How to Get Rid of Raccoons Under Deck: Effective and Ethical Solutions to Ensure Wildlife Safety
How to Get Rid of Raccoons Under Deck?
To get rid of raccoons nesting under a deck, there are several methods that can be effective.
The quickest and most effective solution is to call a wildlife control specialist.
However, if attempting to scare off the raccoon yourself, you should cut off their food sources and perform “humane harassment.” This can include shining a bright light near their nesting area and playing a talk show on a radio to create the perception of human voices as threatening.
Additionally, unpleasant smells like apple cider vinegar, ammonia-soaked rags, or used cat litter can deter raccoons.
Removing food and water sources, such as emptying pet water bowls at night and securing trash and recycling in tightly sealed containers, can make the property less attractive to raccoons.
It is also important to consistently implement multiple methods of deterrence to increase the chances of success.
Key Points:
- Call a wildlife control specialist for the quickest and most effective solution
- Cut off their food sources and perform “humane harassment” to scare off raccoons yourself
- Use bright lights and play a talk show on a radio to create the perception of human voices as threatening
- Use unpleasant smells like apple cider vinegar, ammonia-soaked rags, or used cat litter to deter raccoons
- Remove food and water sources, such as emptying pet water bowls at night and securing trash and recycling
- Consistently implement multiple methods of deterrence to increase chances of success
Did You Know?
1. The scientific name for raccoons is Procyon lotor, which translates to “washer dog” due to their habit of dipping their food in water before eating it.
2. Raccoons are incredibly dexterous and possess highly sensitive fingers, which enable them to unlock complex mechanisms, such as latches and doorknobs, earning them a reputation as skilled escape artists.
3. Contrary to popular belief, raccoons do not hibernate during the winter months. Instead, they enter a state of torpor, where their metabolism slows down, allowing them to conserve energy.
4. Raccoons have incredibly sharp teeth and strong jaw muscles, which enable them to exert a biting force of around 1,500 pounds per square inch, strong enough to crush bones and open nuts.
5. Raccoons have a complex communication system, including over 200 different vocalizations and a wide range of body postures and tail movements. They even use specific calls to gather their social group or warn others of potential dangers.
Calling A Wildlife Control Specialist
Dealing with raccoons nesting under a deck can be a challenging task. The quickest and most effective solution is to call a wildlife control specialist. These professionals have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to safely remove raccoons without causing harm to humans or the animals themselves. It is essential to rely on experts who understand the behavioral patterns of raccoons and can apply appropriate methods to discourage them from returning to the deck.
- Calling a wildlife control specialist is the fastest and most reliable solution.
- Wildlife control specialists have the expertise and equipment needed for safe removal.
- Experts understand raccoon behavior and can implement effective deterrent methods.
Cutting Off Food Sources And Humane Harassment
If you decide to tackle the issue yourself, it’s important to cut off the raccoon’s food sources. Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will scavenge for anything edible. Ensure there are no easily accessible food sources near your deck, such as unsecured trash cans or pet food left outside. By removing these attractants, you diminish the raccoon’s motivation to inhabit your deck.
In addition to cutting off food sources, performing “humane harassment” can help discourage raccoons from nesting under your deck. This involves using non-lethal methods to make the deck area uncomfortable for the animals. For example, you can place motion-activated lights or sprinkler systems near the nesting area, startling the raccoons and making them seek shelter elsewhere. It’s important to note that while humane harassment can be effective, it requires consistency and persistence to yield desired results.
- Cut off raccoon’s food sources
- Perform “humane harassment” using non-lethal methods
- Place motion-activated lights or sprinkler systems near the nesting area
Note: Humane harassment requires consistency and persistence to yield desired results.
Beware Of Mother Raccoons And Aggression
When dealing with raccoons under a deck, it’s crucial to be mindful of the season. Between January and September, there is a higher chance of a mother raccoon with babies nesting under the deck. Disturbing them could lead to aggression, as the mother raccoon would instinctively protect her young.
In such cases, it’s recommended to contact a wildlife control specialist who can safely relocate the family without causing harm to any parties involved.
- Be mindful of the season when dealing with raccoons under a deck
- Contact a wildlife control specialist for safe relocation of the raccoon family
“Disturbing them could lead to aggression, as the mother raccoon would instinctively protect her young.”
Using Bright Lights And Talk Shows As Deterrents
Raccoons are nocturnal animals, primarily active during the night. You can take advantage of this behavior by shining a bright light near the nesting area. This signals to the raccoons that it is unsafe for them to continue residing there. Additionally, playing a talk show on a radio can create the perception of human voices as threatening, further deterring raccoons from staying under your deck. By utilizing these non-harmful methods, you can successfully discourage raccoon activity without resorting to more drastic measures.
–Shine a bright light near the nesting area
–Play a talk show on a radio
By utilizing these non-harmful methods, you can successfully discourage raccoon activity without resorting to more drastic measures.
Unpleasant Smells To Ward Off Raccoons
Raccoons are deterred by unpleasant odors, which can be used to discourage them from nesting on your deck. Some effective deterrents include:
- Apple cider vinegar: Placing apple cider vinegar near the nesting area can emit a strong and unpleasant scent that raccoons find repellent.
- Ammonia-soaked rags: Raccoons dislike the smell of ammonia, so hanging ammonia-soaked rags around the deck can deter them from staying.
- Used cat litter: The scent of used cat litter can also discourage raccoons, so consider placing it strategically near the nesting site.
It’s important to remember that the effectiveness of these methods may diminish over time, so regular reapplication might be necessary.
Removing Food And Water Sources For Prevention
Prevention is key when it comes to deterring raccoons from nesting under your deck. By removing food and water sources, you make your property less attractive to these animals. Suggestions for eliminating potential attractants include:
- Emptying pet water bowls at night
- Bringing in bird feeders when it gets dark
- Keeping trash and recycling in tightly sealed containers
By taking these simple measures, you minimize the likelihood of raccoons being drawn to your deck in the first place.
Implementing a multifaceted approach is important when dealing with raccoons nesting under your deck. While calling a wildlife control specialist is the quickest and most effective solution, there are several methods you can try yourself. Factors to consider include:
- Cutting off food sources
- Using humane harassment techniques
- Being mindful of mother raccoons with babies
Implementing deterrents such as bright lights, talk shows on the radio, and unpleasant smells can also help keep raccoons away. Additionally, removing food and water sources from your property reduces the attractiveness of your deck as a potential nesting site. By consistently applying these methods, you increase your chances of successfully getting rid of raccoons and keeping them away in the future, all while ensuring the safety and well-being of both humans and wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do raccoons hate the most?
One scent that raccoons particularly dislike is ammonia. This pungent odor can be found in household cleaners and can be used as a raccoon repellent. Another scent that raccoons hate is mothballs. These small balls contain a strong and overwhelming odor that can keep raccoons away from certain areas.
What will make raccoons go away?
One effective way to deter raccoons is by using hot pepper. The strong and irritating smell of hot pepper can easily repel them, as they dislike the scent. Another option is to utilize peppermint. By placing a bowl of peppermint essential oil in strategic areas, you can create a strong and unappealing scent that raccoons will want to avoid, keeping them away from your yard and home.
How do I keep raccoons from getting under my deck?
To effectively ward off raccoons from accessing the area beneath your deck, an effective method involves taking preventative measures. Begin by creating a trench measuring 12″ x 12″ around the perimeter of your deck or shed. Subsequently, install a sturdy piece of ¼” wire mesh along the bottom of the structure, ensuring a tight and secure fit. This mesh acts as a barrier, effectively keeping raccoons and other wildlife at bay, granting you peace of mind and a raccoon-free zone beneath your deck.
What are raccoons most scared of?
Raccoons, highly perceptive creatures, avoid encounters with their natural predators. One foe that strikes fear into their hearts is the formidable bobcat. The elusive and skilled hunter poses a significant threat to raccoons, causing them to steer clear of areas frequented by these majestic felines. Additionally, raccoons are wary of the sneaky coyotes, known for their cunning strategies and swift movements. Constantly on guard, raccoons maintain a safe distance to avoid falling victim to the captivating allure of these predators. Finally, the intimidating presence of the great horned owl, with its piercing eyes and silent flight, sends shivers down the spines of raccoons, leading them to stay vigilant and seek shelter when this aerial predator is near.