You’ve heard the strange sounds at night, and you’ve found muddy paw prints near your garbage cans, but there’s no way those are from a raccoon. Raccoons are cute, cuddly, and sweet creatures, right? I mean, in every animated movie, the raccoons are almost always the good guys.
Well, I hate to break it to you, but those little critters are quite a nuisance, and they can cause a lot of trouble in a little amount of time.
Lucky for you, I’m here to give you the full breakdown on how to get rid of these little fellas and to keep them away for good.
What to Do If You Have Raccoons in Your Home
Let me set the stage. It’s the middle of the night and you hear noises in your attic. You’re not scared, so you investigate. Then… BAM! You see glowing eyes hiding in the darkness. What do you do?
Well, the first thing is… don’t panic. It’s quite common for homeowners to unintentionally meet with a raccoon whether it’s outside in your garbage cans or inside your attic.
The second thing is… don’t try to chase after it with a broom. These furry bandits are pretty much olympic-level climbers, and you’ll just end up looking ridiculous as it gets away.
Here’s what you should do:
- Identify the signs of raccoon activity: Where did you hear the scratching noises, where did you find the droppings, when did you notice the tipped-over trash cans, or how long have the vents on your home been damaged?
- Keep your distance & stay safe: Just like the Incredible Hulk, you don’t wanna see a raccoon when they’re angry. Even if they look like fuzzy burglars, if raccoons are put into a corner, they can get defensive fast.
- Call a professional: Humane wildlife removal experts (like us at Alpha Wildlife) know how to handle raccoons without making things worse. We can get rid of the raccoons and establish exclusionary barriers to prevent them from coming back into your home.
What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Raccoons?
I like your style. You want these guys gone and you want them gone now. The best (& fastest) way to get rid of raccoons is through Humane trapping & sealing entry points to prevent reentry.
- A humane wildlife removal company safely traps the raccoon using professional-grade equipment.
- The certified technicians seal off every entry point (raccoons like to find weak points in your roof and rip the shingles right off).
- Lastly, they clean and sanitize the area, so the raccoons don’t come back with friends.
This process ensures that the animal is quickly removed from your property, your home is sealed with prevention measures to keep them out, and the now-clean area doesn’t attract any other critters.
How Do You Keep Raccoons Away?
Raccoons are those high school buddies that come over to your house, throw a massive party, eat all your food, and the leave the place a mess. As opportunistic creatures, raccoons go where there’s an opportunity for food. If you take that away, they’ll think your house is lame and go somewhere else.
- Lock down food: Tight-fitting trash can lids are a must.
- Secure pet food: Midnight snacking is their love language.
- Eliminate water sources: No water bowls, bird baths, or standing puddles nearby.
You might see TikTok hacks with peppermint oil or loud music as great ways to keep these critters away. Spoiler Alert: raccoons could couldn’t care less.
Here’s Things to Try That Actually Work
- Motion-activated lights – like a prison escape, shine a bright light on these little fellas and they’ll freeze right up
- Exclusion barriers – secure the weak points of your home with chimney caps, vent covers, and reinforced soffits.
- Professional wildlife control – because DIY raccoon removal usually ends with the raccoon winning.
What Can Keep them Away Naturally?
Some homeowners swear by:
- Ammonia or Vinegar-soaked rags (smells awful and raccoons aren’t fans either, just don’t be surprised if your neighbors have questions).
- Capsaicin-Based Sprays (don’t get it in your eyes).
- Predator urine (yes, you can buy this).
Raccoon deterrents might keep them away for a short period of time, but trust me, they’ll be back.
The Verdict: What Is the Best Way to Keep Raccoons Away for Good?
Humane trapping, sealing entry points, and professional help will always beat out DIY hacks. Raccoons are survivors—clever, curious, and determined. The only guaranteed way to get rid of them is to make your home completely raccoon-proof.
FAQs
Q: What is the fastest way to get rid of raccoons?
A: The best & fastest way to get rid of raccoons is through professional trapping and exclusion services. Humane wildlife control experts can safely trap the raccoons, seal off entry points, and secure the area to keep them from coming back.
Q: Do natural raccoon repellents really work?
A: Short-term, maybe. Things like ammonia or peppermint oil might buy you an extra night of peace, but raccoons are persistent. They’ll eventually ignore the smell and come back.
Q: How do I keep raccoons out of my garbage cans?
A: Use tight-fitting lids or lockable bins. You can also store cans in a shed or garage until pickup day. If there’s no food source available, raccoons will move on to the next house.
Q: Can I remove raccoons myself?
A: It’s not recommended. Raccoons can carry diseases and become aggressive if cornered. Call a licensed wildlife removal service for safe, humane removal.
Q: What’s the best long-term solution for raccoon problems?
A: Proper exclusion measures. Once raccoons are removed, sealing entry points and eliminating food and water sources will keep them from returning.
Quick Recap
Raccoons may look like adorable cartoon characters, but when they’re tearing up your attic or raiding your garbage can, the cuteness fades fast. Here’s the bottom line:
- Don’t panic (and definitely don’t chase them with a broom).
- The best way to get rid of raccoons is humane trapping + exclusion methods.
- Lock down food, water, and trash to keep them away.
- DIY hacks might work for a night, but raccoons are persistent — and smart.
- For long-term peace of mind, professional raccoon removal is the only guaranteed fix.
