Imagine a peaceful night on your deck, with the stars above and a gentle breeze. It’s a great place to relax, but not if raccoons have made your deck their own private playground. Raccoons are clever animals that can cause a lot of trouble. So, how do you keep raccoons out of your backyard paradise? Let’s look at some ways to do things.
Understanding What Draws Raccoons
First, you need to know why raccoons come to your deck in the first place. Raccoons eat whatever they can find, so anything that looks like food is an open offer. Some common sights are:
Pet food: Leaving pet food outside, especially overnight, is like giving raccoons a spread where they can eat as much as they want.
Garbage: A raccoon’s treasure box is an unlocked trash can full of tasty treats.
Bird Feeders: Raccoons are good at climbing, so they can easily get to bird feeders to eat.
Gardens: Raccoons may dig up your garden to find grubs or veggies.
Strategies for keeping raccoons out
Now that we know what makes raccoons want to come to your deck, let’s talk about how to make it less appealing:
Secure Trash Cans: Buy trash cans with secure seals that raccoons can’t open. You could also keep your trash cans in a closet or shed until they are picked up.
Remove Pet Food: Feed your dogs inside or bring their dishes inside before it gets dark. Most of what they do happens at night.
Install lights that turn on when motion is detected. These lights scare raccoons and make them less likely to explore your deck.
Think about bird feeders that keep raccoons out: Raccoons might have a hard time getting to the birdseed in bird feeders that aren’t made for them.
Make Barriers: Seal any holes under your deck with galvanizing steel mesh. Raccoons often make their dens in these places. Make sure there are no ways in.
Spray Repellents: You can buy sprays that keep raccoons away by putting out smells they don’t like. These can keep them from coming onto your deck.
Raccoons are good at climbing trees and bushes. Cut trees away from your deck to make it harder to get to it.
Use scare tactics. Some people use scarecrows or lights that turn on when motion is detected to scare raccoons away.
Getting Rid of Raccoons the Right Way
If you think raccoons are living under your deck or are causing a lot of trouble, it’s best to call an expert. They know how to get rid of raccoons safely and have the tools to keep them from coming back.
The Importance of a Humane Extermination
Even though they can be a pain, it’s important to remember that raccoons are wild animals. Always use methods that are kind to the animal. This means setting up live traps and moving the raccoons to a place where they won’t bother people.
Keeping your deck free of pests
After taking these steps to keep raccoons away, it’s important to keep an eye out. Raccoons are hardy and flexible animals, so they need to be checked on and cared for from time to time. Check your deck often for signs of raccoon behaviour, such as droppings or noises. If you see any problems, fix them right away to keep your outdoor area free of animals.
In the end,
If you’re not careful, raccoons can turn your calm deck into a battleground of mischief. But with the right plans, you can enjoy your outdoor area without having to worry about uninvited furry visitors. By knowing what raccoons like and using things to keep them away, you can make your deck a peaceful place for you and your family. Remember that the goal is not to hurt these animals, but to live with them in peace while keeping your property safe.
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