If you’ve been waking up to tipped-over trash cans or spotting sneaky raccoons venturing across your yard, you’re not alone. Raccoons are resourceful little animals that can easily make your yard their personal buffet or new home. 

But why do raccoons choose your yard over someone else’s? 

The answer usually boils down to three things—food, shelter, and water. Once you understand why raccoons are in your yard, you can take steps to stop them effectively. 

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Marietta, we specialize in humane and effective ways to prevent raccoons from becoming a problem around your property. 

Here’s everything you need to know, from understanding their attraction to your yard to foolproof raccoon yard prevention techniques. 

Why Raccoons Are in Your Yard 

Raccoons don’t just wander into your yard by accident—they’re there for a reason! These clever animals are always on the lookout for food, water, and a safe place to rest. If your yard has any of these, it’s like rolling out the welcome mat for them. 

Let’s break down the main reasons why raccoons are in your yard and what might be attracting them.

Food Left Outside 

Raccoons have a great sense of smell, and they’re not picky about their meals. They’re attracted to easy, accessible food sources. This can be anything from pet food left outdoors, overflowing garbage bins, bird feeders, or even fallen fruits from trees. If your yard offers these snacks, raccoons will likely make repeated visits. 

Shelter Spots 

Raccoons are also drawn to cozy nooks where they can hide during the day and raise their young. Yards with piles of wood, open sheds, decks, or loose attic access can offer the perfect space for a raccoon den. 

Water Sources 

If you have a pond, birdbath, or even standing water in a forgotten corner, raccoons will use it to drink and wash their food, which is a part of their quirky behavior. 

Climbing Opportunities 

Raccoons are excellent climbers. If you have trees with low-hanging branches near your house, they may see this as an easy way to get to your roof or attic. 

When you combine these factors, your yard becomes an attractive spot for them. Knowing why raccoons are in your yard is the first step to putting a stop to the problem. 

How to Stop Raccoons in Your Yard 

Now that you know why raccoons are in your yard, it’s time to take action. The good news is, there are plenty of simple steps you can take to make your yard less appealing to these furry visitors. From securing food sources to blocking off hiding spots, here’s how you can stop raccoons in your yard and keep them from coming back.

Seal Up the Buffet 

The easiest way to prevent raccoons from visiting is to remove their main attraction—food. Here’s how you can do that effectively: 

• Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids or use bungee cords to make them raccoon-proof. 
• Remove pet food from outdoor spaces after your pets are done eating. 
• Clean up fallen fruit from trees daily. 
• Limit bird feeders by using raccoon-proof feeders or bringing them inside at night. 

Removing these easy food sources helps reduce the chances of raccoons targeting your yard. 

Close Off Hiding Spots 

Raccoons are always on the lookout for shelter. Take some time to block off their potential den areas. 

• Seal gaps under decks, porches, and sheds with mesh that’s at least one foot underground to stop digging. 
• Install caps on chimneys to keep raccoons from nesting inside. 
• Repair any holes in your roof or attic to prevent entry. 

Skedaddle uses humane one-way doors in these kinds of situations. These special devices allow raccoons and other wildlife to leave but ensure they can’t get back inside. It’s a safe and effective way to remove unwanted animals for good. 

Trim Tree Branches 

Keep overhanging branches trimmed to at least six feet away from your roof. Raccoons are excellent climbers, and tree branches act like bridges straight to your home. 

By trimming them back, you make it much harder for raccoons to access your roof or attic. Regularly check for new growth and keep branches trimmed year-round to stay ahead of these clever climbers. 

Use Light and Motion Deterrents 

Raccoons are nocturnal, which means they love dark and quiet places. Adding motion-activated sprinklers or outdoor lights can surprise them and make your yard feel unsafe for their nighttime adventures. 

Ultrasonic devices that emit high-pitched sounds can also help keep them away. These tools work best when combined with other prevention methods, creating an environment raccoons won’t want to stick around in.

Fence Off Your Garden 

If your garden has turned into an all-you-can-eat buffet for raccoons, consider using fencing. An electric fence or chicken wire around the area can help keep them out. 

Make sure the fence is at least a few feet tall and buried a few inches into the ground to stop raccoons from climbing over or digging underneath. This extra layer of protection ensures your fruits and veggies stay safe from hungry visitors.

Tip: Make sure the fence is buried a few inches deep so raccoons can’t dig underneath. 

By focusing on these preventive measures, you’ll reduce the chances of seeing raccoons lounging around your yard. 

How Skedaddle Can Help 

Preventing raccoons from coming to your yard takes time and effort, but there are moments when you might need professional help. That’s where Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Marietta steps in. Our team uses humane, long-term solutions to keep wildlife out of your home and yard. 

Why Choose Skedaddle? 

• Humane Removal: We use one-way doors to allow raccoons to safely leave your property, ensuring they can’t return. This method is safe for the animals and keeps your home free from future intrusions.
• Custom Solutions: Every property is unique, so we work with you to identify entry points and seal them. Our team tailors each solution to fit your home’s specific needs, ensuring no spot is overlooked.
• Lasting Prevention: From attic repairs to mesh barriers, we make sure your home is protected long-term. These measures not only stop raccoons now but also prevent them from causing problems in the future.

Your peace of mind is our priority. By choosing professional wildlife control, you stop raccoons in your yard without harming them. 

Take Back Your Yard from Raccoons 

Raccoons might be cute, but an invasion of these furry visitors can cause a world of trouble. Understanding why raccoons are in your yard allows you to tackle the problem head-on. By removing food sources, trimming trees, sealing off shelter opportunities, and using effective deterrents, you can successfully achieve raccoon yard prevention. 

If raccoons have already made themselves at home, there’s no need to worry. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Marietta is here to help. With our expertise, we’ll remove wildlife safely and set up long-lasting prevention measures to keep them out. Request an estimate today, and take the first step to reclaiming your yard!