Though trash is trash to us, it can be a meal or two for some curious and
hungry wild animals. Notorious for making a snack of whatever you've thrown out
in your trash can, raccoons will stop at very little to get their treats out of
your trash.
What can you do to deter these cute but curious creatures from strewing your
refuse all over your lawn? Fortunately, there are several options you can
choose from. Read over the suggested steps below to find a number of easy
options for keeping raccoons out of your trash can.
1
 |
| Focus on the trash can |
itself.
Focus on the trash can itself. Your first best defense is to ensure that the trash can itself is as impenetrable as a fortress to a raccoon. Purchase a metal trash can with a lid that locks in place.
- Note that some plastic trash cans have a screw that secures the lid
on the can. However, be aware that raccoons can and do chew through
plastic bins.[1]
- If you're not sure what bin to choose, ask a knowledgeable
salesperson to help you – be sure to mention that it must be
raccoon-proof. Also, special commercial raccoon locks for bins can be
bought.
- Never leave your trash can exposed by leaving the lid off! That is an invitation to foraging.
2
 |
| Secure the trash can lid with clamps or the locking system already fitted on it. |
- Secure the trash can lid with clamps or the locking system already fitted on it. Alternatively, you can use a chain and lock – raccoons aren't smart enough (yet) to pick a lock!
 |
| For a lid that doesn't lock in place, attach
plastic hose pipe or tubing all around the edge of the lid so that it
creates a seal when fitted onto the bin. |
- For a lid that doesn't lock in place, attach plastic hose pipe or tubing
all around the edge of the lid so that it creates a seal when fitted
onto the bin. Cut a piece of rubber tubing or hose pipe along one side
and slip it over the rim of your trash can. This will create a tight
seal for the lid and make it difficult for raccoons to pry off.[2]
 |
| Set a rock, cinderblock or other heavy item on top of the trash can. |
- Tie the lid of your trash can to the can with a rope or bungee cord
secured around the handles. Wrapping the bungee cord all the way around
the bin on two sides will put off the most intrepid raccoons.[3]
3
 |
| Set a rock, cinderblock or other heavy item on top of the trash can. |
Set a rock, cinderblock or other heavy item on top of the trash can.
The only problem with this method is the heaviness of the item. If
members of the household have trouble lifting it up, they're likely to
stop taking out the garbage, so bear this in mind and only use this
method if those who use the trash can are still able to get to the trash
can easily.
4
 |
| Spray the interior of the trash can with ammonia. |
Spray the interior of the trash can with ammonia. Alternatively, place ammonia-soaked cloths inside the trash can or pour ammonia in neat.
[4] Ammonia smells like urine to a raccoon, making it highly offensive to them.
[5]
You can also spray other areas where raccoons seem to congregate, to
discourage them from entering your yard in the first place.
5
 |
| Sprinkle a raccoon repellent around your trash cans. |
Sprinkle a raccoon repellent around your trash cans. Raccoons will not like the taste of almost any type of commercial repellent product.
- If you do not wish to use repellent granules, you can use hot pepper or cayenne pepper instead.
- Other suitable repellents include oil of mustard and naphtha flakes.[6] Note that the use of naphtha flakes, naphthalene mothballs, etc. may be illegal in your area as they are possible carcinogens; check local regulations.
6
 |
| Install motion-detection lighting around the area where you keep your trash cans. |
Install motion-detection lighting around the area where you keep your trash cans.
Raccoons prefer darkness and might be deterred by a sudden bright
light. A 100 watt bulb is a good choice for the lighting level.
If possible, place a radio
near your trash can. Set it to an all-news or talk station. The sound
of human voices might deter raccoons from coming near your trash cans.
[8] [9] You can use a low level volume and gradually increase it if needed.
7
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| Place your trash cans in a secured bin area or other enclosure, such as inside a shed, basement or garage. |
Place your trash cans in a secured bin area or other enclosure, such as inside a shed, basement or garage. If no animal can get in without a human opening a door, then the trash cans will be left undisturbed.
