Raccoons are clever, curious, and undeniably resourceful. If you’ve found your trash cans tipped over with garbage strewn across your driveway, you’ve already experienced raccoon mischief firsthand. 

But why are raccoons so enamoured with your trash cans? 

It turns out, there’s more to their late-night visits than simple curiosity. Understanding why these animals are drawn to your garbage is the first step toward preventing raccoon trash raids.

For raccoons, trash cans are like treasure chests full of edible surprises. Their powerful sense of smell leads them straight to discarded food scraps, while their nimble paws make getting into most trash bins an easy feat. 

They’re opportunistic feeders who have adapted perfectly to urban and suburban life, evolving to take advantage of human-made food sources. 

If you’re scratching your head wondering how to keep raccoons and trash cans from crossing paths, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. 

Below, we’ll explore what makes your garbage so attractive to raccoons, the clever ways they get in, and practical tips for keeping them out. 

Plus, we’ll touch on how Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Mississauga can help you take back control with humane solutions.

Why Are Raccoons Drawn to Your Trash Cans?

Raccoons don’t raid your garbage out of spite—in fact, they’re just following their instincts. These creatures are scavengers, meaning they’ll eat nearly anything they can find. And trash cans? They offer a convenient buffet of leftovers that are too tempting to resist.

• A Nose for Food: Raccoons have an extraordinary sense of smell, which lets them sniff out even the faintest aroma of food. To a raccoon, the scent of greasy pizza boxes, fruit peels, or leftover meat is irresistible. They can detect these smells from a significant distance, which is why your trash cans often become their go-to nighttime snack stop.
• Easy Access: Most garbage bins aren’t raccoon-proof, making them easy targets. If the lids aren’t secured properly, a raccoon can tip the bin over or pry it open with its dexterous paws. Even motion-sensing lights don’t always work for long—raccoons are smart enough to quickly realize that the sudden bright light doesn’t pose an actual threat.
• The Urban Adaptation: Raccoons have developed a knack for thriving in urban settings. Cities and neighbourhoods provide a steady supply of food through human waste, reducing the need for raccoons to forage in the wild. Over time, they’ve learned to associate trash cans with an easy meal and are unlikely to give up this convenient food source without intervention.

The Clever Tactics of Raccoon Mischief

Raccoon mischief goes beyond simple raids—it’s a display of intelligence. These animals are problem-solvers, and their determination can outlast many deterrents. 

• Handy Paws: A raccoon’s paws function much like human hands. Equipped with five fingers, they can grip, twist, and manipulate objects. This gives them the tools to lift trash can lids, untie bungee cords, and pull apart flimsy seals.
• Strong Memory: Raccoons are known for their remarkable memory. Once they discover that your trash can holds food, they’ll remember its location and return night after night. They may even adjust their tactics over time to outsmart your initial deterrents.
• Team Effort: Raccoons don’t always act alone. Sometimes, a group of raccoons will team up to tackle trickier obstacles, such as heavier bins or lids that need lifting. Working together enhances their chances of success, making it even more challenging to stop them.

While their cleverness is impressive, it’s also what makes raccoon mischief so frustrating to homeowners. 

How to Prevent Raccoon Trash Raids

The good news is that there are steps you can take to make your garbage less appealing to raccoons. A few simple adjustments can go a long way towards discouraging them from targeting your property.

Secure Your Trash Cans 

Start by investing in raccoon-proof garbage bins. These bins come with locking lids that are difficult—even for raccoons—to open. If replacing your bins isn’t an option, you can secure the lids with bungee cords or ropes. Just ensure the cords are tight enough so raccoons can’t loosen them.

Minimize Food Odours 

Rinsing food containers, wrapping leftovers in plastic, and double-bagging your garbage can all help reduce the smell that attracts raccoons in the first place. Compost bins should also be tightly sealed to prevent odours from escaping.

Timed Trash Disposal 

If possible, wait until collection day to put your garbage outside. This reduces the window of time that raccoons have to explore your trash. If your schedule doesn’t allow this, consider keeping the bins inside your garage or a secure area overnight.

Clear Other Food Sources 

Raccoons don’t just rely on your garbage—they’ll also eat pet food left outside, birdseed from feeders, or fallen fruit from trees. Removing these additional food sources can further discourage them from hanging around your yard.

Additional Tips at a Glance: 

• Store trash bins in a secure shed or enclosure. 
• Use motion-activated sprinklers as a deterrent. 
• Keep your yard well-lit in the evenings. 
• Regularly clean your garbage bins to remove lingering smells. 

With these preventive measures in place, your trash cans will be far less likely to become a regular raccoon hangout. 

When It’s Time to Call the Professionals

Despite your best efforts, some raccoons are simply too persistent. That’s where we come in. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we specialize in helping homeowners tackle raccoon problems using safe, effective, and humane methods.

Our Humane Approach 

Skedaddle uses one-way doors to solve raccoon problems without harming the animals. These doors allow raccoons to leave your property, but they can’t re-enter. It’s a stress-free solution that encourages raccoons to find a new home away from your trash cans.

Long-Term Prevention 

After removing the raccoons, our team secures all entry points to prevent future issues. From reinforced garbage storage to sealing gaps in your home, we ensure that your property is protected from recurring raccoon mischief.

By trusting professionals, you’ll avoid the stress and inefficiency of DIY methods, which often fail to address the root cause of the problem. With over 30 years of experience, Skedaddle has built a reputation for providing effective, reliable service in Mississauga and beyond.

Make Your Trash Can Raccoon-Free Today!

Raccoons and trash cans might seem like an inevitable pairing, but with the right precautions, you can put an end to raccoon mischief once and for all. Whether it’s securing your garbage bins, minimizing food odours, or trusting us to step in, there are plenty of ways to prevent raccoon trash raids. 

If persistent raccoons have made your backyard their personal buffet, it’s time to act. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Mississauga is here to help. Our humane, effective methods ensure your home stays raccoon-free while respecting wildlife.

Protect your property and take back control today—contact us to request an estimate and learn more about our services. With Skedaddle on your side, raccoons will think twice before coming back.