Our pesky neighbors, raccoons, love summer as much as we do. We love fresh fruits and veggies, grilled hot dogs, and a juicy burger, yet so are they. Long after you’ve cleaned up your backyard barbecue is when raccoons start getting ready for theirs. They insist on raiding and picking up our trash, and once they’re done, they leave their mess all over the yard. To ban a rodent after the party, here are five tips to prevent raccoons from rummaging through your trash can.
1. Keep the trash can inside. Whether your can is in the garage or another enclosed area, a heavy door as the only option for entry and exit will help with undisturbed trash. Fortunately, the raccoons can’t reach the doorknobs!
two. Install a 100 watt motion detection light. If your trash can is kept outside, a motion detection light aimed at the area where the trash can remains will help scare off raccoons and other pests at night. The bright flash of light will scare them away from continuing their foray.
3. Sprinkle hot pepper or cayenne pepper around the trash can.. While some stores sell raccoon repellants, if you prefer to use a more natural method, hot pepper and cayenne pepper will have the same effect. A thin layer of seasoning will leave a strong smell that raccoons will avoid.
Four. Place an ammonia-soaked cloth in the bottom of the trash can.. The smell of ammonia has been found to scare away raccoons, so keeping the scent around the garbage at all times should help with the problem. Another option is to fill a spray bottle with ammonia and spray the perimeter of your garden to prevent them from entering completely.
5. Use a bungee cord to secure the lid to the trash can.. If pests can’t get in, there will be no mess. Using a bungee cord or string from a handle on the side of the can, through the handle on the lid, to the handle on the other side of the can should keep the lid in place and unwanted visitors outside.
It is also important to remember to always keep garbage tied up in garbage bags and to keep the can covered at all times. Using these tips should help with unwanted guests arriving at your party after hours and keep them out of the trash.
