Raccoons are clever nocturnal animals drawn to food, water and shelter, and your yard may check all the boxes.
Whether it's trash cans spilling, bird feeders scattering seed, pet food bowls left out, or even a fish pond or vegetable garden, every attractant invites them in.
These masked bandits can cause raccoon damage by digging up lawns, raiding a chicken coop, or nesting in crawl spaces. But with a few clear choices—like motion-activated lights, trimming tree branches, and securing garbage cans—you can break their routine and send them packing.
Remove Food and Water Sources
Raccoons follow food when it's easy to find. Loose bird feeders and vegetable garden scraps might be all it takes to lure them nightly. Jason Burkart, the Managing Director at Critter Control agrees, noting that "Raccoons are in constant search for food, water and shelter.”
So, make it a point to seal pet food bowls inside at night, keep water sources drained, stow feeders on poles and surfaces before dusk, and lock trash cans or garbage bins tightly.
“If they identify your property as a reliable food and water source,” Burkart explains, “they may very well decide that it’s the perfect shelter for them.” And once they’ve set up shop, they’re not going to be in a rush to leave.
Block Shelter and Entry Points
After food, shelter is the next thing. These wild animals look for attics, crawl space, wood piles, or chicken coops to nest or rest.
“Raccoons are looking for safe places to give birth & raise their litter, often choosing the attics & basements of nearby homes,” explains Burkart.
He recommends several tips:
- Trim tree branches that let them climb onto roofs.
- Seal attic vents, gable vents, crawl space openings, and uncapped chimneys.
- Add wire mesh or chicken wire over vents. Make sure it's a durable material and attached well... they’re clever creatures and will exploit weak spots.
- Use cinder blocks to secure exposed base areas.
Add Deterrents and DIY Defenses
“If you notice any signs of raccoon activity in the area around your property,” highlights Burkart, “the best thing you can do… is to cut off all sources of food.”
Once potential food sources are eliminated, make your yard feel unsafe with a multi-sensory deterrent approach:
- Secure trash cans/garbage cans with locks or tie‑downs
- Bring in pet food and water bowls each night
- Take down bird feeders from feeder poles, or install raccoon‑proof baffles
- Clear fallen fruit in your vegetable garden and around fruit trees
- Trim tree branches away from roofs
- Seal crawl space entries and vents with wire mesh
- Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers around your trash cans, chicken coop, and fish pond. Even a battery-powered radio can keep nocturnal animals guessing.
- Sprinkle hot sauce, capsaicin-based repellents, or use predator urine around vulnerable zones. The strong scent repellents help.
And if it’s already a nightly raccoon hangout? “You can also have your home inspected by a wildlife removal professional,” recommends Burkart. “They’ll be able to assess all potential raccoon entry points that you may not have considered or noticed and can seal them up… Raccoons are strong and tenacious.”
Does fencing really help? Raccoons can climb
Yes. A low electric fence—one or two strands about 4–6 inches off the ground—can stop raccoons from digging in your vegetable garden or raiding a chicken coop. Add buried wire mesh around base edges of the coop to stop burrowing as an extra form of raccoon repellent.
How do I tell if a mother raccoon is nesting under my porch?
Start with your eyes and ears. Hand-shaped raccoon tracks, oily smudges on siding or near attic vents, and high-pitched crying sounds at night are big red flags.
You might also notice raccoon droppings or scats near crawl spaces, or find shredded nesting material tucked into wood piles, overgrown shrubs, or beneath decks.
Sooty raccoon prints and strong smells from food scraps or smelly foods can also signal a raccoon in residence.
If you suspect a raccoon family intact, resist the urge to confront a panicked raccoon. Humane wildlife professionals can help remove them safely, often using a one-way door to allow exit without re-entry.
What should I do if I see a rabid raccoon in my yard?
If you spot a sick raccoon—especially one staggering, out during the day, or acting aggressively—it could be a rabid raccoon.
Keep your distance and avoid any contact with raccoon feces or droppings, as they can carry dangerous pathogens. Do not attempt to trap it or scare it off.
Instead, call an animal control officer or professional wildlife removal service. Clear overgrown shrubs and potential hiding spots in your outdoor space to reduce access for raccoons.
