Raccoons are clever and persistent animals that often find their way into dumpsters looking for food, causing messes, potential damage, and health risks.
If you're dealing with raccoons rummaging through your dumpster, you're not alone.
In this guide, we’ll explore effective ways to keep raccoons out, from securing the lid to using repellents and barriers.
How to keep raccoons out of a dumpster?
To keep raccoons out of a dumpster, ensure it’s securely closed and locked. You can also use raccoon repellents or store food waste in sealed bags to discourage scavenging.
Key Takeaways
- Raccoons are skilled at getting into dumpsters, and it's important to secure your waste to prevent damage and mess.
- Simple solutions like installing a secure lid or using raccoon repellents can effectively deter them.
- Keeping your dumpster clean and limiting attractants will reduce the chances of raccoons being drawn to it.
Why Do Raccoons Target Dumpsters?
Raccoons are known for their ability to find food sources in urban areas. Dumpsters are an easy target because they provide a large amount of food in one place.
These nocturnal creatures are particularly active at night, making them prime candidates for raiding trash bins after dark.
A raccoon’s dexterity, intelligence, and keen sense of smell make them experts at getting into even tightly secured containers.
While they might appear cute, raccoons can create a significant amount of mess and damage when they get into your dumpster.
They often scatter garbage, spread food around, and leave behind waste, making cleanup a bigger challenge.
In some cases, raccoons can even damage the dumpster itself or chew through plastic lids and bins.
How to Keep Raccoons Out of Your Dumpster
There are various strategies you can employ to prevent raccoons from making a meal out of your garbage.
Below are some of the most effective methods for securing your dumpster and deterring these clever creatures.
Use a Secure Lid or Locking Mechanism
One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep raccoons out of your dumpster is by ensuring that the lid is securely closed.
A tight-fitting lid prevents raccoons from accessing the contents and makes it harder for them to pry open the dumpster.
Locking lids: Consider investing in a dumpster with a lockable lid or adding a locking mechanism to your existing dumpster.
A lock can prevent raccoons from easily opening the lid and gaining access to the food inside.
There are various types of locks available, including simple padlocks or more advanced mechanisms designed specifically for dumpsters.
Heavy-duty covers: For added security, you can use heavy-duty covers that fit tightly over the dumpster.
These are often made of durable, tamper-resistant materials that are harder for animals to lift or break open.
Install a Barrier Around the Dumpster
If you have the space, installing a physical barrier around the dumpster can help deter raccoons from accessing it.
Fencing or enclosures can limit access to the dumpster and make it more difficult for raccoons to reach the food inside.
Tall fences: Build a fence around your dumpster that is at least 6 feet tall. This will make it harder for raccoons to jump over and reach the garbage.
Make sure the bottom of the fence is securely fastened to the ground to prevent raccoons from sneaking underneath.
Gated enclosures: Another option is to use a gated enclosure specifically designed for dumpsters.
These enclosures can keep animals out and provide a more secure, controlled environment for waste management.
Use Raccoon Repellents
Repellents are another effective way to keep raccoons away from your dumpster.
These products work by emitting scents that are unpleasant to raccoons, making them less likely to approach the area.
Commercial repellents: There are various commercial raccoon repellents available in the form of sprays or granules.
These products are typically made from natural ingredients like predator urine or capsaicin, which are known to deter raccoons.
Apply the repellent around the base of the dumpster or directly on the lid.
Homemade remedies: If you prefer a DIY approach, you can make your own repellent using ingredients like cayenne pepper, garlic, or citrus.
Sprinkle the mixture around the perimeter of the dumpster or use it on a cloth to rub along the edges.
Keep the Dumpster Area Clean
One of the most important steps in preventing raccoons from raiding your dumpster is keeping the surrounding area clean.
Raccoons are more likely to be attracted to a dumpster that is overflowing with food scraps or has an unpleasant odour.
Regular cleaning: Make sure to clean the area around the dumpster regularly. Dispose of food waste quickly and securely to avoid attracting raccoons.
If there is a spillage, clean it up promptly to remove any enticing smells.
Odour control: If your dumpster tends to smell, consider using deodorising products or trash bags that help control odours.
You can also clean the inside of the dumpster to remove any food residue that may attract pests.
When to Call a Professional
If you find that your efforts to keep raccoons out of your dumpster aren’t working or if the problem is escalating, it may be time to call in a pest control professional.
A pest control expert can assess the situation, identify potential entry points, and implement more advanced solutions to keep raccoons away from your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can raccoons damage my dumpster?
Yes, raccoons can cause damage to your dumpster by chewing through the plastic or metal, especially if the lid is not properly secured. They can also scatter garbage, creating a mess.
2. Are there any natural ways to repel raccoons?
Yes, natural repellents such as cayenne pepper, garlic, and citrus can be used to deter raccoons from getting into your dumpster. You can apply these around the area or mix them into homemade repellents.
3. What should I do if I find a raccoon inside my dumpster?
If you find a raccoon inside your dumpster, avoid approaching it directly. Instead, consider calling pest control to safely remove the animal and help secure your dumpster to prevent future access.
Conclusion
Keeping raccoons out of your dumpster is essential for maintaining cleanliness and avoiding unnecessary damage.
By using the right preventive measures, such as securing the lid, installing a physical barrier, using repellents, and keeping the area clean, you can effectively deter these clever creatures.
If you continue to experience issues, consider calling in a professional to help resolve the problem.
With the right approach, you can protect your dumpster and keep your environment clean and pest-free.