“Raccoons Kept Getting Into My Garbage … Here’s 9 Ways I Learned To Keep Them Away”

Raccoons are a common problem for many suburban dwellers. Though these little creatures are cute in theory, they can also wreak havoc in their search for food. I live on a quiet, woodsy street and keep my garbage can outside in front of my house. I began to notice that “trash pandas” as raccoons are lovingly sometimes referred to, were making a mess in my garbage. They were ripping open bags and scattering garbage around the can. I tried a few different techniques and this is what I learned works to keep raccoons out of garbage.

Why Racoons Get Into Garbage Cans

Raccoons are omnivores and scavengers, so they will eat practically anything they can get their paws on. They have five fingers, which gives them a human-like dexterity. That makes it easy for them to open garbage cans, rip open bags, and pry into containers. 

And though raccoons may be cute, the creatures are problematic to have around your home. They can carry roundworms and rabies, both transmittable to humans. You do not want to interact with them even if they seem friendly. Additionally, raccoons aren’t just destructive to garbage. They’re known to get into everything from birdseed to chicken coops to gardens. They may even find refuge in your chimney, attic, or porch. Once they find a good source of food, they’ll keep returning for it as long as it’s available.

With kids and pets around, I knew I had to find a way to deter these pesky critters. There are a lot of suggestions out there, but this is what I found to work the best to keep the raccoons out of the garbage at my home.

Ways To Keep Racoons Away That I Think Work

Lighting. Raccoons are nocturnal. They will sneak into your trash when the world is quiet and everyone is asleep, leaving you a nice messy surprise in the morning. One thing I learned that scares raccoons away is a well-lit area. Raccoons generally prefer to scavenge in the dark and will stay away from bright light. Motion-sensing lights are ideal, as a sudden burst of lighting may scare them away. 

I couldn’t easily add that in the area the raccoons were congregating, so I tried another technique. I put up some Christmas string lights near the garbage to brighten the area. Setting them on blinker mode creates even more of a deterrent.

Locks. This is one of the easiest ways to keep raccoons out of garbage. You can even buy garbage cans that lock. Metal garbage cans with lids are also a good option because they can be chained with heavy-duty locks.

I didn’t want to buy new garbage cans so I improvised. I stretched a small bungee cord across the top of the garbage, hooking it tightly under the side ridges. One thing to keep in mind is the type of garbage can you use. Raccoons are easily able to knock lightweight cans over. I use a heavy-duty flip-lid wheeling garbage can that isn’t easily tippable. As of now, the raccoons haven’t been able to find a way to pry off the bungee cord. I call that a win!

Double bag. The stinkier your trash, the more likely it is that a raccoon is going to catch a whiff and start scavenging. I started to double-bag my garbage to help reduce the odors of the trash. Less smelly garbage also keeps other animals away!

Bring the garbage in. When possible, I bring my garbage cans into the garage for the evening. There’s no way the raccoons can find a way into the garage … yet, at least. I have neighbors who have constructed a wooden trash shed for their garbage cans. It locks closed, so raccoons aren’t getting in unless they have a key. The only problem with bringing the trash into your garage or shed is that you risk visits by other critters. Mice are small enough to find their way in, and that’s the last thing you want to attract. So tread carefully if trying this method.

Discourage hiding places. I cleaned up the piles of leaves and cut back some bushes to discourage raccoons and other critters from making nests on my property. A tidy yard provides fewer places for animals to hide out. We have an old car sitting out front, so I ensured it was locked and cleaned to keep away creatures. The more garbage and mess around your house, the more likely raccoons will appear.

Other Ways To Deter Raccoons

Ammonia. The smell of ammonia repels raccoons. Raccoons can’t stand how it smells like urine. To keep the creatures away, spray some ammonia on your garbage bags. However, you’ll likely have to spray constantly to keep the scent fresh, making this one of the more involved ways of repelling raccoons.

Radio. Another suggestion is to leave a radio playing near the garbage. Raccoons generally are skittish of humans. The thought is that a raccoon hearing voices is likely to stay away. Again, this method only works if you don’t have neighbors nearby who might be irritated by a radio playing all night.

Sprinkle sand. Raccoons do not like the feel of sand or powder on their paws. A few steps in the substance can cause a raccoon to back away from your trash in disgust. One recommendation is to sprinkle sand or even baby powder on top of and around your trash cans.

An issue I have with trying this method is more messiness! And you’ll have to keep sprinkling it whenever it’s washed away by wind or rain. But if some of the other methods aren’t working, this is a pretty cheap repellant to try.

Spices. If a raccoon is wreaking havoc in your garden, a recommendation is to sprinkle various plants with certain spices that the animals hate. You can also sprinkle the spices on garbage and garbage cans. Raccoons are said to not like the smell of black or cayenne pepper, and won’t munch on garbage smothered in it.

I elected not to try this method since it requires constant reapplication. But it’s worth a shot if other methods here aren’t working for you. I’m happy to report that my multi-pronged approach of lighting, locked garbage, and no leaves is working for me. The raccoons have yet to find a way into my garbage now!