Are you tired of dealing with raccoons that keep getting into your trash cans and leaving a mess behind? There are affordable but effective ways to keep these clever critters at bay without breaking the bank.
Why Are Raccoons Attracted to Trash Cans?
Raccoons, often playfully referred to as ‘trash pandas,’ are known for their dumpster-diving tendencies. These resourceful creatures are attracted to trash cans because of the scent of food. With their exceptional sense of smell, raccoons can travel several miles searching for a tasty meal.
If your trash cans are left unprotected, with bags containing food scraps, raccoons will see them as an easy source of sustenance. Their omnivorous diet means they’re not picky, readily devouring anything from vegetables to meat scraps.
There are two primary methods for keeping raccoons away from your trash cans – using scents they dislike and securing the cans to prevent access.
Scents That Deter Raccoons
Cayenne Pepper Sprinkle cayenne pepper in a circle around your cans or on the bags themselves. The strong scent will discourage raccoons from approaching.
Ammonia Soak a paper towel in cleaning ammonia and place it on the top of the trash, beneath the lid. The ammonia masks the food scent and repels raccoons due to its strong odor.
Bleach
Pour bleach into a spray bottle and spray the trash can lid and inside the can with each new trash bag. Raccoons find the scent of bleach irritating, making them seek alternative food sources.
Mothballs Scatter a handful of moth balls around the trash can and place it on the top of the bag (under the lid) when replacing it. The potent odor repels raccoons.
Epsom Salt Sprinkle about ¼ cup of Epsom salts around your trash cans. The scent is undetectable to humans but irritates raccoons’ nostrils, deterring them from approaching.
Non-Scented Methods to Deter Raccoons
Baby Powder Sprinkle approximately ¼ cup of baby powder on the trash bag inside the can. Their sensitive paws will find the texture uncomfortable, discouraging them from accessing the garbage.
Bungee Cord
Secure the trash can lid with a bungee cord wrapped tightly around it and hooked under the can. It prevents raccoons from opening the lid and accessing the contents.
Festive Lighting Hang a set of blinking lights near where you store your trash cans. Raccoons, being skittish, will be deterred by the flashing lights and seek a safer location.
Removing Nesting Spots Raccoons prefer to stay close to their homes. If they nest near your property, then they’re more likely to visit your garbage. Check for any nesting sports and remove them swiftly.