You may keep wondering why raccoons frequently visit your home after you think you’ve taken every precaution to keep them away. As it turns out, there are common features surrounding a home that raccoons find irresistible.
If you live in an urban area like Toronto, Ontario, where development drove the raccoon population from their (somewhat) remote homes, you know the experience of finding these critters on your porch, in your garden, or even rummaging in your kitchen pantry.
Where do raccoons find food
Garden Beds
Raccoons have a very strong sense of smell and rely on dexterous paws to scavenge for food. They eat both plants and smaller animals, and enjoy sweet corn, melons and grapes, and other fruits/vegetables. To prevent raccoons from consuming everything in your garden, pick ripe fruit and harvest vegetables before nightfall. They may still grab some of the green ones, but they’ll be less attracted to the smell of the fresh produce.
Trash Cans
Kitchen waste can include many food items that raccoons love to consume, especially little cuts of meat. Raccoons identify certain neighbourhood trash cans and organics bins as food sources, and make regular, return visits. Keep organic waste in a secured compost bin, and/or tightly secure the lids on trash cans containing any food waste. Bungee cords from the discount store can often serve this purpose. A motion-activated sprinkler can also be installed near your trash cans; the bursts of water may startle animals and encourage them to move elsewhere.
Bird Feeders
Bird feeders (especially ones filled with nuts, corn, and dried fruit) are appealing to raccoons. They will make every effort to climb onto bird feeders and knock them to the ground. Place “squirrel-proof” feeders on tall shepherd’s hooks in your garden, far from walls so raccoons and rodents cannot jump onto the food source. Also, you can plant mint around the base of the feeder, as raccoons do not enjoy the smell. (Be sure to place a border around the mint or it might overrun your garden!)
Making small adjustments around your home may only be half the battle when it comes to raccoon invaders. If you have persistent raccoon problem, contact a professional, local pest control company like Liddle Rascals. For fast raccoon removal, give us a call at (416) 356-5886 today.
If you have raccoon in your backyard or property in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area, contact Liddle Rascals Wildlife Control. We offer skunk removal services that are safe and humane for both the residents and the animals in question. Our services include a thorough home inspection and advice on repairs, remedies, and prevention.
Expert Raccoons and Wildlife Removal in the Greater Toronto Area
We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Call us at (416) 356-5886 or contact us online.
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