It may surprise you to learn that
North America is home to seven species of raccoons. You might even have a family of these mammals rummaging through your trash can.
Unfortunately, this might mean coming outside to a mess. If you’re looking to prevent raccoons from destroying your garbage, then it’s important to learn what humane methods keep them away.
If you find that raccoons are still hanging around your property and that DIY methods aren’t helping, it might be time to call in a professional pest removal company for
wildlife removal. They’ll safely and humanely trap and release these animals, far from your home.
However, there are ways you can keep raccoons away from your trash that you can and should try. But first, it’s important to know why these animals are eating your trash.
Why Do Raccoons Eat Trash?
The answer is simple: raccoons are scavengers, and they’re not picky about what they eat. This means that your garbage is a 24/7 buffet.
Thanks to their dexterity, raccoons are known for opening trash cans as they rummage for a night snack. They also have a great sense of smell, which means they’re naturally attracted to your garbage cans.
That’s why you need to try and prevent them from eating your trash in the first place.
How to Keep Raccoons Out of Your Trash
The best way to keep raccoons out of your trash is by keeping trash cans indoors. This might be in a garage or a shed. You could also build an enclosure for your trash cans.
You might also want to consider putting your trash in two bags, as this can work to mask the smell. Unfortunately, this creates unnecessary plastic waste, so keeping your trash securely locked up is a better choice.
Although some websites might suggest putting mothballs around the area, this toxic and inhumane method of prevention can poison these animals. Additionally,
mothballs are toxic to humans and other animals, including dogs and cats. As such, this is one DIY suggestion you should avoid.
Instead, work to make your garbage cans as unattractive as possible. You could also keep locks on your trash cans. They’re inexpensive and work to keep out all types of animals.
Do Raccoons Carry Diseases?
One of the most common questions is, “What types of diseases do raccoons carry?” Raccoons carry a host of infectious diseases, commonly transmitting them via their waste. This can greatly affect people and animals, and this is true of raccoons of all ages.
Raccoons also carry a variety of parasites and bacteria. If you, your family, or your pets are exposed, you could contract a disease or infection.
But do raccoons have rabies? Yes. They’re one of the most common carriers of this deadly disease. And they’re not the only animals infected with rabies.
Skunks and foxes are also known rabies carriers, along with bats. If you or a loved one sustained a bite, seek immediate treatment.
Raccoons also carry leptospirosis, giardia, and fungi. Additionally, their feces and urine contain a variety of diseases, putting humans and animals at risk.
If you have pets, they’re at risk of contracting canine or feline distemper and parvo. Speak with your veterinarian about preventative vaccines.
Keep Raccoons Away
Sometimes it’s not possible to keep raccoons away. They can invade your home and become stuck in between walls or in attics or crawl spaces. In this case, you’ll need a professional pest removal company to safely and humanely remove them using
one-way exclusion doors and other traps.
Serene Property Services can help. We proudly service all of Sussex County, NJ, and Warwick, NY. We specialize in a variety of pest removal options, including humane wildlife removal and pest prevention.
Contact us today to learn more.
