Introduction
Raccoons will typically be found in your yard looking for food or a place to shelter themselves. What Attracts Raccoons To Your Yard? Raccoons are drawn to yards by a variety of items, the most common of which include garbage cans that have been left open or unsealed, pet food or bird seed that has been left unattended, openings under porches and decks, compost piles, chicken coops, trees that can be climbed, and vegetable gardens.
The first thing you need to do to get rid of the raccoons in your yard is to figure out why they came there in the first place. Let’s examine these eight possible explanations for why raccoons entered your home. After that, we will provide individualized defense strategies tailored to each reason.
What Attracts Raccoons To An Area?
Raccoons flock to places with food and shelter, such as garbage cans, pet food, bird feeders, goldfish ponds, chicken coops, compost piles, gardens, attics, chimneys, crawl spaces, decks, and sheds. Raccoons can be a nuisance when they get into your rubbish.
Food Sources For Raccoons In Your Yard
Food is one of the key things that raccoons are drawn to. Raccoons consume various foods, including fruits, nuts, seeds, insects, worms, fish, frogs, eggs, birds, rodents, and even garbage. They will consume practically anything they can get their paws on, and their excellent sense of smell aids them in locating food sources. Raccoons are attracted to a variety of food sources, including:
Cans Of Garbage
Raccoons are well-known for raiding trash cans for leftovers, scraps, and other edible stuff. They can open lids, break bags, and scatter debris with their quick fingers. To keep raccoons out of your garbage cans, store them in a secure location, such as a garage or shed, until trash pickup day. Use metal or plastic cans with tight-fitting lids and straps or locks to prevent raccoons.
Food For Pets
Raccoons adore pet food, particularly moist cat or dog food with a strong odor and taste. Raccoons will likely visit your yard if you leave pet food outside overnight or in an easily accessible location. To avoid this, feed your pets inside or remove any remaining food after eating. You can also use raised or enclosed feeders that raccoons won’t be able to reach or open.
Feeders For Birds
Bird feeders containing seeds, nuts, suet, or nectar attract raccoons. They may scale poles, trees, and fences to get to the feeders and either devour the contents or knock them over. To keep raccoons out of your bird feeders, hang them high enough that they can’t get to them, or use baffles or guards to keep them out. You can also use feeders that close when a large animal lands on them or bring the feeders inside at night.
Ponds For Ezoic Goldfish
Raccoons are drawn to goldfish ponds with fish, frogs, or other water animals. They can use their paws to catch and consume fish and sip water.
To keep raccoons out of your goldfish pond, cover it with a net or wire mesh that raccoons can’t break through or lift. Install motion-activated lights or sprinklers around the pond to deter raccoons.
Raccoons flock to chicken coops that contain birds, eggs, or feed. They can break into the cages using their strength and skill and kill or consume the hens or eggs. To keep raccoons out of your chicken coops, ensure they’re solid and safe, using locks or latches that raccoons can’t open. Electric fences or wires around the pens can also be used to shock raccoons.
Compost Bins
Compost piles containing organic materials, such as fruit peels, vegetable leftovers, or eggshells, attract raccoons. They can dig into the mounds and eat or disseminate the decomposing material.
To keep raccoons out of your compost piles, put them in bins or containers with tight-fitting covers that raccoons can’t open. You should also avoid composting meat, dairy, or cooked food because they attract more raccoons.
Raccoons are drawn to gardens that include fruits, vegetables, or maize. They can eat or damage crops and dig up soil for grubs or worms. Raccoons can be kept out of gardens by enclosing them with wire mesh or electric wire fencing, neither of which the animals can easily scale or dig under. You can also use repellents, scarecrows, or noisemakers to keep raccoons away.
Raccoons Attract Shelter Sources In Your Home
Shelter is another factor that draws raccoons. Raccoons require a safe and warm environment to rest, sleep, and rear their young. They are flexible and may live in various natural or artificial structures. Raccoons frequently seek refuge in the following places:
Attics
Raccoons are drawn to lofts because they provide insulation, protection, and space. They can access attics by tearing through shingles, vents, soffits, or siding with claws and teeth. They can also use trees, poles, or wires to go onto roofs and into attics. Once inside, they can build nests, leave droppings, damage wiring and insulation, and pose fire and health threats. Seal any cracks or gaps that raccoons can exploit to prevent them from entering your attics. It would help if you also cut any branches or wires raccoons could use to get to your rooftops.
Raccoons are drawn to chimneys because they provide warmth, security, and height. They can use their claws to climb up and down chimneys and make dens in them. They can also cause smoke or carbon monoxide problems by blocking vents with their bodies, nests, or debris. Install chimney caps or screens that raccoons cannot remove or damage to keep them out of your chimneys. Metal flashing can also be used around the base of vents to keep raccoons from climbing.
Crawl Areas
Raccoons are drawn to crawl spaces because they offer darkness, isolation, and moisture. They can enter subterranean areas using their strength and agility to open vents, windows, doors, or holes. Raccoons can also excavate their entrances under the foundations or walls.
They can create nests, leave droppings, damage pipes or insulation, and cause mildew or odor problems once inside. Close any cracks or gaps that raccoons can exploit to keep them out of your crawl spaces. You can also cover the vents, windows, and doors with hardware cloth or wire mesh.
Decks
Raccoons are drawn to decks because they give cover, warmth, and proximity. They can enter the spaces beneath decks by lifting boards, lattices, or skirting with their paws. They can also excavate their entrances beneath the decks. Raccoons can establish nests, leave droppings, damage wood or wiring, and generate noise or nuisance concerns once inside.
Seal any openings or crevices that raccoons can exploit to keep them from utilizing your cards. You can also use hardware cloth or wire mesh to enclose the spaces beneath the decks.
Shed
Raccoons are drawn to sheds because they provide refuge, storage, and access. They can enter the sheds by opening doors, windows, or locks using their fingers. They can also chew through wood, plastic, and metal to make their entrances. Raccoons can establish nests, leave droppings, damage tools or equipment, and cause theft or vandalism concerns once inside.
To keep raccoons out of your sheds, secure any doors, windows, or latches that raccoons can open. Metal flashing can also be used around the base of sheds to keep raccoons from gnawing them.
Conclusion
Raccoons are resourceful animals that can find their way into your yard for various reasons, including food, water, shelter, and breeding. However, understanding what attracts them and implementing effective deterrent measures can help you keep raccoons at bay. Following the tips outlined in this guide, you can protect your property and prevent conflicts with these intriguing but sometimes troublesome creatures.
