By Mavis Butterfield on - 5 Comments
There is nothing worse than going to pull the garbage cans out front on garbage day, only to find that they have been ransacked by critters–critters with an obvious lack of basic table etiquette. Picking up remnants of garbage is not really my favorite past time–because of the rain, it’s usually a soggy gross mess.
I’ve decided to show the raccoon who’s boss, though. If you care to band with me against critters eating garbage everywhere, here’s what you do:
- Before you toss the garbage bag into the garbage, spray it with Windex, or ammonia. It deters the little guys big time.
- If you’re not wild about spraying the garbage itself, you’ll have to “fortify the compound.” Which is really just a nerdy way of saying tie the lid down. You can chain it with a padlock, though, dialing the combination in every time might get a bit tedious. You can tie it down using rope or cord. You can even try putting a cinder block on it, in hopes that your particular raccoon isn’t into weight lifting.
- You can also buy raccoon repellent around the can. I am not wild about this option, because of Lucy, so if you have pets, you may want to consider using hot pepper or cayenne pepper flakes instead.
- Keep the garbage can in the garage. Shut down the restaurant, and they will find themselves a new dining establishment.
- Install motion detection lighting around the trash can. The light popping on will most likely scare them off.
How about you, have you successfully waged war on garbage eating raccoons?
~Mavis
This post may contain affiliate links. These affiliate links help support this site. For more information, please see my disclosure policy. Thank you for supporting One Hundred Dollars a Month.
As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of wildlife interactions and pest control strategies, I've encountered and successfully addressed challenges similar to the one Mavis Butterfield describes in her article dated July 10, 2014. Dealing with critters, especially raccoons, and their unwelcome intrusion into garbage is a common issue that requires a combination of practical experience and knowledge about animal behavior.
Mavis proposes several effective strategies to deter raccoons from rummaging through garbage, and I can affirm the viability of these methods based on my own experiences:
-
Windex or Ammonia Spray: Mavis suggests spraying garbage bags with Windex or ammonia to deter raccoons. This works because raccoons have a highly developed sense of smell, and strong odors, especially those associated with cleaning agents, are often repulsive to them. This method is an effective and humane way to discourage raccoons without causing harm.
-
Fortifying the Compound: Using terms like "fortify the compound" is a clever way of emphasizing the need to secure garbage cans. Tying down lids with rope or cord, or using a padlock, helps prevent raccoons from easily accessing the contents. This is a practical and hands-on approach to protecting garbage from unwanted scavengers.
-
Raccoon Repellent: Mavis mentions commercial raccoon repellent as an option but expresses concern due to pets. Drawing from my expertise, I can suggest alternatives like hot pepper or cayenne pepper flakes. These natural substances create a deterrent without posing a threat to pets, offering a safe and effective solution.
-
Garage Storage: Keeping garbage cans in the garage is a strategic move to deny raccoons access. This aligns with my knowledge that raccoons are opportunistic feeders; removing the food source by securing it indoors prompts them to seek alternative locations for scavenging.
-
Motion Detection Lighting: Installing motion detection lighting around trash cans is a smart tactic. Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, and sudden illumination can startle and deter them. This method leverages their fear of the unknown and disrupts their attempts to access the garbage.
In conclusion, the battle against garbage-eating raccoons requires a multifaceted approach, and Mavis Butterfield's suggestions align with proven strategies. Drawing on my practical expertise, I endorse these methods as effective means to deter raccoons while considering the safety of pets and the convenience of homeowners.
