Reasons Raccoons in Your Yard
The first thing you need to ask yourself is, "why are raccoons in my yard?" Wild animals do not like being around people. Most species consider humans as predators or threats. If a raccoon is coming onto your property despite your presence, there is a significant motivating factor. Experts suggest there are three primary reasons wildlife will enter your backyard.1. Food
All living things need food and water to survive. If a raccoon visits your yard often, the property is likely providing enough of one or both needs. Some people refer to raccoons as trash pandas, implying their primary food source is garbage, but that is not true. While a raccoon is a forager and will find food wherever available, a significant portion of its diet comes from berries, fruits, insects, mice, etc. Your yard may provide an excellent source of grubs or other ground-dwelling insects.2. Access
Sometimes, the reason a raccoon continues to walk through your yard is that it can. If you do not have a fence or anything else restricting access to your yard, a raccoon may use it to get from one point to another. Perhaps, your backyard represents the shortest path from the animal's den to its feeding grounds.3. Shelter
All animals need shelter. Raccoons can build their own dens, but they will happily take advantage of existing structures to save energy. A backyard shed, deck or garage can provide excellent cover and protection against predators and severe weather.Ways To Deter Raccoons
Once you understand why raccoons are coming onto your property, you probably want to know how to get rid of raccoons in the backyard. Again, experts recommend three strategies.1. Proper Food and Garbage Storage
If you want raccoons to avoid your property, you must eliminate temptations. Do you feed your pets outside? Don't. If you must, make sure you bring their food and dishes inside when they are finished eating. Do you store your garbage outdoors? Don't. Buy lockable or sealable trash cans to keep all garbage. Also, put the cans in the garage or a shed behind a locked door.2. Routine Home Maintenance
Raccoons are smart and will take advantage of any vulnerabilities around your property. If your roof vents are loose, they will pull them away to get into your attic. If the underside of your deck is open, they will build a den.
You need to schedule all necessary home maintenance and inspections. Also, if you have backyard structures, it is best to seal around the underside using chicken wire or some other wire mesh; however, if you suspect an animal already lives under your structure, contact wildlife control to remove it.
