Living in harmony with nature is wonderful, but man-made structures and developments infringe on these animals’ natural habitats. As a result, some of them start to look for food sources in your backyard, such as those provided by pet food dishes or unattended bird feeders. Raccoons can be quite tenacious when it comes to getting what they want from humans — from invading gardens and garbage cans to making their homes in sheds or attics. However, there are steps you can take to make sure raccoons don’t disrupt the peace and quiet of your yard in Lutherville MD 21093 for good. In this article, we’ll cover how you can keep these furry bandits at bay without resorting to drastic measures like relocation or extermination.
Understand Raccoon Behavior
To get started, it is important to understand the behavior of raccoons. They are omnivores and opportunists that will take advantage of any food source they can find. They are also highly adaptable animals, which means they can learn how to operate your garbage cans or latches on your shed doors. This understanding will help you anticipate their movements and decide the best course of action for keeping them away from your yard.
Secure Your Garbage Cans
A surefire way to keep raccoons out of your yard is to ensure that all garbage cans and other containers with food scraps in them are securely sealed and locked. Make sure that any pet food dishes are stored indoors after dark, as raccoons often come out at night to scavenge for food.
Install Motion-Activated Lights
Raccoons are usually nocturnal and prefer to stay hidden in the darkness of the night. Be sure to purchase LED motion-activated lights that use infrared technology to detect movement and turn on the light when an animal passes by. The bright light will startle raccoons and discourage them from returning to your yard. Additionally, these lights offer little disruption to humans or other animals since they only turn on when an animal is detected in the area.
Use Repellents
One of the most popular is an odor-based repellent, such as mothballs, garlic, or ammonia. These substances should be spread around the perimeter of your property, especially near areas where raccoons may enter or inhabit (e.g., trash cans). There are also special commercial products available on the market that emit odors, sounds, or flashing lights that may be able to deter raccoons from entering your yard. However, these products should be used with caution as they can also affect other animals in the environment. No matter which repellent you use, make sure to reapply every few weeks or when it rains to ensure its effectiveness.
By following the steps outlined above, you’ll ensure that raccoons won’t disrupt the peace and quiet of your yard for good. It’s important to remain vigilant and take measures like securing garbage cans and motion-activated lights to keep these furry bandits at bay. With a little effort, you can protect your property in Lutherville MD 21093 from unwanted visitors forever! And if you need help with wildlife pest management, contact us today at Mid-Atlantic Wildlife Control. We specialize in getting rid of all sorts of nuisance animals quickly and efficiently so you can enjoy your yard again in peace.