Strategies to Deter Raccoons from Pooping in Your Yard

Raccoons are becoming a common sight in many neighborhoods, and with them comes the unpleasant mess of raccoon droppings in your yard.

While the sight of a raccoon may bring a smile, the mess they leave behind is a nuisance that needs to be addressed. 

Fortunately, you can use various strategies to deter raccoons from pooping in your yard. 

From simple preventive measures to more intricate techniques, there are measures you can take to ensure raccoons stay away from your lawn. 

This blog post will discuss some of the most effective strategies to deter raccoons from pooping in your yard. 

Taking the time to address raccoon droppings can help keep your yard free of unwanted mess.

What Attracts Raccoons?

You may be wondering what attracts raccoons in the first place. 

• They are drawn to areas with food, water, and shelter. 
• Raccoons can find food sources in your garbage, pet food bowls, or bird feeders. 
• If you have a garden or compost pile, that can also attract them.

Standing water or areas of high moisture, like ponds and streams, may bring raccoons to your location. 

Limiting potential food sources is essential to prevent them from coming to your yard and pooping there.

What Not to Do

When it comes to deterring raccoons from pooping in your yard, there are certain things you should not do. 

• Don’t leave food out in the open, as it can attract raccoons. Furthermore, 
• Don’t leave pet food bowls or bird feeders outside overnight, as these are also inviting to the animals. 
• Avoid using poison or chemicals to try and get rid of them; this method of deterrence is ineffective and can also be dangerous for humans and other animals who come into contact with it. 
• Don’t leave garbage cans open or unattended, as this will only attract more raccoons to your yard.

Natural Repellents

Using natural repellents to keep raccoons out of your yard is one of the best methods.

• Garlic is an effective home remedy for repelling raccoons; crush garlic and chili powder together, then spread it around your yard. 
• Hot peppers are another natural repellent that can be used; they should also be available commercially. You can also make your hot pepper-repellent spray. 
• Raccoons are often frightened away by the scent of fox or coyote urine.
• Keeping your yard and trash cans clean will also help to discourage raccoons from using your yard as their bathroom.

Motion-Detected Sprinkler

One of the most effective ways to deter raccoons from pooping in your yard is using a motion-activated sprinkler. 

The Orbit Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler protects landscapes and gardens from animals and pests with a powerful combination of spray, motion, and noise. 

This quiet yet effective method of scaring off raccoons will surprise them with the sudden sound and movement when they approach your yard and keep them away from your property. 

It is one of the best ways to prevent them from coming back and pooping in your yard.

Coyote or Fox Urine

Coyote or fox urine can make raccoons feel unwelcome in your yard. This natural repellent is available at many hunting stores, and it works by sending a message to raccoons that a dangerous predator is nearby.

Using only 100% pure urine is essential, as diluted versions may be less effective. 

When using this method, it’s best to spray the urine around the perimeter of your property and any areas where you’ve seen raccoon activity. Reapplication may be necessary after heavy rain or when you first start using the repellent.

Plastic, Mud, and Water Solutions

When deterring raccoons from your yard, plastic, mud, and water can be your best friend. 

These materials are effective deterrents for raccoons looking for a latrine and can also be used to discourage them from making a mess of your yard. 

Plastic sheets or tarps can be laid over areas where raccoons are likely to leave their droppings, making it harder for them to access. 

Try heavily compacting the soil with mud or water if the site is on the ground. 

This will make it difficult for the raccoons to dig and prevent them from leaving droppings in that area.

Homemade Repellent Mixtures

To make a homemade repellent, you can mix a gallon of water with a bottle of hot sauce or a can of powdered cayenne pepper. 

You can also use vinegar, garlic bulbs, and chili to make a natural deterrent. 

These mixtures help to create an unpleasant smell that raccoons don’t like, preventing them from using your yard as their toilet. 

When applying the homemade repellent mixture, sprinkle it around plants or crops that may attract raccoons. 

Reapply the mixture regularly to ensure that the deterrent remains effective.

Keep Yards and Trash Cans Clean

Keeping your yard and trash can clean effectively deter raccoons from pooping in your yard. Regularly cleaning up fallen fruit, birdseed, pet food, or other items that may attract raccoons is essential. 

Make sure to store trash cans in a secure location, as raccoons have been known to rummage through them for food. 

Place heavy weights on the lids of the cans to prevent raccoons from lifting them and accessing the contents. 

It is important to empty and clean out the cans regularly and dispose of trash properly.