Raccoons are one of the most common nuisance animals in North America. If you have raccoons in your backyard, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. Read on to find out what to do if a raccoon is in your backyard.
What is a raccoon, and where do they live?
Raccoons are medium-sized wild mammals that are native to North America. They have black mask-like markings around their eyes and a bushy tail. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, so they are most active at night. They live in a variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, and urban areas.
Female raccoons typically give birth to two to five offspring per year. Raccoons can live for up to 20 years in the wild, but their lifespan is shorter when they are in captivity.
What do raccoons eat?
Raccoons are omnivorous animals, which means they eat both plants and animals. Some of the things they eat include fruits, nuts, berries, insects, frogs, rodents, and birds.
What to do if a raccoon is in your backyard?: Signs of a raccoon in your backyard?
There are a few signs that you may have a raccoon in your backyard. These include seeing them during the day, hearing noises at night, finding their droppings, or seeing damage to your property.
What to do if a raccoon is in your backyard?
Here are some tips for rodent control in your backyard:
1. The first thing you need to do is identify what type of problem you have. If the raccoon is causing damage to your property, such as digging up the landscaping or garbage cans tipped over, then you have a nuisance problem. If the raccoon is not causing any damage and is just looking for food, then you have a food source problem. Once you have identified the problem, you can take steps to solve it.
2. If the raccoon is causing damage to your property, the best thing to do is to remove the food source that is attracting the raccoon. This may mean removing pet food from the outside, cleaning up fallen fruit from trees, or putting away garbage cans. Once the food source is removed, the raccoon will likely move on.
3. If the raccoon is not causing any damage but is just looking for food, the best course of action is to live to trap the animal and relocate it far away from your property. You can purchase a live trap at your local hardware store or online. Be sure to check your local laws and regulations regarding trapping and relocating wildlife before taking this step!
Things to avoid doing if you have a raccoon in your backyard
There are a few things you should avoid doing if you have a raccoon in your backyard.
1. Do not feed raccoons with the intention of getting rid of them. This will only attract more raccoons and cause them to become nuisances.
2. Do not try to kill the raccoon yourself! This is illegal in many states, and you could be fined.
3. Do not release the raccoon into the wild! This can spread diseases to other animals and put people at risk. The best thing to do is to have the raccoon relocated by a professional.
What are the raccoons attracted to?
There are things that raccoons are attracted to. Some of these things include:
- Pet food left outside
- Fruit trees that have fallen fruit
- Garbage cans that are not properly sealed
- Bird feeders/ bird seed
- Piles of wood or debris
- Food scraps
- Openings under decks or porches
- Chimneys
- Access to water sources
Using raccoon repellent
Raccoon repellents are products that are designed for raccoon removal and to keep raccoons away from your property. There are a few different types of repellents, including:
Granular repellents: These products are sprinkled around the perimeter of your property. They usually contain either predator urine or a scent that raccoons do not like.
Liquid repellents: These products are sprayed around the perimeter of your property. They usually contain either predator urine or a scent that raccoons do not like.
Ultrasonic devices: These devices emit a high-pitched sound that is only audible to animals. They can be used around the perimeter of your property or placed inside your home.
How can I stop raccoons from coming back to my backyard?
Once you have removed the things that are attracting the raccoons, there are a few additional steps you can take to prevent them from returning. These include:
- Securing trash cans with a heavy lid or bungee cord
- Removing bird feeders from the property
- Repairing any holes or damage to the property
- Installing a fence around the perimeter of the property
Keep your backyard clean and organized, and raccoons will be less likely to return!
Final thoughts on what to do if a raccoon is in your backyard?
If you have a raccoon in your backyard, the best thing to do is to take steps to remove the attractants and prevent them from returning. This may include removing pet food, cleaning up fallen fruit, and putting away garbage cans. You can also take steps to deter raccoons, such as securing trash cans and installing a fence. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact your local wildlife control agency. They will be able to help you resolve your raccoon problem in the safest and most effective way possible.