By: LaJaunie's Pest Control 
December 24, 2024 
Raccoons might be cute from a distance, but they can become a real nuisance when they invade your property. These nocturnal animals are skilled climbers and scavengers, making them tough to deter.
For effective and lasting results, turn to the Slidell raccoon exclusion experts who specialize in safe removal and prevention. Here are some practical strategies to help keep raccoons and other critters at bay.
Here are some practical strategies to help you keep raccoons and other critters at bay.
Key Takeaways
- Raccoons are drawn to open garbage and pet food, so secure trash cans and remove bowls overnight.
- Protecting gardens, sealing gaps in your home, and using safe repellents can keep raccoons off your property.
- Motion-activated sprinklers or lights can be effective tools to scare raccoons away and prevent them from returning.
- Professional raccoon exclusion experts in Baton Rouge can identify entry points, remove raccoons safely, and prevent future problems.
1. Secure Trash Cans and Compost Bins
One of the biggest attractions for raccoons is easy access to food sources like garbage cans and compost bins.
Ensure your garbage cans have tight-fitting lids, and consider using bungee cords or clamps for extra security. For compost bins, use a sturdy, sealed design to keep raccoons from digging through scraps.
2. Remove Food Sources
Raccoons are always on the lookout for an easy meal, so cleaning up food sources is key to keeping them away.
Make sure to bring pet food bowls inside after feeding, and never leave food outside overnight. Pick up fallen fruit from trees, and avoid letting birdseed scatter on the ground by switching to raccoon-proof bird feeders.
3. Protect Your Garden
When it comes to your vegetable garden, raccoons can be relentless. They love snacking on things like sweet corn and tomatoes, so it’s a good idea to take some extra precautions.
Try setting up an electric fence to keep them out, or sprinkle cayenne pepper or hot sauce around your plants to make them less appealing.
For even more protection, cover your plants with hardware cloth or wire mesh to block their access entirely.
4. Close Off Entry Points
Raccoons can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. Inspect your property for potential entry points, including:
- Holes in your roof or attic vents.
- Openings in the crawl space or around chimneys.
- Gaps around doors, windows, or pipes.
Seal these areas using durable materials like hardware cloth or cinder blocks, and install chimney caps to prevent access.
5. Use Raccoon Repellents
Animal repellents can be a great way to make your property less appealing to raccoons.
Using predator urine, like coyote urine, can create the impression of danger and scare raccoons off. Sprinkling Epsom salt in areas where raccoons tend to roam can also keep them away since they don’t like its texture.
For a stronger approach, scents like peppermint oil or mothballs can work wonders, but make sure to use these safely, especially if you have kids or pets around.
6. Install Motion-Activated Deterrents
Motion-activated sprinklers or lights can scare off raccoons when they approach. These raccoon-deterrents are particularly effective because these critters are startled by sudden movements or changes in light and water.
7. Handle a Raccoon Problem Promptly
If you notice signs of raccoons, such as droppings, damaged property, or food remnants, act quickly. Here’s what you can do:
- Place live traps to safely capture and relocate raccoons (check local laws first).
- Contact a wildlife/raccoon removal or animal control professional for persistent problems.
WHEN TO CALL PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICES
Sometimes DIY methods aren’t effective. Partner with raccoon exclusion experts for proven prevention and long-term peace of mind.
Our pest control specialists can help identify access points, implement deterrents, and ensure your property stays critter-free.
For more tips or to schedule a service, contact us today. Keeping raccoons away doesn’t have to be a battle—let us help you reclaim your space.
