Raccoons have a reputation for being smart and resourceful city dwellers, which is one of the most interesting things about animals. Their pranks are sometimes funny, but the fact that they use decks as makeshift bathrooms is not. As we learn more about how to beat raccoons, let’s look at some expert strategies that will stop them from getting on your deck and clean up your outdoor space.
Figuring out how raccoons act:
To trick a raccoon, you have to first figure out how they act. These masked robbers like the privacy and protection that decks offer, which makes them a nice place to use the bathroom. Their strong sense of smell leads them back to places they know, which keeps them in this bad habit. Your defence is built around how well you know what they are likely to do.
Using things that mask smells:
Raccoons use their sense of smell a lot to figure out where they are. By carefully placing scent-blocking items around your deck, you can make a smelly minefield that makes them less likely to come back. Things like ammonia-soaked rags, orange peels, or even store-bought repellents can confuse their senses and make your deck an unwelcoming place.
Sprinklers that work when people walk by:
Raccoons like to stick to their routines, so changing them can be very useful. Placed carefully around your deck, sprinklers that turn on when motion is detected create a surprise that makes raccoons run away. The quick burst of water not only stops them from sneaking into the bathroom, but it also teaches them to think of your deck as a place where bad things happen.
Lighting that won’t attract raccoons:
Raccoons are naturally driven to the dark, which gives them a cover that makes them hard to see. Install bright, motion-activated lights around your deck to take advantage of this. The sudden light stops them from doing what they were doing at night, so they have to look for places with less light to go to the bathroom.
Barriers made of things:
Galvanized steel mesh, which is a good tool for keeping raccoons away, can also be used as a real barrier under your deck. By closing off the hole with this strong material, you make it hard for raccoons to get to the bottom. This method stops them from going to the bathroom and keeps them from building nests.
Get rid of things that tempt you:
Raccoons are attracted to places where food is easy to get, so getting rid of these places is important. Make sure to quickly clean up pet food bowls, bird feeders, and dropped fruit from your deck. If you don’t have many food choices, your deck is less appealing as a place to eat and use the bathroom.
Cleaning on a regular basis:
Raccoons are creatures of habit, so changing their usual routines can be a good way to keep them away. Using a mixture of vinegar and water to clean your deck on a regular basis helps get rid of their smell markers. This makes your deck less appealing as a public bathroom.
Living together with Caution:
Even though it’s important to be smarter than rats, living together is still the best way to go. Using these methods not only protects your deck, but also makes it easier for you and these creatures to get along. Accept their wild nature while setting clear limits. Try to find a balance that respects their presence and keeps your outdoor space safe.
In a fight of wits between homeowners and raccoons, the best way to win is to use smart strategies. You can fool these deck-invading raccoons if you know how they act, use smells that scare them away, and set up defences that work when they move. Your win is made even stronger by the galvanized steel mesh fortification, the strategic lighting, and the constant cleanliness. Remember that the goal isn’t just to get rid of the raccoons; it’s to create a peaceful coexistence that keeps your deck from becoming a place where they go to the bathroom.
Contact us for more information about our Humane Raccoon Removal Oshawa service.