What Can I Use to Keep Raccoons Away from My Garbage?

If you wake up one morning to find trash strewn around your yard, one culprit that should top your suspects list is the pesky raccoon. Raccoons are dexterous creatures known for getting inside and rummaging through outdoor garbage cans, which often has disastrous results. If you’re dealing with the mischievous critters, here are some methods to keep raccoons away from my garbage.

Ways to Keep Raccoons Away from My Garbage

1. Lock Your Lid

While raccoons are skilled enough to open a sealed trash can on their own, there is little they can do if your trash can is locked. Even placing a heavy object on top of your trash can lid or storing your garbage cans inside can help to deter hungry raccoons away.

2. Scare Them Off

Like most pests, raccoons are easily startled. Giving them a good scare is a good way to encourage them to find a different garbage can to violate. However, raccoons are typically only active at night, so it can be difficult to catch them in the act. To scare them at the right time, invest in motion-activated sprinklers or flood lights and aim them at your garbage cans while they rest the street at night.

3. Try Scents

Many pests dislike certain scents, and raccoons are no exception. Two scents that you can weaponize to get raccoons out of your trash are ammonia and mothballs. Applying either of these pungent scents near your trash will likely drive the raccoons away.

4. Rely on a Raccoon Removal Professional

While DIY methods can help to some extent, the only truly efficient and effective way to keep raccoons away from your garbage is by calling a raccoon control expert. Fortunately, the wildlife professionals at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh are experienced and equipped to implement raccoon prevention measures on your property.

Keep Raccoons Away From My Garbage with Critter Control® of Pittsburgh

The raccoon control technicians at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh are licensed and trained to perform quick and safe removal services that will permanently relocate nuisance raccoons from your property and keep them from returning. To schedule an inspection of your Pittsburgh-area property and receive a complimentary estimate for our raccoon removal services, call Critter Control® of Pittsburgh today at 412-767-4067.