Difference between revisions of "Keep Raccoons Out of a Trash Can"
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| − | + | Though trash is trash to us, it can be a meal or two for some curious and hungry wild animals. Notorious for making a snack of whatever you've thrown out in your trash can, raccoons will stop at very little to get their treats out of your trash. | |
What can you do to deter these cute but curious creatures from strewing your refuse all over your lawn? Fortunately, there are several options you can choose from. Read over the suggested steps below to find a number of easy options for keeping raccoons out of your trash can. | What can you do to deter these cute but curious creatures from strewing your refuse all over your lawn? Fortunately, there are several options you can choose from. Read over the suggested steps below to find a number of easy options for keeping raccoons out of your trash can. | ||
| − | [[Category:Rodent Control]] | + | [[Category: Rodent Control]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
#Focus on the trash can itself. Your first best defense is to ensure that the trash can itself is as impenetrable as a fortress to a raccoon. Purchase a [[Recycle Metals|metal trash can]] with a lid that locks in place. | #Focus on the trash can itself. Your first best defense is to ensure that the trash can itself is as impenetrable as a fortress to a raccoon. Purchase a [[Recycle Metals|metal trash can]] with a lid that locks in place. | ||
| − | #* Note that some plastic trash cans have a screw that secures the lid on the can. However, be aware that raccoons can and do chew through plastic bins.<ref>http://www.gardenguides.com/video-62694-keep-raccoons-out-trash-can.html#videoTranscript</ref> | + | #* Note that some plastic trash cans have a screw that secures the lid on the can. However, be aware that raccoons can and do chew through plastic bins.<ref name="rf1">http://www.gardenguides.com/video-62694-keep-raccoons-out-trash-can.html#videoTranscript</ref> |
#*If you're not sure what bin to choose, ask a knowledgeable salesperson to help you – be sure to mention that it must be raccoon-proof. Also, special commercial raccoon locks for bins can be bought. | #*If you're not sure what bin to choose, ask a knowledgeable salesperson to help you – be sure to mention that it must be raccoon-proof. Also, special commercial raccoon locks for bins can be bought. | ||
#*'''Never''' leave your trash can exposed by leaving the lid off! That is an invitation to [[Forage for Food in the Fall|foraging]]. | #*'''Never''' leave your trash can exposed by leaving the lid off! That is an invitation to [[Forage for Food in the Fall|foraging]]. | ||
#Secure the trash can lid with clamps or the locking system already fitted on it. Alternatively, you can use a chain and lock – raccoons aren't smart enough (yet) to [[Pick a Lock|pick a lock]]! | #Secure the trash can lid with clamps or the locking system already fitted on it. Alternatively, you can use a chain and lock – raccoons aren't smart enough (yet) to [[Pick a Lock|pick a lock]]! | ||
| − | #* For a lid that doesn't lock in place, attach plastic hose pipe or tubing all around the edge of the lid so that it creates a seal when fitted onto the bin. Cut a piece of rubber tubing or hose pipe along one side and slip it over the rim of your trash can. This will create a tight seal for the lid and make it difficult for raccoons to pry off.<ref | + | #* For a lid that doesn't lock in place, attach plastic hose pipe or tubing all around the edge of the lid so that it creates a seal when fitted onto the bin. Cut a piece of rubber tubing or hose pipe along one side and slip it over the rim of your trash can. This will create a tight seal for the lid and make it difficult for raccoons to pry off.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*Tie the lid of your trash can to the can with a rope or bungee cord secured around the handles. Wrapping the bungee cord all the way around the bin on two sides will put off the most intrepid raccoons.<ref | + | #*Tie the lid of your trash can to the can with a rope or bungee cord secured around the handles. Wrapping the bungee cord all the way around the bin on two sides will put off the most intrepid raccoons.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Set a rock, cinder block or other heavy item on top of the trash can. The only problem with this method is the heaviness of the item. If members of the household have trouble lifting it up, they're likely to stop taking out the garbage, so bear this in mind and only use this method if those who use the trash can are still able to get to the trash can easily. | #Set a rock, cinder block or other heavy item on top of the trash can. The only problem with this method is the heaviness of the item. If members of the household have trouble lifting it up, they're likely to stop taking out the garbage, so bear this in mind and only use this method if those who use the trash can are still able to get to the trash can easily. | ||
| − | #Spray the interior of the trash can with ammonia. Alternatively, place ammonia-soaked cloths inside the trash can or pour ammonia in neat. [[Make Soapy Ammonia Cleaning Solution|Ammonia]] smells like urine to a raccoon, making it highly offensive to them.<ref>http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/pest/raccoons.php</ref> You can also spray other areas where raccoons seem to congregate, to discourage them from entering your yard in the first place. | + | #Spray the interior of the trash can with ammonia. Alternatively, place ammonia-soaked cloths inside the trash can or pour ammonia in neat. [[Make Soapy Ammonia Cleaning Solution|Ammonia]] smells like urine to a raccoon, making it highly offensive to them.<ref name="rf2">http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/pest/raccoons.php</ref> You can also spray other areas where raccoons seem to congregate, to discourage them from entering your yard in the first place. |
#Sprinkle a raccoon repellent around your trash cans. [[Track Raccoons|Raccoons]] will not like the taste of almost any type of commercial repellent product. | #Sprinkle a raccoon repellent around your trash cans. [[Track Raccoons|Raccoons]] will not like the taste of almost any type of commercial repellent product. | ||
#* If you do not wish to use repellent granules, you can use hot pepper or [[Make Cayenne Pepper|cayenne pepper]] instead. | #* If you do not wish to use repellent granules, you can use hot pepper or [[Make Cayenne Pepper|cayenne pepper]] instead. | ||
| − | #*Other suitable repellents include oil of mustard and naphtha flakes.<ref>http://www.toronto.ca/animal_services/raccoon.htm</ref> Note that the use of naphtha flakes, naphthalene [[Get Rid of the Smell of Mothballs|mothballs]], etc. may be illegal in your area as they are possible [[Study Carcinogenic Compounds|carcinogens]]; check local regulations. | + | #*Other suitable repellents include oil of mustard and naphtha flakes.<ref name="rf3">http://www.toronto.ca/animal_services/raccoon.htm</ref> Note that the use of naphtha flakes, naphthalene [[Get Rid of the Smell of Mothballs|mothballs]], etc. may be illegal in your area as they are possible [[Study Carcinogenic Compounds|carcinogens]]; check local regulations. |
| − | #Install motion-detection lighting around the area where you keep your trash cans. Raccoons prefer darkness and might be deterred by a sudden bright light. A 100 watt bulb is a good choice for the lighting level.<ref | + | #Install motion-detection lighting around the area where you keep your trash cans. Raccoons prefer darkness and might be deterred by a sudden bright light. A 100 watt bulb is a good choice for the lighting level.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #*If possible, place a [[Listen to Satellite Radio|radio]] near your trash can. Set it to an all-news or talk station. The sound of human voices might deter raccoons from coming near your trash cans.<ref | + | #*If possible, place a [[Listen to Satellite Radio|radio]] near your trash can. Set it to an all-news or talk station. The sound of human voices might deter raccoons from coming near your trash cans.<ref name="rf2" /> <ref name="rf3" /> You can use a low level volume and gradually increase it if needed. |
#Place your trash cans in a secured bin area or other enclosure, such as inside a shed, [[Waterproof Your Basement|basement]] or garage. If no animal can get in without a human opening a door, then the trash cans will be left undisturbed. | #Place your trash cans in a secured bin area or other enclosure, such as inside a shed, [[Waterproof Your Basement|basement]] or garage. If no animal can get in without a human opening a door, then the trash cans will be left undisturbed. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
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*Make sure to seal all garbage bags before placing them in the trash can. | *Make sure to seal all garbage bags before placing them in the trash can. | ||
*If you have a fenced yard, consider adding mesh wire to the bottom of the fence and extending it several inches underground to deter raccoons from burrowing under and getting to your trash cans. | *If you have a fenced yard, consider adding mesh wire to the bottom of the fence and extending it several inches underground to deter raccoons from burrowing under and getting to your trash cans. | ||
| − | *Be sure to clean up thoroughly after any outside barbecues to cut down on attracting raccoons to your yard. Raccoons love barbecue grease!<ref | + | *Be sure to clean up thoroughly after any outside barbecues to cut down on attracting raccoons to your yard. Raccoons love barbecue grease!<ref name="rf3" /> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
