Whether it’s ripped up/rolled up turf, presence in the yard or actively living in your attic or under your deck, raccoon activity can be a nuisance to homeowners.

Raccoons are highly intelligent & known to "see with their hands". Their ability to get into things - garbage, storage areas & houses - is uncanny.

There are hundreds of DIY ways to keep raccoons away which can get confusing and don't actually work so let’s get the obvious out of the way first: do not resort to trapping.

As the outside environment is raccoon's natural habitat; trapping will leave you back at square one as new individuals move in, and frustrated at the new conflict and wasted finances. 

Here is what you can and should do instead to solve the problem or at the very least reduce the conflict:

-    Activity in yard 
Understand why they are coming to your yard – are the using it to travel within territory or is there food or harbourage? Remove these attractants. Secure your garbage with bungee cords over lids to prevent them from being pushed off or install a lock. Keep cats indoors and small dogs on leashes. Remove pet food – install raccoon-proof cat/dog doors to prevent access into the home. Pick up ripened fruit. Install wildlife motion-sensor sprinklers as yard deterrence. 

-    Lawns 
Raccoons will rip up or roll up turf in order to access grubs linked to the Chafer Beetle as a food source. By treating your lawn with nematodes you will control the grubs as the attractant. Direct installation of secured chicken wire/netting over affected patches will be a great option to preventing ongoing damage as raccoons don’t enjoy having their hands tangled and it gives the grass time to regrow. 

-    Hiding spots
You may not consider your patio furniture as a great spot, but raccoons think otherwise. Remove stored items from accessible areas, and if covering for winter ensure to regularly disturb the area to prevent wildlife making a home. Reduce harbourage through landscaping and trimming trees. Secure and pest proof storage areas. Block access points under decks and crawl spaces. Pest proof your roof to prevent entry. 

Remember raccoons are protected under the BC Wildlife Act, know the rules and don't take removing raccoons into your own hands.

Safely and humanely addressing conflict raccoons is our priority

Feel free to give our wildlife team a call - we will be able to answer any questions you may to ensure all the variables supporting raccoon activity on your property are considered to solve your problem!