Raccoon-Proof Your Trash: Essential Tips and Eco-Friendly Solutions

Posted on June 21, 2024 by admin

Are raccoons turning your trashcans into their personal buffet? These clever critters can be a real nuisance for homeowners, store managers, property managers, and landlords. Their nocturnal raids leave behind a mess, not to mention potential health risks. But don’t worry! This blog post is here to help you keep those pesky raccoons out of your trashcans and dumpsters. We’ll provide you with practical tips and Eco-friendly solutions that are easy to implement and effective.

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Understanding Raccoon Behavior

How Raccoons Operate

Raccoons are nocturnal animals known for their intelligence and dexterity. They have strong, nimble hands that can open latches and flip lids, making them excellent scavengers. They are primarily attracted to human trash because it offers a readily available food source. The scent of food scraps, leftovers, and even pet food can easily draw them in.

Why They Love Trash

Human garbage is a goldmine for raccoons. It’s not just the food; they are also attracted to the variety of items they can find. The different smells and textures pique their curiosity. Additionally, urban areas provide a safer environment for raccoons compared to the wild, where they face predators.

Environmental Impact

Raccoons rummaging through waste bins and dumpsters can lead to scattered garbage, which becomes an eyesore and a health hazard. The debris can attract more pests like rats and insects. Not to mention, the plastic and other harmful materials that raccoons often scatter can pollute the environment, affecting local wildlife and ecosystems.

Health and Safety Concerns

Health Risks

Raccoons can carry diseases that are harmful to humans and pets. One of the primary concerns is rabies, a viral disease that can be fatal if not treated promptly. Raccoons are also known carriers of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can cause liver and kidney damage in both humans and pets.

Disease Transmission

Raccoon feces can contain roundworm eggs, which can be dangerous if ingested. These parasites can cause severe health issues, including neurological damage. The bacteria and viruses raccoons carry can contaminate surfaces and water sources, posing a risk to anyone who comes into contact with them.

Safety Hazards

Aside from the health risks, raccoons can also cause physical damage. They have been known to chew through w i res and insulation, which can lead to electrical fires. Their persistent digging and clawing can damage property, making it essential to address this issue promptly.

Tips on Raccoon-Proofing Trash Storage

Secure Your Trashcans

The first line of defense is to secure your trashcans. Use bins with tight-fitting lids and secure them with bungee cords or metal clamps. This makes it difficult for raccoons to pry open the lids. Consider using heavy-duty trashcans that are harder for raccoons to knock over.

Dumpster Solutions

For larger properties or stores, securing dumpsters is crucial. Ensure that dumpster lids are always closed and consider using locks if possible. Installing metal bars or chains across the top can add an extra layer of security. Make sure the dumpsters are emptied regularly to avoid overflow, which can attract raccoons.

Best Containers and Lids

Opt for trashcans made of sturdy materials like metal or thick plastic. Simplehuman and Toter are brands known for their durable, raccoon-resistant bins. Avoid using lightweight, flimsy bins that raccoons can easily tip over or break into.

Eco-Friendly Raccoon Deterrents

Natural Raccoon Repellents

Natural repellents can be an effective and humane way to keep raccoons at bay. Ammonia-soaked rags placed around garbage cans may deter raccoons due to their strong smell. Alternatively, you can use vinegar or cayenne pepper as deterrents. Sprinkle these substances around the area to create an unpleasant environment for raccoons.

Motion-Activated Solutions

Motion-activated lights and sound machines can startle raccoons and make them think twice about approaching your trash. Products like the Nite Guard Solar Predator Control Light flash bright lights when motion is detected, scaring off raccoons. Similarly, motion-activated sprinklers can give them a harmless but effective scare.

OTC Deterrents

Commercially available raccoon repellents often use scents that raccoons find repulsive. Products like Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent use natural ingredients to create an unpleasant smell for raccoons. These products are safe to use around pets and children, making them an Eco-friendly option.

Professional Raccoon Control

When to Call the Experts

If you’ve tried multiple solutions and still can’t keep raccoons out of the garbage, it might be time to call in the professionals. Wildlife control services have the expertise and tools to handle raccoon problems effectively. They can assess your property, identify entry points, and implement long-term solutions.

Choosing the Right Service

When selecting a professional wildlife control service, look for companies with good reviews and proper licensing. Ask about their methods to ensure they use humane practices. Local raccoon removal businesses offer affordable and comprehensive wildlife management services that include animal-proofing and cleanup.

Benefits of Professional Services

Hiring professionals can save you time and provide peace of mind. They offer guarantees and follow-up visits to ensure the problem is resolved. Additionally, professional services can provide ongoing maintenance and advice to prevent future issues.

Conclusion

Keeping raccoons out of your trashcans and dumpsters is not just about maintaining cleanliness; it’s also about protecting your health, safety, and the environment. By understanding raccoon behavior, addressing health concerns, and implementing practical and Eco-friendly solutions, you can effectively deter these pesky invaders.

Remember, securing your trash is the first step. If needed, don’t hesitate to seek professional help to ensure your property remains raccoon-free. Take action today and make your home or property a less inviting place for raccoons.

For more tips and personalized solutions, trust our pros for guidance. Contact Indianapolis Raccoon Removal at 317-535-4605 for licensed and insured raccoon control services in Indianapolis, Indiana, and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial properties at the most competitive prices around.

How to Make a Non-Toxic Raccoon Repellent

Posted on February 16, 2024 by admin

Raccoons are incredibly smart and resourceful creatures. While we can admire their adaptability from afar, their tendency to raid garbage cans, damage property, and potentially spread diseases makes them a nuisance when they encroach upon human living spaces. Many repellents on the market use toxic chemicals that can harm not just raccoons, but also your pets and local environment. This guide will help you make your own non-toxic raccoon repellent that is safe to use in your garden and home.

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Introduction to Raccoon Repellents

Using non-toxic repellents is not only safer for the environment and local wildlife, but it also reduces the risk of your pets or family members coming into contact with harmful substances. Non-toxic repellents can be just as effective as their chemical-laden counterparts, and oftentimes, they are as easy to make as a simple DIY project.

Materials Needed

Creating your non-toxic raccoon repellent can be a fun and interesting activity. You’ll find what you need below.

Ingredients:

◻ White vinegar
◻ Ground black pepper
◻ A few drops of dish soap
◻ 1 to 2 garlic bulbs
◻ 1 to 2 small onions
◻ Cayenne pepper or a hot sauce
◻ Water

Tools:

◻ Blender
◻ Spray bottle
◻ Strainer
◻ Protective gloves
◻ Airtight container for storage
◻ Notepad for tracking your recipe’s effectiveness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mixing the Ingredients

⇒ Peel and roughly chop the onions and garlic.

⇒ Fill the blender with water and add the chopped onions and garlic. Blend until you have a smooth, pulpy mixture.

⇒ Strain this mixture into your spray bottle, discarding the solids.

⇒ Add 1-2 tablespoons of ground black pepper, a few drops of dish soap, and a splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for an extra kick to the spray bottle. These ingredients will serve as irritants to raccoons but won’t cause any harm.

⇒ Finally, fill the spray bottle up with white vinegar.

Step 2: Application Methods

Spray the mixture on and around the areas that raccoons are known to visit. Make sure to reapply after rain or every 3-5 days for the best results. It’s particularly effective to spray the solution on your garbage cans, around your garden, or near pet feeding areas.

Step 3: Frequency of Application

Raccoons have a keen sense of smell, and they can also become accustomed to the scents over time, so it’s best to apply the repellent regularly, even if there is no visible sign of raccoon activity.

Step 4: Storage Tips

Remember that the strength and efficacy of your repellent might reduce over time. Store the mixture in a cool, dark place, and always shake well before use, especially if it’s been sitting on the shelf for a period.

Safety Precautions

The ingredients and their combinations should be safe for most applications but handling them with care is important.

⇒ Always wear protective gloves when cutting or handling spicy ingredients.

⇒ Any mixture that includes pepper and spices should be kept away from eyes and sensitive skin.

⇒ While the contents are non-toxic, they are meant to be a slight irritant. Keep the solution out of reach of children and pets and ensure treated areas in the garden are clearly marked.

Alternative Repellent Options

If creating a repellent isn’t your preferred method, there are other non-toxic options you can explore:

⇒ Install motion-activated sprinklers or lights to startle raccoons away.

⇒ Secure your trash cans with tight-fitting lids or bungee cords.

⇒ Use physical barriers, such as fences, to protect your garden and home.

⇒ Keep pet food indoors and consider feeding pets during the day.

⇒ Hiring a professional raccoon control service is another option. They can provide a variety of non-lethal deterrents and manage the removal of raccoons from your property humanely.

Conclusion

By choosing non-toxic raccoon repellents, you’re not only protecting the environment but also ensuring the safety of your family and pets. The DIY repellent shared in this guide is a safe and effective way to control raccoons on your property. Remember to be consistent in your application, stay observant of how raccoons react, and enjoy a raccoon-free zone without the use of harmful chemicals.

Do you want to safely remove raccoons and prevent future animal problems on your property? Contact Indianapolis Raccoon Removal at 317-535-4605 for prompt and professional Indianapolis raccoon control services you can trust.

Raccoon-Proofing 101: How to Safeguard Your Property Against These Nuisance Critters

Posted on November 24, 2023 by admin

Raccoons may seem cute and harmless with their bandit-like mask and bushy tails, but they can cause significant damage to your property and pose health risks. As intelligent and adaptable creatures, raccoons can easily exploit any vulnerability in your home, making raccoon control a necessary measure for homeowners. This blog post is your comprehensive guide to raccoon-proofing your property.

With the help of expert tips and recommended raccoon removal services, we aim to assist you in safeguarding your home effectively. Moreover, we will delve into the various types of raccoon repellents available on the market. Our goal? To equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to keep these mischievous creatures at bay. Let’s embark on this journey of protection and prevention together.

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Understanding Raccoon Behavior

Before we dive into the methods used to raccoon-proof your home, it is essential to understand their behavior. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night. They have sharp claws and teeth, making them skilled climbers and scavengers. With a strong sense of smell and dexterity in their paws, raccoons can gain access to almost any area. They are also attracted to food sources, making garbage cans and pet food bowls prime targets for these clever creatures. Additionally, raccoons are known carriers of diseases such as Rabies, making them a potential health hazard for humans and pets.

Raccoon-Proofing Your Property

The first step in raccoon-proofing your property is to look for potential entry points. Raccoons can squeeze through small openings and gaps, so it is vital to seal any vulnerable areas. Inspect your roof, foundation, and walls for holes or cracks that raccoons can use as an entryway. Close off these openings with sturdy materials such as steel mesh or metal flashing. Keep in mind that raccoons are excellent climbers, so be sure to check for any overhanging tree branches or vines that may provide them with easy access.

Another critical aspect of animal-proofing against raccoons is securing your garbage cans, dumpsters, and compost bins. Raccoons are attracted to food sources, so keeping your trash cans tightly sealed will deter them from rummaging through your waste. You can also invest in raccoon-proof garbage cans that have secure latches and locks. Additionally, store pet food indoors, preferably in airtight containers.

Professional Raccoon Removal Services

If you suspect a raccoon infestation on your property, it is best to seek professional help from a raccoon removal service in Indianapolis. These wildlife control experts have the necessary licenses, training, tools, and experience to safely and humanely remove raccoons from your property. They will also inspect your home for any potential entry points and provide recommendations for sealing them off. It is essential to hire a licensed and insured company to ensure the safe removal of raccoons.

Using Raccoon Repellents

Aside from physical barriers, there are also various types of raccoon repellents available on the market. These can range from natural deterrents such as predator urine to electronic devices that emit ultrasonic sounds to scare off raccoons. It is crucial to research and read reviews before purchasing any repellents, as some may be more effective than others. Keep in mind that repellents should not be used as a standalone solution but rather in conjunction with other raccoon-proofing methods. You can also make your own homemade animal repellent using household ingredients like cayenne, gar l ic, and different types of concentrated oils, like capsaicin, menthol, and eucalyptus.

Final Takeaway

Raccoons can be a nuisance and potential threat to your property, but with the right knowledge and precautions, you can protect your home from these clever creatures. Remember to regularly inspect your property for any vulnerabilities, secure food sources, seek professional help when needed, and use raccoon repellents as an additional deterrent. By following these steps, you can ensure a raccoon-proof property and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is safe from these masked bandits.

Let’s work together to keep our homes raccoon-free! Contact Indianapolis Raccoon Removal at 317-535-4605 for licensed and insured raccoon control services in Indianapolis, Indiana, and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial properties at the most competitive prices around.

How to Racoon Proof Your Home in 5 Easy Steps

Posted on June 16, 2023 by admin

Are raccoons wreaking havoc in your home and garden? If so, don’t worry – there are steps you can take to protect yourself from these pesky critters. Raccoon proofing your home is a must if you want to keep them out for good. Continue reading to learn five easy steps you can take to ensure that your property stays raccoon-free.

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A 5 Step Raccoon Proof Guide Anyone Can Do

1. Remove food sources: Raccoons are scavengers and will find any available food source they can. Make sure to keep garbage, pet food, bird feeders, and gardens out of reach. Secure lids on bins so that raccoons cannot access the contents and store all outdoor pet food indoors at night.

2. Secure or cover compost bins: Compost bins can be a great temptation for raccoons due to their easy access to rotting foods. To prevent an infestation, secure your compost bin with a heavy duty latch or cover it with a tarp when not in use.

3. Seal entry points: Raccoons are incredibly dexterous animals and can fit through holes as small as 4 inches. Inspect your home’s foundation and walls for entry points, then seal them with caulk or metal flashing. Make sure to check around windows, doors, chimneys, vents, and any other potential entry point.

4. Trim trees close to the house: Raccoons are excellent climbers and will use tree branches as a bridge to get into your attic or upper levels of your home. Be sure to regularly trim branches from trees that are within 10 feet of your roofline.

5. Install a motion-activated sprinkler: If raccoons have already taken up residence in your yard, consider installing a motion-activated sprinkler system to scare them away when they approach unwanted areas of your property.

Raccoon Proofing Tips You Can Use Year-Round

By following these five steps, your home will be greatly protected from raccoons and any other animals that may try to invade your space. Remember, prevention is key for successful animal proofing so make sure to regularly check around your home for potential entry points and keep food sources stored securely. With the right precautions in place, you can rest assured that your property stays raccoon-free!

Choose Professional Raccoon Removal and Control Service

Now that you know how to raccoon proof your home in 5 easy steps, why not contact a local professional for additional help with raccoon abatement? Professional raccoon control in Indianapolis offer humane methods of trapping and exclusion, as well as advice on preventing future infestations. They also provide cleanup services that can help restore your home’s safety and cleanliness. Contact a local wildlife removal service to remove any existing raccoons in your home and protect it for the long-term from future intruders. Not only will raccoon proofing keep your property safe, but it will also safeguard your family from potential diseases that raccoons can spread, such as rabies, distemper, roundworm, and leptospirosis.

Are you ready to get rid of raccoons safely and protect your property from future nuisance animal problems? Contact Indianapolis Raccoon Removal at 317-535-4605 for prompt and professional Indianapolis raccoon control services you can trust.

Why Raccoons Are Attracted to Your Property Each Night

Posted on August 23, 2022 by admin

Raccoons are one of nature’s most clever and adaptable mammals. They retain some superlative survival skills, including excellent climbing and grasping capabilities. Several attributes and comforts around a home or business can be very attractive to local raccoons.

Effects like land over-development, inclement weather, damaged habitats, strong breeding, and pure curiosity are all reasons why raccoons are choosing urban and suburban areas for sources of food and shelter. With all of these factors at play, it is no surprise that nuisance raccoons have become a problem in so many communities around Indiana.

If you are currently experiencing a raccoon problem on your property, continue below to learn what it is that may have attracted them there in the first place, plus what you can do to get rid of raccoons safely.

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Raccoons Love Your Property Because It Offers:

Accessible Pet Food

Raccoons are most motivated by food, just as any other wild animal. When homeowner’s leave food sources outside or in their garage, raccoons are sure to sniff it out. They are great at hunting down meals, especially easy ones. Edibles such as pet food, garden produce, bird feed, and even dirty grills can all be desirable snacks for raccoons and other wild animals alike. If you have any of these items on your property, it may be the cause of your late-night visitors.

Outdoor pets like dogs and cats should be fed indoors or garages. This prevents the need to leave pet dishes full of food, outside. Raccoons love dog and cat food; it is tasty and provides nutrition and protein. If feeding a pet indoors is not an option, try securing the food dishes at night when raccoons are most active, then replace them in the morning. On the same topic, gardens should also be secured to prohibit entry by raccoons, rabbits, and other garden nuisances.

Outdoor Garbage Containers

Trash and garbage cans are another potential food source for raccoons. Many people prefer to take their trash out at night before the morning of pickup. Although this saves a few extra minutes in an otherwise busy morning, it can be a main attraction for nocturnal wildlife. Raccoons have dexterous paws and long claws that allow them to clasp and grab very well. They can easily open up garbage lids and rummage through leftovers, litter, waste, and other compost. This not only leaves a mess for homeowners to clean up in the early hours of the morning, but it creates a rift among fellow neighbors that dislike the unsightly garbage spread all across their curb.

Generous Garden

Gardens are a great source of nutritious produce right at your fingertips. But at night when they are unattended, gardens are like a free buffet for raccoons and other omnivorous animals. Not only are they intelligent and can remember where food sources are located, they have human-like paws that can prick, pry, pluck, and more.

Open Access

Another main attraction for raccoons is open access to shelter. Cracks and crevices in rooftops are easy entry points for raccoons. They can gain access to attics, garages, crawl spaces, and outdoor sheds and storage spaces. This easy access is a wide open invitation for raccoons to come inside. As mentioned before, harsh weather conditions and breeding season both encourage raccoons to seek shelter in dens, or in residential properties.

Raccoons will remember where reliable food and shelter sources are and will return to them night after night. In order to get rid of raccoons from trespassing onto your property, you need to figure out what is attracting them in the first place. These areas above are a great place to start. Next, contact a local wildlife removal company to safely and humanely capture and release nuisance raccoons from your property.

Top 3 Products for Humane Raccoon Abatement

Posted on November 25, 2019 by admin

If you are having problems with nuisance raccoons on your property, but hesitant to take action in fear of harming the animals or surrounding environment, this may be the solution you’ve been waiting for. Continue reading to learn the top three products you can buy and use for safe, humane, and 100% non-lethal raccoon abatement.

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Live Trap Cages

In the professional raccoon removal and control industry, the best practice is to always use safe and humane, non-lethal methods. Furthermore, it is important to always adhere to all local, state, and federal regulations that govern wildlife abatement. Live trap cages are one of the most common pieces of equipment approved by set laws, and utilized by professional companies when raccoon extraction and relocation is necessary. These traps come in all different shapes and sizes, and work by allowing a raccoon to enter, but not exit. Absolutely no harm is caused to the raccoon, and the cage itself protects the user from any raccoon contact.

Granular Animal Repellents

It is highly inhumane to use toxic chemicals or solutions to rid a property of raccoons. Not only is it harmful to the raccoons themselves, it is also dangerous to non-target animals and the surrounding environment. For these reasons, several manufacturers in the animal abatement industry have developed organic repellents as a humane and non-toxic alternative. Common ingredients include tastes and sensations that raccoons hate, such as black pepper, menthol, and capsaicin. These repellents come in granular form, and can be easily dispersed around the perimeter of a property. Common ingredients include tastes and sensations that raccoons hate, such as black pepper, menthol, and capsaicin.

Spray Animal Repellents

An addition to granular repellents, you also have the option of purchasing spray repellents. Scientifically developed and concocted based on the same principles of granular formulas, spray animal repellents work by thwarting raccoon activity in concentrated areas. You can also choose to make your own spray repellent by combining olive oil, water, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper together, and then applying it to the perimeter of your property. Just be sure to keep pets away from treated areas since the pepper can irritate their eyes and nose.

Trusted Indianapolis Raccoon Control

Call 317-535-4605 for Indianapolis raccoon removal and control you can trust. We are DNR licensed and insured nuisance wildlife removal contractors who offer a wide range of 24 hour raccoon removal and control services, including raccoon cleanup, raccoon proofing, minor restorations for raccoon damages, and more. Call 317-535-4605 to request a free estimate or emergency service, today.