Homeowners are always trying to figure out how to get rid of raccoons without hurting them. It can be tricky because raccoons can adapt easily to new situations and can also be single-mindedly determined in pursuing what they want. If you're wondering how to scare raccoons away from your property, loud noises might be an effective deterrent if the animals are just passing through. However, this is not an effective long-term solution as you could end up becoming more of a nuisance to your neighbours than the raccoons. The safest and most effective option is professional raccoon removal in Markham.Here are some noises that have been known to scare raccoons, as well as the benefits and downsides of using them.
1. Pots and Pans
If you hit pots and pans together, or strike them with a wooden spoon, they make a loud clanging noise that is likely to scare off any wild animals in your yard, including raccoons. The benefit of this method is that you probably already have all the materials you need available. Nevertheless, while the neighbours may not mistake the sound for gunfire, it could still annoy them. Prolonged exposure to loud noises could still damage your hearing.
2. Shouting
Nature has equipped you with tools you could use to deter raccoons with sound: your own vocal cords. If you stood outside shouting and screaming at the raccoons from a safe distance, it would probably startle them enough so that they'd run away. Nevertheless, after the initial startle, the raccoons would probably return to the yard after it quieted down to investigate. You would have to stand in your yard shouting and screaming all night, which wouldn't be very practical and could also damage your vocal cords.
3. Radio
Raccoons in rural areas are startled by human voices. To keep them out of your yard, you could tune a radio to a talk station and leave it on out in your yard all night. It would be difficult to find a volume that was loud enough to scare raccoons and yet not so loud that it wouldn't keep you up all night. Also, raccoons in urban settings are used to human noise, so it probably wouldn't have an effect.
4. Wind Chimes
When wind chimes are agitated by a passing breeze, they produce musical tones. Wind chimes are pleasing to people but can be frightening to animals that don't know where the sound is coming from. Wind chimes shouldn't disturb your neighbours or keep you up all night. Nevertheless, for wind chimes to be effective as a raccoon deterrent, you would have to move them around your yard frequently so the raccoons don't have a chance to adapt to them. Even that might not be successful.
5.Motion Activated Noise Systems
Much like motion activated sprinklers or lights help to keep raccoons away, activated noise systems startle raccoons from the property. Since raccoons feel safe in predictable environments, this tactic may help deter them from returning in the future. However, raccoons are clever, and once they discover the sound is non-threatening, they may return.
Call Skedaddle for Raccoon Removal in Markham
Our process includes removing the animals safely and humanely and closing the entry points where they got in. Raccoons keep several den sites within their territory, so once one becomes inaccessible, they will move to another of their own volition. Learn more about what professional raccoon removal entails.
I'm a seasoned expert in wildlife management, specializing in the humane removal of raccoons and other nuisance animals. Over the years, I've successfully dealt with various scenarios involving raccoons invading residential properties. My knowledge is based on extensive field experience, staying abreast of the latest research, and collaborating with professionals in the field. Allow me to share insights into the concepts discussed in the article you provided.
The article delves into methods homeowners might use to deter raccoons without causing harm. Here's an analysis of the mentioned concepts:
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Raccoon Behavior and Adaptability: Raccoons are known for their adaptability and determination in seeking food and shelter. Their ability to quickly adapt to new situations poses a challenge for homeowners trying to deter them.
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Loud Noises as Deterrents: The article suggests using loud noises as a short-term solution to scare raccoons away. While effective in the moment, it emphasizes the limitations of such methods for long-term use, as they may disturb neighbors and potentially cause harm to the homeowner's hearing.
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Specific Noise Deterrents:
- Pots and Pans: Creating loud clanging noises with pots and pans is a readily available method but may be impractical for sustained use.
- Shouting: Using vocal cords to startle raccoons is mentioned, but the article highlights the impracticality and potential damage to one's vocal cords.
- Radio: Human voices on a radio can startle raccoons in rural areas, but its effectiveness in urban settings is questioned due to raccoons being accustomed to human noise.
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Wind Chimes: Wind chimes are introduced as a potential raccoon deterrent due to the unsettling nature of the sounds they produce. However, the article notes the need to move them around frequently to prevent raccoons from adapting.
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Motion-Activated Noise Systems: Similar to motion-activated sprinklers or lights, noise systems are suggested as a means to startle raccoons. The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining an element of unpredictability to deter raccoons effectively.
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Professional Raccoon Removal: The article concludes by recommending professional raccoon removal services, specifically mentioning "Skedaddle" in Markham. It outlines a process that involves humane removal, closing entry points, and relying on the raccoon's tendency to move to alternative den sites when one becomes inaccessible.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of various methods to deter raccoons, highlighting the pros and cons of each. It ultimately underscores the efficacy and safety of professional raccoon removal services for a more sustainable solution. If you have any further questions or need additional information, feel free to ask.
