Raccoon Dining Habits: Exploring Their Varied Appetites and Trash Can Tactics

Are your trash cans becoming a buffet for local raccoons? Raccoons are common in North American residential areas and are notorious for tipping over trash cans and making a mess. In fact, one of the most common sources of human-raccoon interaction is over food scraps. But what do raccoons eat, and how can you keep them out of your garbage?

Read on for tips from wildlife and pest control experts.

What Do Raccoons Eat? And How Can You Keep Them Out of Your Trash Cans?

Raccoons are omnivores and will eat just about anything, from insects, fruits, and nuts to small rodents and other wildlife. They also raid nests for eggs and forage along water for crayfish and fish. However, their favorite food sources are human-made, specifically garbage and pet food. High-calorie leftovers like meat scraps, bread, and fruit peels train nightly visits and expand their roaming range to your yard.

Raccoons are intelligent creatures and have adapted well to living in and around residential areas, making their primary food sources easily accessible.

They are experts at hunting and foraging for food and will climb trees, dig through gardens, and even open doors and lids to find their next meal. Dexterous paws can flip loose lids and unclip simple latches. These opportunistic eaters will not hesitate to eat whatever is available to them. This flexibility means removing easy calories is the single most effective long-term deterrent.

Why Should You Be Wary of Raccoons?

While raccoons may seem harmless, they can carry various diseases, including rabies, and can cause damage to property. Droppings and urine can contaminate attics and decks and attract insects. Therefore, it is essential to take measures to keep them out of your garbage and away from your home.

Some effective methods include securing your trash cans with tight-fitting lids, keeping pet food indoors, and sealing any possible entry points or gaps in your home. Store bins in a garage or use a strap from handle to handle, add a paving stone on top, and place cans on a level pad so they cannot be tipped.

The Best Raccoon Defense Is a Good Offense

Another strategy to deter raccoons is making your property less inviting. Remove any potential food sources, such as fallen fruit, close garage doors and windows, and use motion-activated lights or sprinklers to ensure that you aren’t inadvertently creating a raccoon wonderland. Relocate bird feeders away from the house and use catch trays to reduce spillage.

Additionally, raccoons are naturally afraid of noises and odors that signal danger, so placing a radio near your trash cans or spraying vinegar or ammonia around the perimeter of your home can help keep them away. Rotate cues and avoid strong chemicals near pets, combine with secured lids because scents alone rarely solve repeat visits.

Trust the Experts for Raccoon Defense

Raccoons are fascinating creatures that are a common sight in many residential areas. While they are notorious for making a mess of trash cans, they are opportunistic eaters that will consume a variety of food sources. To keep raccoons away from your property, securing your garbage cans, removing any potential food sources, and sealing any possible entry points into your home is essential.

When it comes to finding practical and lasting raccoon control services in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado, you can trust Best Pest & Wildlife Control to deliver reliable services at a great price. We are well-versed in the unique wildlife control needs of every different location and have years of experience solving complex pest infestations of all kinds.

Plus, our commitment to safety and customer satisfaction is second to none. Whether you need targeted treatments or ongoing protection against pests, trust Best Pest & Wildlife Control for results-driven, humane solutions that last. Don’t wait another day for relief — contact us now to get started.