In this article, we’re going to tackle the raccoon invasion and show you how to get rid of raccoons under the deck.
It’s all fun and games living in harmony with our furry neighbors, but sometimes raccoons can overstay their welcome, especially when they move in under your deck.
Let’s get started.
How To Get Rid Of Raccoons Under The Deck
If your trash cans are perpetually toppled, your property is in disarray, and you spot signs of raccoon mischief, it’s time to take action.
Don’t worry; we’ll show you how to safely and humanely deal with the situation. Keep your cool, take some precautions, and let’s get rid of those deck-dwelling raccoons!
Will Raccoons Leave On Their Own?
Now, here’s a smart option – if you can bear living with the raccoons for a little while longer, you might just outsmart them.
Raccoons usually stay in their cozy underground dens for a short period, especially during the nesting season. So, just hang tight till the end of summer, and they’ll probably move on to new digs.
Once you’re sure the raccoon family has vacated, it’s time to seal off all access points to prevent future wildlife guests.
But before you do that, use the “paper test” – stuff some newspaper inside the den’s entrance. Wait for 3 days and nights to see if the raccoons return. If the newspaper is undisturbed, and you hear no more noises, you’re good to go.
Now, seal off your deck with sturdy galvanized steel mesh, at least 6 inches deep. This fortress-like barrier should keep raccoons away for good.
What Do Raccoons Absolutely Hate?
Okay, so you’re not into waiting around? No problem, let’s make your deck less appealing to these furry invaders. We’re going to annoy them just enough to make them think your deck is no longer a dream home.
We’ll use a combination of smell, sound, and light to gently nudge them away:
1. Make Some Noise – How To Lure Raccoons Out Of Hiding
Time to crank up the volume! Raccoons are spooked by loud noises and human voices.
Tune a radio to a talk station and place it near the den. Turn up the volume enough to make the mother raccoon think twice about staying.
Don’t stop there – get creative with loud noises like banging pots, thumping, and even a few yells!
2. Light – Fastest Way To Get Rid Of Raccoons
Raccoons are nocturnal, so they’re not fans of bright lights in their den.
Place a bright light near the entrance – something like a mechanic’s light or outdoor spotlights should do the trick. Once they see their home all lit up, they might just decide to find a quieter spot.
3. Disturbance – How To Get Rid Of Raccoons Naturally
Raccoon noses won’t appreciate some strong scents. Soak some rags in ammonia or Apple Cider Vinegar and place them around the deck, especially near the den’s entrance.
While there are many repellents out there, scent deterrents are best used in combination with sound and light methods.
Chat With A Wildlife Pro
Pick up that phone and reach out to a wildlife professional. They’re the experts who know how to handle this situation safely for both you and the raccoons.
Look for licensed and responsible pest control companies to ensure they’re following humane practices. You don’t want anyone causing harm to these clever creatures!
A trustworthy wildlife expert will likely suggest strategies that encourage the mother raccoon to relocate on her own, rather than trapping her.
Trapping could lead to the unfortunate demise of her babies, and that’s something we definitely want to avoid. So, let’s be kind and considerate in our approach.
What To Avoid When Removing Raccoons
Let’s talk about what not to do. You don’t want to make things worse. Here’s what to steer clear of:
1. One-Way Doors
Now, one-way doors might sound like a smart idea, but raccoons are clever. If they really want to get back to their den, they’ll find a way.
Plus, if you use these doors at the wrong time of year, you could end up separating a mother raccoon from her babies, leaving them trapped inside the deck.
2. Live Trapping
Trapping and relocating raccoons might seem like a humane solution, but here’s the deal – it’s not. Many states in the USA and Canada actually consider this illegal. Why?
Well, relocated raccoons can get super stressed and may not survive the whole ordeal. Not to mention, if the raccoon is a mom, she might leave her babies behind to fend for themselves.
Signs Of Raccoon Infestation
How do you know if you’ve got raccoons under your deck? Here are some telltale signs to look out for:
1. Droppings And Paw Prints
Raccoon tracks kind of look like tiny human hands with claws at the tips. And their poop? It’s about 2-3 inches long, tubular, and dark, often with twigs and berries mixed in. If you spot these around your flower pots or trash cans, it’s time to evict them!
2. Nesting Materials
Keep an eye out for strange collections of materials around your place. Raccoon moms are known to steal your stuff, like clothing or newspapers, to build a cozy nest for their raccoon babies.
3. Nocturnal Noises
If you hear unusual sounds at night, like scratching, thumping, high-pitched screeches, or whining, chances are raccoons are under your deck. And when they’re feeding their little ones, it can get pretty loud!
4. Midnight Patrol
Raccoons are creatures of the night, so you might catch them sneaking around after dark. Curiosity drives them to climb trees, peek through windows, and even explore your shoes.
Is It Bad To Have Raccoons Under Your Deck?
Okay, let’s talk safety first. Raccoons may look cute, but they’re wild critters with sharp claws and teeth. If they feel threatened, they won’t think twice about defending themselves.
Plus, they can create quite a mess – from rummaging through your trash cans to wreaking havoc in your garden. Not to mention, they might bring along some not-so-friendly bacteria.
Raccoons can carry rabies, Roundworm, Tetanus, Listeriosis, and Salmonella, so you definitely want to keep your distance. If you or your pets get scratched or bitten by a raccoon, rush to the doctor or vet for a checkup!
Why Raccoons Set Up Camp Under Your Deck
Alright, let’s figure out why these animals fancy hanging out under your deck. For raccoons, patios and decks are the perfect spot to raise their babies in peace and dim lighting (here’s the difference between deck and patio).
And guess what? Your property provides them with access to food. They’re natural-born scavengers, so anything edible, from your trash cans to your veggie patch, is fair game.
The good news is that their stay is usually temporary. By the end of summer, they’ll move on to greener pastures. But they might just come back for a repeat stay next nesting season.
How To Get Rid Of Raccoons For Good
Let’s focus on keeping these raccoons away from your deck in the future. Follow these steps to outsmart these critters:
1. Secure Your Trash
Raccoon’s favorite dining spot is your trash cans! Make it harder for them to raid your bins by securing the lids with a trash can lid strap.
2. Install A Barrier
Block those raccoons out with a sturdy fence. Opt for materials like concrete or bricks, which raccoons find tough to climb. If you’re going for wood, make sure there are no sneaky cracks or holes for raccoons to sneak through.
Be sure to build the fence at least a foot and a half in the ground to foil their digging attempts. Dark spots like under your house and deck should also be fenced off with robust metal wire.
3. Hide The Pet Food
Raccoons like pet food. And they won’t hesitate to stop by for a taste test. So, remember to bring any leftover pet food inside before nightfall.
FAQs – Getting Rid Of Raccoons Under Deck
1. How do I permanently get rid of raccoons?
The most effective way to permanently get rid of raccoons is to hire a professional wildlife removal service that uses humane and legal methods.
2. Do raccoons cause problems if they live under your deck?
Yes, raccoons can cause various problems if they live under your deck, such as damage to the structure, noise, and potential health risks from their droppings.
3. How to deal with racoon sleeping on deck?
To deal with a raccoon sleeping on your deck, avoid direct confrontation and ensure there are no food or water sources available. Installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers may help deter them.
4. What is the best deterrent for raccoons?
The best deterrents for raccoons include securing trash cans, eliminating food sources, installing motion-activated lights, and using repellents designed for raccoons.
5. Do mothballs really keep raccoons away?
Mothballs are not a reliable method to keep raccoons away and can be harmful to the environment. It’s best to use proper deterrents and prevention methods instead.
Conclusion: How To Get Rid Of Raccoons From Under The Deck
To get rid of raccoons under the deck, use humane methods such as installing a barrier, using bright lights or loud noises, and removing any potential food sources. For best results, consider seeking assistance from a professional wildlife removal service.
With these savvy strategies, you’ll be well on your way to a raccoon-free deck (you might also be interested in checking out how to get rid of armadillos under deck).
And remember, always opt for humane methods when dealing with these furry neighbors. Happy raccoon-proofing!