Unwelcome Visitors: What to Do If You Have a Raccoon in Your Backyard at Night

What to Do If You Have a Raccoon in Your Backyard at Night

It’s the middle of the night, and your whole family is fast asleep. Suddenly, you hear scuttling noises outside your home, and a loud clang as your trash can tips over. Eager critters squeak and squeal as they feast on your garbage, creating a massive mess for you the next morning.

Has your home ever been the target of a hungry band of furry bandits?

Are you frustrated with the mess they make every time they rip through your property?

Are you ready to see what you can do to prevent a raccoon in your backyard? Read on to find out how!

Why is There a Raccoon in Your Backyard?

Unwelcome Visitors: What To Do If You Have A Raccoon In Your Backyard At Night 1

Before you try to fix the problem, do you know why you have raccoons in your backyard? 

Do you know what attracts them to your home in the first place?

Raccoons are omnivores, so they will eat both meat and vegetables, as well as small critters, eggs, nuts, and berries. They aren’t picky eaters, so it’s best to know what their biggest draws are before you try to get rid of them. Without proper care and preparation, you will quickly get more visitors.

  • If you have a garden or fruit trees, your property will quickly become a favorite spot for raccoons.
  • Raccoons are nocturnal. While you’re sleeping, your backyard is a private, quiet oasis for them.
  • Trashcans are full of delicious dining options. If your trashcan is not secured, raccoons will get inside.
  • Birdfeeders are like buffets for raccoons. If you find one broken and on the ground, it was probably from a raccoon.
  • If you have a fish pond in your yard, an adult raccoon could clear out the whole feature in a single night.
  • Sheds, garages, and doghouses are great places for raccoons to have their litters in mid-late spring.

How to Reduce Racoon Traffic to Your Home

Unwelcome Visitors: What To Do If You Have A Raccoon In Your Backyard At Night 2

If you see a raccoon or evidence that one has been in your yard, there are a few ways you can encourage them to look for food someplace else.

  • Securely close outdoor trashcans at all times.
  • If you have an outdoor birdfeeder, consider bringing it in each evening to reduce scavenging.
  • If you have a garden or fruit trees, try to secure them so that critters can’t get to the food.
  • If you have a fish pond, you may need to revisit the design of your pond or consult professional help to relocate the critters.
  • For sheds, garages, and doghouses, do your best to keep them closed when not in use. Secure any cracks or openings that an expecting mother raccoon could enter through.

How to Fix Your Raccoon Problem

If you’ve done all you can to get rid of the raccoon in your backyard, but you’re still experiencing issues, the environmentally friendly experts from NJ Pest Control would be happy to help.

Fill out our contact form, live chat with a representative, or contact us directly for more information. Before you know it, your nighttime bandit problem will be a thing of the past.