Raccoons

Raccoons are probably one of the most clever and tenacious suburban pests, boasting a wide range of athletic skills. They can climb, swim, jump, and run with ease. Their ability to break into trash cans is truly unparalleled in the animal kingdom.

Raccoons are nocturnal, wandering out at night to feed. They are omnivores, which means they'll eat pretty much anything. Sweet corn, grubs, fallen fruit, prize koi, leftover pet food"”these critters are not picky at all. Despite their wild-at-heart nature, raccoons have adapted to suburban conditions, and yards with gardens provide the perfect hangout. Toss in a birdbath as a water source, and you've created a raccoon paradise.

Here are some tell tale signs that raccoons are visiting your yard or garden:

• Garbage cans opened and trash tossed about
• Holes in lawn and mulch
• Fish missing from a garden pond or water fountain
• Empty bird feeders each morning (feeders may also be found mangled and destroyed, too)
• Half-eaten fruit and vegetables  
• Tubular droppings on logs, wood piles, or near the bottom of trees

Here are some tips to help keep raccoons away

1. Protect your trash

Raccoons cannot resist trash. Secure non-locking trash can lids with bungee cords or cinder blocks if possible. Use heavy duty trash bags and always double-bag waste meat items to reduce the odor. 

2. Clean up

Like many animals, raccoons love yards with places to hide as they scurry along. Remove brush, keep grass mowed, and prune overgrown shrubs. Limit other hiding places by sealing the space under sheds and decks with chicken wire or hardware cloth. Seal all entry points to eaves, and chimneys. 

3. Scare them away 

If raccoons are taking over your garden, try scaring them off with motion-detecting sprinklers or strobe lights. Radios and other noise-makers can also help deter raccoons. Make sure you alternate your scare strategies to keep raccoons from becoming accustomed to only one method.

6. Remove food sources

Gather up fallen fruit from trees, and don't let overripe produce sit on the ground in vegetable gardens. If you use a compost bin, make sure it has a secure locking cover. Be sure to bring bird feeders in at night or hang them in a spot that can't be accessed by raccoons.

7. Tend to pets

Raccoons also love pet food of all kinds, so never leave food out overnight. Seal pet entry doors at night, especially if you know a raccoon has been visiting your yard. Make sure pets vaccines are current and up to date in case they interact with a raccoon.