How to Keep Raccoons Out of Trash Cans
Picture this: a crisp fall evening in Washington DC, and you’ve just come back from a stroll around the National Mall.
You head home, only to find your trash cans tipped over, with garbage scattered across your lawn. It’s not teenagers playing pranks on you. It’s wildlife, namely, raccoons, rummaging through your trash.
These clever creatures may be cute, but they’re notorious for creating a mess.
The good news is that, with a few clever strategies (and maybe some help from us at Senate Termite and Pest Control), you can reclaim your trash cans and save your yard from raccoon chaos.
Why Do Raccoons Love Trash Cans?
That irresistible garbage smell doesn’t just attract flies. Raccoons have an incredible sense of smell, detecting food from quite a distance away, with home ranges of around two to three square miles. To them, trash cans are an all-you-can-eat buffet. They’re specifically drawn to:
- Food scraps like meat, fruits, and vegetables
- Pet food remnants
- Scented trash bags that amplify the smell of garbage
And with their sharp claws and dexterous paws, raccoons can easily pry open unsecured lids to get to their tasty treasure.
The Problem With Raccoons in Your Area
Whether you’re in Downtown DC, Gaithersburg, MD, or Alexandria, VA, raccoons are more than an irritating nuisance (as is likely the case with the aforementioned teenagers). Here’s why you should act quickly:
- Diseases: Like rodents, raccoons can carry diseases, including rabies, raccoon roundworm, posing a risk to your family and pets.
- Property Damage: Their determined pawing and climbing can damage trash cans, roofs, and even deck areas.
- Recurring Visits: Once raccoons identify your home as a food source, they’ll keep coming back.
6 Steps to Keep Raccoons Out of Trash Cans
Are you ready to raccoon-proof your trash? Here are six proven steps to keep them at bay:
1. Invest in Raccoon-Proof Trash Cans
Upgrade to trash cans with locking or snap-on lids. Many hardware stores in Maryland and Virginia carry specialized bins that raccoons can’t open. Look for models made of heavy-duty plastic or metal to withstand their clawing.
2. Secure Your Trash Can Area
Enclose your trash cans in a closed-off bin shed or a sturdy cage. If building a structure isn’t an option, simply use heavy objects like bricks or bungee cords to keep lids tightly shut.
3. Avoid Putting Trash Out Too Early
If you’re in areas like Bethesda, MD, or Arlington, VA, where raccoons actively roam with few natural predators, leaving trash out overnight is an open invitation. Set your trash out on the morning of collection instead.
4. Use Raccoon Deterrents
Raccoons dislike certain smells, so consider sprinkling ammonia, vinegar, or cayenne pepper around your trash bins. You can also set up motion-activated lights or sprinklers, which startle them and discourage nighttime visits.
5. Double Bag Your Trash
Place food scraps and other enticing items in double-layered plastic bags to reduce odors. Be sure to close each bag securely before tossing it into the bin.
6. Eliminate Other Food Sources
Even if your trash cans are secure, raccoons might still explore your yard. Remove bird feeders, pick up fallen fruits, and store pet food indoors.
Still Can’t Figure Out How to Keep Raccoons Out of Trash Cans?
Believe it or not, a raccoon’s intelligence is comparable to a primate’s. They’re smart enough to unlatch lids, solve problems, and even memorize food sources for months! So don’t get down on yourself if you’re having trouble avoiding their nightly trash can raids.
Raccoons can be tricky to deal with, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Senate Termite and Pest Control, we specialize in humane and effective pest control solutions tailored to Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia residents.
Protect your home and yard from raccoons with a trusted team by your side. Book your service today.
Did You Know?
Raccoons are more active in the late summer and fall as they prepare for colder months, meaning now is the perfect time to raccoon-proof your trash cans.
FAQ
What’s the most effective way to keep raccoons out of trash cans?
The most effective method is using raccoon-proof trash cans with locking lids. Combining this with deterrents like cayenne pepper or motion-activated lights creates a powerful defense.
Why are raccoons so attracted to trash cans in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia?
Raccoons are drawn to trash cans because of their heightened sense of smell, especially in urban and suburban areas where food scraps are plentiful.
What areas in my yard should I secure to prevent raccoons from returning?
Besides your trash cans, secure attics, sheds, and decks, where raccoons often hide or nest.
Can I handle raccoon infestations on my own?
While DIY measures can help, infestations often require professional assistance to ensure raccoons are removed and the issue doesn’t recur.