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Raccoon-Proofing Your Trash Cans, Ways to Outsmart Those Furry Bandits

Raccoon hunting trash
Raccoon hunting trash. Image by GLINI via Depositphotos.

If you’ve ever woken up to find your trash scattered all over your yard, courtesy of some sneaky raccoons, you’re not alone. These furry little bandits are clever, persistent, and have an uncanny ability to open lids with their tiny and more human-like hands and leave your trash in a state of chaos. But fear not! With a few strategic moves, you can make your trash cans raccoon-proof. Let’s look into the most effective ways to keep your trash cans safe from these clever creatures.

Understand Your Furry Opponent

Racoon
Racoon. Image by EBFoto via Depositphotos.

Raccoons are opportunistic scavengers with dexterous fingers that allow them to open containers, unlatch doors, and dig through just about anything. They weigh between 7 and 20 pounds and will eat almost anything they can find. They also have a home range that extends far and wide, so once they discover your tasty trash, they’ll keep coming back. Shooing them away won’t cut it—these bandits are here for the long haul unless you outsmart them.

Secure Those Lids Like a Pro

Raccoon standing over a trash bin.
Raccoon standing over a trash bin. Image by nstanev via Depositphotos.

The easiest way for raccoons to turn your trash cans into their personal buffet is by lifting unsecured lids. If your bins are outside and don’t have a lockable lid, it’s game over. Consider moving your trash bins inside a garage or shed to keep them out of reach. If that’s not an option, invest in bins with heavy-duty locks or straps that raccoons can’t figure out (no matter how clever they are). A secured lid equals one frustrated raccoon.

Please Clean Your Trash Bins

Raccoon hunting trash
Raccoon hunting trash. Image by GLINI via Depositphotos.

As much as none of us enjoy cleaning trash cans, if they smell like last night’s leftovers, raccoons are going to be all over them. A quick scrub with soapy water or even a bleach solution can go a long way in making your bins less appealing to raccoons. Even small food particles or trash around the can will attract them. A clean, fresh-smelling trash bin is much less likely to lure in the local raccoon population, so give it a little TLC now and then.

Declutter Your Yard

Raccoon in a backyard.
Raccoon in a backyard. Image by tiger_barb via Depositphotos.

Your yard is more than just a place for raccoons to find food—it can also become their cozy hangout. Piles of leaves, untrimmed bushes, and debris create perfect hiding spots for them. By keeping your yard neat and free of clutter, you’ll reduce the chance of raccoons setting up camp near your trash cans. Keep things tidy, and the raccoons will get the hint that your yard isn’t their personal playground.

DIY Raccoon Repellents

A beautiful raccoon sits in a wooden treehouse and looks down
A beautiful raccoon sits in a wooden treehouse and looks down. Image by kip02kas via Depositphotos.

Raccoons have a powerful sense of smell, and you can use this to your advantage by creating homemade repellents. Some natural smells raccoons can’t stand include garlic, onions, hot peppers, peppermint oil, and even Epsom salts. Mix any of these ingredients with water in a spray bottle and spray around your trash cans. It’s like creating an invisible barrier that raccoons will want nothing to do with. A little DIY repellent can go a long way in keeping those furry troublemakers away.

Invest in Heavy-Duty Trash Bins

Heavy duty trash bins.
Heavy duty trash bins. Image by vicyphoto via Depositphotos.

If raccoons are still managing to outsmart your basic bins, it’s time to bring in the heavy artillery—heavy-duty trash cans designed to keep even the craftiest raccoons out. These bins come with secure locks, reinforced lids, and are generally made of stronger materials. They may cost a little more, but it’s a worthy investment if you’re serious about keeping your yard raccoon-free. When you outmatch their persistence with secure bins, your trash will remain safe and sound.

Build a Fence or Enclosure

A great close up shot of a beautiful Raccoon looking out of the fence
A great close up shot of a beautiful Raccoon looking out of the fence. Image by Wirestock via Depositphotos.

If you’re tired of raccoons treating your trash cans like an all-you-can-eat buffet, consider fencing them off. You don’t have to fence your entire yard, but a small enclosure for your trash bins can make a huge difference. A sturdy fence will create a physical barrier that raccoons can’t bypass, no matter how nimble they are. Whether it’s a DIY project or a store-bought enclosure, fencing off your bins adds an extra layer of security against raccoons.

Try Ammonia as a Repellent

Canisters with ammonia
Canisters with ammonia. Image by Leonid_Eremeychuk via Depositphotos.

If DIY repellents aren’t enough, there’s always the trusty ammonia trick. Spraying a bit of ammonia on your trash bags before placing them in the bin can deter raccoons with its strong smell. They’ll quickly learn that your trash cans are not a welcoming place, and hopefully, they’ll move on to find food elsewhere. Just remember to reapply the ammonia each time you take out the trash, so the smell stays strong enough to keep raccoons away.

Let There Be Light!

Footpath with bright night light lamps
Footpath with bright night light lamps. Image by blanscape via Depositphotos.

Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, meaning they love the cover of darkness to sneak in and raid your trash. By setting up a bright light near your trash cans, you take away their sneaky advantage. Raccoons don’t want to be seen, and a bright light shining directly on their target will likely send them scurrying in the opposite direction. Whether you use motion-sensor lights or keep a floodlight on all night, a well-lit trash area is much less appealing to raccoons.