effective raccoon control. Raccoons are attracted to areas with abundant food, and a yard filled with fallen fruits or unattended compost bins can be a raccoon magnet. Regularly inspect your yard for any potential food sources and promptly remove them to discourage raccoon activity.

By implementing these expert tips and strategies, you can significantly reduce the chances of raccoons targeting your trash cans and creating a mess in your garage. Remember, raccoon control requires consistency and diligence. Stay vigilant in your efforts, and soon enough, you'll enjoy a raccoon-free environment in Ft. Worth.

Visit our Critter Library and learn more about our furry friends

Critter problem? We can put a stop to that!

Safe Wildlife Removal
Mosquito Control
Insulation Services
Dead Animal Removal
crossmenu