As a homeowner in Virginia or Maryland, you might find yourself sharing your space with some unexpected guests—raccoons. These clever, nocturnal creatures can be charming to observe but can also cause a variety of problems if they decide to make your backyard their home. Here’s what you need to know about raccoons in your backyard and how to manage their presence effectively.

Understanding Raccoons

Raccoons are known for their distinctive black masks and ringed tails. They are highly adaptable creatures that thrive in both rural and urban environments, making them common sights in many neighborhoods. Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night, foraging for food. Their diet includes fruits, nuts, insects, and even human food scraps, which can often attract them to residential areas.

Why Are Raccoons in Your Backyard?

1. Food Sources: Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and are attracted to easy food sources. Backyards often have accessible garbage cans, pet food, bird feeders, or leftover food that can entice them.
2. Shelter: Raccoons seek safe places to rest and raise their young. Backyards can provide hiding spots in sheds, attics, or under decks, making them appealing for nesting.
3. Water Sources: Raccoons require water for drinking and often find it in bird baths, ponds, or pet bowls, further drawing them into residential areas.
4. Urban Adaptation: As urban areas expand, raccoons adapt to human environments, often thriving in suburban and urban settings where they can find food and shelter.
5. Nocturnal Behavior: Being primarily nocturnal, raccoons are active at night, often going unnoticed as they explore backyards, looking for food and shelter.

Overall, raccoons are intelligent and resourceful animals that have adapted well to living in proximity to humans, making them a common sight in backyards.

Signs of Raccoon Activity

If you're concerned about raccoons in your yard, knowing the signs of their presence can help you take appropriate action. Here are some common indicators that raccoons are visiting or residing in your yard:

Tracks and Footprints: Raccoon tracks are distinctive and can help you identify their presence. Look for tracks that show five toes on each paw, often resembling small human hands. Their footprints are typically about 2 to 4 inches long and may have visible claw marks, although these are not always pronounced.

Scat (Droppings): Raccoon droppings are a telltale sign of their presence. Their scat is usually dark, cylindrical, and can range from 1 to 2 inches in diameter. You might also find food remnants in their droppings, such as fruit seeds, nuts, or other undigested food.

Disturbed Garbage Cans: Raccoons are notorious for rummaging through trash. Signs to look for include garbage cans that have been tipped over or opened, as well as scattered trash. You may find shredded paper, food wrappers, or other debris around the area, indicating that raccoons have been foraging.

Damage to Gardens and Landscaping: If raccoons are foraging in your garden, you might notice signs such as dug-up soil or damaged plants. Raccoons often dig up gardens in search of insects or bulbs, leaving behind evidence of their activity. Look for eaten or broken plants, especially root vegetables and fruits, which can also indicate their presence.

Nesting Signs: Raccoons may establish nests in your yard, so be vigilant for flattened grass or debris in certain areas. If you find areas where grass is disturbed or flattened, this can indicate a resting or nesting site. Additionally, check under decks, porches, sheds, or other structures for signs of nesting.

Noises: Raccoons are nocturnal creatures and can make a variety of sounds. You may hear them chirping or growling at night, often accompanied by scratching noises from areas where they are trying to gain access. Pay attention to these sounds, especially in the late evening or early morning hours.

Visual Sightings: One of the most obvious signs of raccoons is actually seeing them. These creatures are primarily active at night, so you’re more likely to spot them during late evening or early morning hours. Look for raccoons scavenging in trash cans or wandering through your yard.

Image

How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Your Yard

Raccoons can be cute but are often unwelcome visitors in your yard. Their nocturnal habits and scavenging behavior can lead to disturbances and property damage. If you’re dealing with raccoons in your yard, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to safely and effectively get rid of them.

*Both Virginia and Maryland have laws regarding the handling of wildlife, including raccoons. It’s essential to understand that raccoons are protected under state law. Always consult with professionals to ensure any actions taken are compliant with local regulations.

1. Remove Food Sources

Raccoons are attracted to easily accessible food. Take the following steps to eliminate these temptations:

• Secure Garbage Cans: Use raccoon-proof lids and store trash in a shed or garage if possible.
• Clear Pet Food: Don’t leave pet food outside overnight. Feed pets indoors and clean up any leftover food.
• Garden Care: Pick ripe fruits and vegetables promptly and clean up fallen produce. Consider using fencing to protect gardens.
• Remove Bird Feeders: If you have bird feeders, take them down at night or use raccoon-proof feeders.

2. Eliminate Shelter

Raccoons may seek shelter in your yard. Prevent this by:

• Sealing Entry Points: Close off any access to attics, basements, and under decks or porches. Use hardware cloth or other sturdy materials to block openings.
• Clearing Debris: Keep your yard clean and remove piles of leaves, wood, or other debris where raccoons may nest.

3. Use Deterrents

Various deterrents can help keep raccoons at bay:

• Motion-Activated Lights: Bright lights can scare raccoons away, as they prefer dark, secluded areas.
• Noise Makers: Wind chimes, radios, or ultrasonic devices can create noise that deters raccoons.
• Repellents: Natural repellents like cayenne pepper, vinegar, or commercial raccoon repellents can be effective when sprayed in areas where raccoons frequent.

4. Trap and Relocate

If raccoons are persistent, trapping may be necessary. Follow these guidelines:

• Use Humane Traps: Purchase a live trap specifically designed for raccoons. Ensure the trap is large enough and follows your local wildlife laws.
• Bait the Trap: Use attractive bait such as cat food, marshmallows, or canned tuna. Place the trap in areas where you’ve noticed raccoon activity.
• Check Traps Regularly: Check traps at least once every few hours to ensure the animal does not suffer from stress or exposure.
• Release Safely: After trapping, contact a local wildlife agency for guidance on the proper relocation of the raccoon, as laws vary by state.

5. Seek Professional Help

If raccoons continue to be a problem or if you’re uncomfortable dealing with them yourself, consider hiring a professional wildlife removal service, such as Century Termite & Pest Control. Our team has the experience and tools necessary to handle raccoon issues safely and humanely.

Keeping Raccoons Out Of Your Yard

Getting rid of raccoons in your yard requires a combination of prevention, deterrents, and, if necessary, humane trapping. By taking these steps, you can enjoy your outdoor space without the worry of raccoon intrusions. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to our wildlife professionals for assistance.