Introduction
If you're constantly waking up to tipped-over trash cans and scattered waste, you're not alone. Homeowners across Florida and beyond struggle with clever, persistent raccoons rifling through garbage in search of an easy meal. Understanding how to get rid of raccoons from your trash area is essential not just for cleanliness, but also for health and safety. At All U Need Pest Control, we offer expert advice and practical solutions to keep these masked bandits at bay.
Why Raccoons Are Attracted to Garbage
Raccoons are omnivorous scavengers with a keen sense of smell, able to detect food scraps from a surprising distance. Trash cans, especially those containing leftover food, pet waste, or grease-soaked materials, act as a buffet for these nocturnal visitors. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), improper waste management is one of the leading causes of human-wildlife conflict in residential neighborhoods.
To discourage them, you must first remove the attractions. Avoid discarding meat, bones, or greasy paper towels into outside bins, and always bag food waste securely. Even bird feeders and pet food dishes can entice raccoons from afar, so remove or relocate them indoors at night.
Use Epsom Salt to Get Rid of Raccoons Naturally
One surprisingly effective solution is sprinkling Epsom salt around your trash cans. The scent is highly unpleasant to raccoons, who will likely seek food elsewhere. Be sure to reapply after rain or heavy dew for continued effectiveness. While it’s not a permanent fix, it’s a great addition to your raccoon-proofing strategy and helps with how to get rid of raccoons using natural methods.
You can also mix Epsom salt with water and spray it on trash can lids or along walkways where raccoons usually travel. This extra step strengthens your defensive barrier, especially when used alongside other deterrents.
Secure Locked Lids for Raccoon-Proof Trash
If you’re wondering how to get rid of raccoons long-term, start by upgrading your garbage cans. Opt for models with tight-sealing or locking lids. Raccoons are skilled with their paws and can easily pry open loosely secured lids. Bungee cords or lid clamps can be added to existing bins for extra protection.
The physical barrier method is among the most effective in preventing raccoons from accessing human food sources. Once a raccoon learns that a can is impenetrable, it often loses interest quickly.
In addition to locking lids, consider storing trash in a secure shed or garage if possible. Limiting access makes your property less attractive to wildlife and gives you better control over sanitation.
Install Motion-Activated Lights and Sprinklers
Raccoons are nocturnal and prefer to forage under the cover of darkness. Installing motion-activated lights near your garbage area can startle and discourage them from approaching. For added defense, consider a motion-activated sprinkler system. The sudden light or burst of water is usually enough to frighten them off without causing harm.
These deterrents are especially helpful in yards with limited fencing or where garbage is stored outdoors. By reducing the “comfort level” of the environment, you drastically reduce repeat visits—and take another step in mastering how to get rid of raccoons.
Choose solar-powered models to keep energy costs down and ensure coverage of all vulnerable spots, especially around trash storage, fences, and entryways.
Maintain a Clean and Raccoon-Free Yard
A clean yard is a raccoon-free yard. Food spills, open compost piles, and pet feeding stations are magnets for raccoons. Keep trash cans clean inside and out, rinse recyclables before disposal, and avoid putting trash out the night before pickup. If you store bins outside, place them on a raised platform or in a secure shed.
The University of Florida IFAS Extension stresses the importance of removing attractants and modifying habitats to reduce nuisance wildlife interactions. These tips are crucial for anyone learning how to get rid of raccoons effectively.
Trim overgrown shrubs and low-hanging branches that can provide shelter or make it easier for raccoons to climb and access roofs or decks. Regularly check fences for holes or loose boards that could act as entry points.
Add Extra Scent Deterrents Around Garbage Areas
In addition to Epsom salt, other strong-smelling substances like ammonia, vinegar, or commercial raccoon repellents can discourage visits. Apply them around the base of the garbage cans and surrounding area. Keep in mind that these solutions need to be reapplied frequently for best results.
If you're using natural deterrents, rotate them weekly to prevent raccoons from acclimating to one particular scent. Combining these with physical barriers and lighting is your best bet if you're serious about how to get rid of raccoons for good.
For more coverage, soak rags in ammonia and place them in containers with holes punched in the lids. Set them near problem areas to extend the reach of the scent without damaging your property or landscaping.
Person hand spraying a liquid repellent on home terrace wood boards.
For a more permanent fix, consider building or purchasing a wooden or metal enclosure for your garbage bins. These enclosures act as a double barrier, keeping raccoons from even reaching your trash cans. Make sure the doors are latched securely and that there are no gaps or weak spots where animals could squeeze through.
Many homeowners find that combining an enclosure with locked lids completely eliminates raccoon problems within weeks. It’s one of the most reliable answers to how to get rid of raccoons without harming them.
You can find ready-made enclosures at home improvement stores or build one yourself with pressure-treated lumber and durable hardware. Paint or stain it to match your home and enhance curb appeal while solving your raccoon problem.
Conclusion: Stay Consistent With Raccoon Prevention
Keeping raccoons out of your garbage isn't a one-and-done fix—it requires consistency and a multi-pronged approach. From Epsom salt and locked lids to lighting and trash enclosures, every tactic plays a role in creating a raccoon-resistant environment.
By following the tips above and taking a proactive stance, you’ll drastically reduce your chances of raccoon disturbances and the messes they leave behind. Long-term success in how to get rid of raccoons depends on ongoing awareness, regular maintenance, and being prepared to adjust your strategy as needed.