There’s no denying the appeal of a well-built deck. It’s a spot in your backyard where you can relax, hang out with friends, and enjoy nature. That being said, if you live in an area where raccoons like to hang out, your lovely outdoor space can quickly turn into a raccoon’s playroom. These smart animals are known for being able to live in a wide range of places, from cities to suburbs. Raccoon-proofing your deck is important to keep animals out of your outdoor space. Let’s look at some tactics that work.
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Keep your trash cans safe
Raccoons are opportunistic eaters, and the smells coming from your trash cans often draw them in. Put tight-fitting lids on your trash cans and, if you can, use bins that raccoons can’t get into. Raccoons won’t be able to get into your trash because these bins are built with locking mechanisms.
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Make sure your deck is clean
Raccoons will come right up to your deck if it’s full of food crumbs, bird seed, or pet food. Clean your deck often to get rid of any food that’s still there, and think about keeping pet food inside. Remember that rats can be drawn to even small pieces of food.
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Get rid of attractants
Raccoons can eat anything, so they are interested in anything that looks good. If you like to feed birds, use bird feeders that are safe from raccoons. These feeders are made so that rats can’t get to them. Also, clean up any food or seeds that have fallen around the dish.
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Don’t let anyone in.
Check to see if there are any cracks or holes under your deck. Raccoons are very good at climbing, but most of the time they get in from below. Galvanized steel mesh can be used to cover any possible entry spots and make a barrier that is safe. Also, check your deck’s structure and fix any holes or weak spots that raccoons could use.
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Sprinklers and lights that turn on when motion is detected
Raccoons are active at night and are frightened by sudden sounds or lights. Put lights on and around your deck that turn on when you move. Not only does this keep raccoons away, but it also makes your outdoor area safer. Also, sprinklers that turn on when they sense movement can scare rats away from your deck.
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Smells that keep raccoons away
Raccoons can smell things very well, and some smells can scare them away. For example, pepper flakes, ammonia-soaked rags, or store-bought raccoon protection can all be used around your deck. They might not want to come closer because of the strong smells.
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Cut back trees and bushes on a regular basis
The raccoon is a great climber, and it can get to your deck through trees or bushes. Trim back any trees and bushes that are close to your deck and away from your house. These changes will make it harder for rats to get in.
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Sounds that scare people away
Raccoons don’t like the high-pitched sounds that ultrasonic sound gadgets make. Putting these things on or near your deck can be a good way to keep raccoons away.
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Talk to a professional
If rats keep coming to your deck even after you’ve tried to keep them away, you might want to call a professional wildlife removal service. They can look at the situation, get rid of the raccoons safely, and give you expert tips on how to keep raccoons off your deck.
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Don’t give raccoons food.
Don’t give rats food on purpose. Feeding them can make them more likely to come back and stop them from naturally looking for food. Additionally, it is important to know any area rules or laws that prohibit feeding wildlife.
Because raccoons are smart and clever animals, raccoon-proofing your deck takes more than one strategy. These tips can help keep your outdoor space free of animals, so you can enjoy your deck without having to worry about them coming over. By taking these steps, you can make your outdoor area peaceful and welcoming for you and your family.
At Raccoon Control Bolton, We have professional and insured pest control specialists who have the tools available to take care of your break-in. Our raccoon service is backed up with a 2-year service warranty. If raccoons return, we will too at no additional cost. Call 647-578-7949