How to Keep Raccoons Out of Trash Cans: Ways to Repel the Masked Critters

Almost every homeowner in Alabama has seen a raccoon while taking the trash out at night. Sometimes, it is almost funny to interact with them! They have sassy attitudes, human-like mannerisms, and cute little masks on their faces. However, you should only enjoy a raccoon’s cuteness from afar because looks can be deceiving. Raccoons have the claws, aggression, and agility to attack and majorly injure you if you’re nearby; it doesn’t take much to set them off, either. 

Even though it can be amusing to discover a raccoon comfortably hanging out and snacking away at garbage in your trash can, it’s ill-advised to let them continue to do so. They will end up dragging trash all over your property and littering everywhere. Plus, there’s likely stuff in your garbage that could poison a raccoon, and you don’t want to have to deal with a raccoon carcass. 

Since these masked critters are highly dexterous and good at getting into things they shouldn’t, you probably wonder how to keep raccoons out of trash successfully. Fortunately for readers like you, we are experts in integrative pest management and are here to guide you on the best solutions for this problem. Keep reading for our advice and recommendations!

How to Keep Raccoons Out of Trash

Choose Your Outdoor Garbage Can Wisely

Before you set up a complex raccoon trap or spend a lot of money to put fencing around your garbage, consider the type of garbage can you’re keeping outside. Is your trashcan stable where you put it, or is it easily tipped over? Is there a built-in lock on the lid? Is your trashcan made of solid, quality materials, or is it easily bendable plastic that a raccoon could chew through? 

Before implementing other methods of raccoon-proofing your outdoor garbage can, make sure your trash cans are stable, lockable, and made of high-quality, robust materials. However, if your trash cans don’t fit these requirements but you want to use the ones you have, that’s okay; you’ll just have to take extra steps to protect them.

Repel With Raccoons’ Least Favorite Smells

Did you know that certain smells can deter raccoons? You can create your raccoon repellant spray with any of the following ingredients and spray it in and around your trash can once a month to maintain its efficacy:

• Predator Urine: Coyotes are well-known raccoon predators, and any signs of their presence will scare raccoons off. You can find coyote urine spray at most home and garden stores and many online shops.
• Hot pepper (usually available in two primary forms at most gardening stores: wax and water)
• Ammonia
• Vinegar

Protect Your Trash Can

This tip may be the most obvious in this article, but there’s a good reason we recommend it anytime someone has a raccoon problem with their outdoor trash bins: it works.

You can protect your outdoor trash bins from raccoons by physically blocking them out by using bungee cords or building a fence that does not allow raccoons to enter by jumping in from the top. 

Essentially, we recommend using multiple high-quality bungee cords on your trash can that fit (you’ll want to measure your trash lid before buying the bungee cords). For the fencing option, you’ll want to build a high fence with electricity or barbed wire around the top to prevent raccoons from climbing.

We’re Not Just Pest Control Agents—We’re Pest Experts!

Thanks for reading this edition of our weekly pest blogs! Other pest control companies suggest many different potential ways to keep raccoons out of trash, but our mission at Vulcan Termite and Pest Control is only to share what we know is genuinely effective, based on our 40+ years of experience in integrative pest management.

Are you dealing with a raccoon or other type of pest on your property? Call us today at 205-663-4200 or contact us online to request our services. We’ll gladly perform a FREE evaluation and create and implement an effective strategy using our tried-and-true methods, so you and your family can live comfortably in a pest-free home.  

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