How To Get Rid Of Raccoons On My Deck

Raccoons are adorable creatures with their distinctive black masks and ringed tails, but they can become quite a nuisance when they invade your deck. These opportunistic omnivores are known for their love of scavenging through trash cans, rummaging through gardens, and nesting in cozy spots like your deck.

If you find yourself constantly battling raccoons on your deck, fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore effective strategies to deter raccoons from making your deck their new hangout spot.

Understanding Raccoons’ Behavior

Before delving into methods to get rid of raccoons, it’s essential to understand their behavior. Raccoons are intelligent and adaptable creatures that primarily come out during the night. While they may seem harmless, they can cause significant damage to your deck, garden, and potentially transmit diseases.

Raccoons are attracted to decks because they provide ample shelter, a potential food source, and a safe place to raise their young. They often seek out decks due to the protection they offer from predators, such as birds of prey and larger mammals.

1. Remove Food Sources

Prevention is key! The first step in getting rid of raccoons on your deck is to eliminate any potential food sources. Raccoons are opportunistic eaters and will devour anything from pet food to fruits and vegetables. Here are some steps to follow:

a) Secure Your Garbage Bins

Raccoons are notorious for rummaging through trash cans in search of a free meal. Ensure your garbage bins have tight-fitting lids, or consider using animal-proof bins. Double-bagging your trash can also help contain any odors that might attract these curious creatures.

b) Remove Pet Food Bowls

If you have outdoor pets, avoid leaving their food bowls out overnight. Raccoons are known to help themselves to pet food and may see an open invitation for a midnight snack. Instead, feed your pets indoors and promptly remove any leftover food.

c) Harvest Fruits and Vegetables Timely

If you have a garden with fruit trees or vegetables, make sure to harvest your crops promptly. Leaving overripe fruits or vegetables out will undoubtedly attract raccoons, who will feast delightfully on these easy targets.

2. Install Motion-Activated Lights and Alarms

Raccoons are nocturnal creatures and are naturally wary of well-lit areas. Installing motion-activated lights on your deck will startle raccoons with sudden bursts of light whenever they venture onto your property. This deterrent will make your deck less appealing to these masked intruders, pushing them to seek darker and quieter spaces away from your home.

In addition to lights, you can also consider using motion-activated alarms. These devices emit ultrasonic sound waves or high-frequency tones that humans can’t hear but are uncomfortable for raccoons. The combination of bright lights and shrill noises will make your deck the last place raccoons want to be.

3. Remove Potential Nesting Spots

Decks provide cozy spots for raccoons to nest, especially under low-lying structures or in crawl spaces. By removing these potential nesting spots, you can discourage raccoons from considering your deck as their new home. Here’s what you can do:

a) Secure Openings and Gaps

Inspect your deck for any openings or gaps that might allow raccoons to access the underside. Seal off these openings using sturdy mesh or hardware cloth. Ensure that any vents or other openings are covered with materials that raccoons cannot tear or chew through.

b) Install Under-Decking Lattice

If your deck does not already have under-decking lattice, consider installing it. Lattice panels discourage raccoons from entering these spaces, making your deck less attractive as a potential den site. Ensure the lattice is securely fastened to the deck structure to prevent raccoons from dislodging or removing it.

4. Use Scent Deterrents

Raccoons have a highly developed sense of smell, and certain odors can deter them from approaching your deck. Consider using these scent deterrents to make your deck less appealing to raccoons:

a) Ammonia

Soak rags or cotton balls in ammonia and place them in areas where raccoons frequent or try to access your deck. The strong smell of ammonia is highly unpleasant to raccoons and will make them think twice before approaching your deck.

b) Peppermint Oil

Raccoons dislike the intense smell of peppermint oil. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to cotton balls and strategically place them around your deck. You can also create a peppermint oil spray by mixing water and peppermint oil and spritzing it around the deck. The strong scent should keep raccoons at bay.

5. Deploy Humane Trapping and Relocation

If all else fails and raccoons persistently return to your deck despite your best efforts, you may need to resort to trapping and relocating them. However, it’s crucial to follow local regulations and guidelines regarding trapping and euthanizing raccoons.

Set up humane traps specifically designed for raccoons, baited with their favorite foods, such as cat food or sweetcorn. Check the traps regularly to ensure no raccoons are left inside for extended periods. Once trapped, contact your local animal control or wildlife management authorities for guidance on proper relocation.

Closing Thoughts

Dealing with raccoons on your deck can be a persistent challenge, but by applying the strategies outlined in this guide, you can discourage these critters and reclaim your outdoor space. Remember, prevention is key! By removing food sources, securing your deck, and deploying deterrents, you can successfully rid your deck of raccoons and enjoy a raccoon-free environment.

Remember, when dealing with wildlife, it’s essential to respect these creatures and handle the situation responsibly, ensuring their safety and your own. Raccoons play a vital role in their ecosystems, and by taking steps to coexist peacefully, we can cultivate harmony with nature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Are raccoons dangerous?

Raccoons, if cornered or threatened, can become aggressive and may scratch or bite. Additionally, raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies, making it important to exercise caution when dealing with them. It is best to contact professionals if you suspect a raccoon is diseased or behaving unusually.

Q2. Can raccoons damage my deck?

Yes, raccoons can cause damage to your deck. They can dig and scratch at the wood, tear up planters, and leave behind droppings that can stain or damage the deck’s surface. Taking preventive measures to deter raccoons can help protect your deck from such damage.

Q3. What should I do if I encounter a raccoon during the day?

Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, so if you encounter one during the day, it may be a sign of illness or injury. Keep your distance and avoid approaching the raccoon. Contact your local animal control or wildlife management authorities to report the situation and seek their guidance.

Q4. Can I use lethal methods to get rid of raccoons?

It is generally discouraged to use lethal methods to eliminate raccoons. Many areas have regulations on the trapping and euthanizing of raccoons to protect wildlife populations. It is best to opt for humane methods and consider contacting professionals for assistance when necessary.

By following these tips and being persistent, you can successfully deter raccoons from your deck and enjoy a raccoon-free outdoor space. Remember to always prioritize the safety and well-being of both the raccoons and yourself when implementing these strategies. Good luck!