15 Helpful Raccoon Control Tips
If you have raccoons in your yard, you already know how hard it can be to get rid of them. You’re probably at your whit’s end and have tried various approaches but nothing seems to be doing it. So now you have come to the realization and understanding that raccoons are hard to get rid of. And though they might be cute, these raccoons are destructive. So, it’s time for them to go. And we’re here to help you with a checklist of strategies and raccoon control tips to help you manage those pesky raccoons. But before we share our methods on how to keep raccoons away naturally, let’s review some telltale signs that you do indeed have a raccoon problem.
Signs You Have a Raccoon Problem
Since raccoons are nocturnal, it can make it difficult to determine for sure that they are the culprits of your yard destruction. So, if you suspect a raccoon problem but you’re just not quite sure, check out this list of four things to keep an eye out for. Then, if you have one or more of these things going on in your yard, you can pretty much assume that you have a raccoon problem and you may need some help with some raccoon control tips.
Evidence of raccoons feeding
Raccoons make quite a mess when they eat. Common signs of raccoons you need to control include knocked-over trash cans, damage to your lawn or garden, empty or spilled pet food bowls, disturbed compost piles, and empty or broken bird feeders, among others. Raccoons are also known to carry diseases, so controlling them is necessary for your family’s health. If you have experienced raccoon activity on or around your property, contact a pest control professional for help with the removal of these pests. They can help get rid of raccoons in a safe and effective manner, while helping to prevent future infestations from occurring.
Evidence of raccoon tracks
Raccoons walk very similar to the way that humans do – flat-footed. The difference, however, is that they have claws on their toes. So, you can make a pretty firm assumption that you have a raccoon control problem if you see tracks with a more extended heel on the rear foot that tends to be 2-3″ wide on the front feet and 3-4″ long on the back feet. The tracks may also show claw marks that are pointed forward and distinct from the toes. Additionally, you can look for evidence of raccoon scat or droppings near these tracks to help confirm your diagnosis.
Raccoon droppings
Racoon droppings are cylindrical in shape with rounded or broken ends. Their droppings are darker in color, though the exact color will depend on what the raccoon has been eating. Raccoon scat often will show remnants of berry seeds and may even show evidence of trash.
Raccoon droppings can be hazardous as they may contain roundworm parasites which can cause health issues in humans and pets. It is important to wear gloves and a mask when cleaning up raccoon droppings, as well as disposing of it properly. Contact OMNIS Pest Control
You are hearing strange sounds at night
Any unknown sound at night can be a bit disconcerting. Raccoon sounds will be much like whistling, mewing, and growling. Or it could be rat sounds, they will be much higher pitched and squeaking. And squirrels will sound like chirping and scurrying. It is best to stay away from any wild animals as they could be dangerous if provoked. If you believe the noises are coming from an animal, contact your local wildlife rescue or professional pest control service for assistance in trapping and removing them.
15 Raccoon Control Tips to Control Raccoons Naturally
If you have established that you do indeed have a raccoon problem, check out this list of 15 raccoon control tips.
1. Remove their access to food and water. Raccoons are skilled scavengers that will go to great lengths to forage for food lying in or near your home. When you leave your trash can unsealed, raccoons have the ability to remove the lid to eat whatever is inside.
2. Promptly clean up any fruit or nuts dropped from your trees.
3. Identify where raccoons tend to hang out in your yard or home. Typical places can include the attic, underneath your porch, and in the area surrounding your trash cans. You may also find them eating your crops, stealing fish from your pond, or attacking your bird feeder.
4. Seal up any gaps around your house with silicone or steel wool.
5. Disrupt their senses by sprinkling cayenne pepper or Epsom salt near the problem areas.
6. Purchase urine from a local predator to raccoons and scatter it around the perimeter of your home. Raccoons do not want to be around any area where they might encounter a predator.
7. Use motion-activated light or sound deterrents.
8. Place metal sheeting along the edge of your roof and at the bases of trees in your yard. This will discourage raccoons without hurting other animals.
9. Install electric fencing on top of any fences that are within close proximity of your home or roof.
10. Trim the trees, vines, and landscaping around your home to make your roof less accessible.
11. Hang bird feeders from wires suspended between two trees so that raccoons can’t leap onto the feeder.
12. Purchase raccoon guards and mount on the poles of bird and squirrel feeders.
13. Purchase raccoon-resistant bird feeders.
14. Use fences to protect areas of your yard that you do not want raccoons to access. We recommend a fence with two wires – one six inches above the ground and the other 12 inches above the ground to prevent harming other animals.
15. Leave it to the professionals at OMNIS Pest Control.
Call OMNIS Pest Control When You Need Help with Raccoon Control
If you are at your wit’s end and raccoon activity has gotten out of hand despite trying one or more of our raccoon control tips, it is time to call in the professionals at OMNIS Pest Control. Our staff is trained to handle and safely remove raccoons from your home. We are experts at wildlife pest control in Colorado and have a wide pest control service area.
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