With their bandit-masked faces, ringed-bushy tails, and endearing habits of rinsing food in water prior to consuming it, it is little wonder that raccoons seem more like Disney creations than actual animals. Yet despite their intelligence and appealing looks, raccoons are wild creatures that may transmit parasites or rabies, can bite when cornered, and are more than capable of wreaking havoc on your property and home. If raccoons have made a habit of frequenting your home, it is advisable to take measures to drive away these North American natives. Below, we take a look at 5 easy ways to keep raccoons off your property as follows:
1. Seal den sites
Thoroughly inspect your home for holes and gaps that can allow raccoons access to your crawlspace, attic, or outbuildings. Most raccoons tend to gain entry through any opening that is about three inches in diameter. Therefore, secure these entry points by installing metal sheeting or chicken wire to cover the openings and remember to seal pet doors at night.
2. Cover your compost pile and garbage
Use garbage cans with tight-fitting, heavy lids, or, alternatively, strap the lids down using bungee cords. You should also keep your garbage in an outbuilding or garage until it is time for it to be taken out. As for the compost, this can be stored in a box with a lockable lid in order to prevent them from messing with it.
3. Get rid of outdoor food sources
Stored food, animal feed, pet food, and birdseed can all attract raccoons to your home and encourage them to nest in your compound. It is thus advisable to eliminate or lock up all outdoor food.
4. Have a strong fence
To keep raccoons at bay, experts recommend building a strong fence, especially around the garden areas. If you have an out-of-hand infestation, consider having an electric fence with a low amperage and high voltage.
5. Repellents
While there are no fail-safe raccoon repellants, these animals can, nonetheless, be kept off a small area by using, among others, motion-activated water hoses. There is also a fluid that is commercially available and which is made from secretions from the glands of male raccoons. This should help in driving away females with litter out of your compound in some instances. Raccoons are also known to dislike the smell of ammonia and this can be used to drive them from interior spaces or keep them from areas where you keep garbage. At all costs, try and avoid using ultrasonic devices as these are, for the most part, highly ineffective and will only serve to annoy your neighbours.
The tips covered above can help keep raccoons off your property although nothing is foolproof. If you suspect an infestation on your property, it is advisable to get rid of them as soon as possible contact raccoon removal Milton. Raccoons may look cuddly and cute, they can be quite dangerous, especially when cornered. Moreover, they can also harbour rabies and various other serious illnesses and should always be approached with caution.