Raccoons are smart, curious, and opportunistic creatures. In Kansas City, they’re a common nuisance for homeowners—especially when they target trash cans as an easy source of food. While raccoons may look cute, they can cause quite a mess and even pose health risks. Fortunately, there are effective and humane ways to keep them out of your garbage without harming them or the environment.
Why Raccoons Target Your Trash
Raccoons are nocturnal scavengers. Your trash cans can seem like a buffet, filled with leftover food scraps, pet waste, or other organic materials. Once they find an easy meal, raccoons are likely to return night after night, potentially inviting more animals to join them. Over time, this can lead to damaged containers, scattered garbage, and even more serious issues like attic invasions.
Secure Your Trash Cans
The first step to keeping raccoons out is ensuring your trash bins are as secure as possible.
Use Animal-Proof Lids: Heavy-duty lids with locking mechanisms make it difficult for raccoons to pry them open.
Keep Lids Tightly Closed: Even a slightly ajar lid can invite trouble.
Use Bungee Cords or Straps: Looping a bungee cord over your trash can lid adds an extra layer of protection.
Store Indoors or in a Shed: If possible, keep your bins inside a garage or secure shed until pickup day.
Reduce Trash Odors
Raccoons have an excellent sense of smell. Reducing odors from your trash can help make it less attractive.
Double-Bag Food Waste: Especially meats, seafood, and anything with strong smells.
Rinse Containers: Clean food packaging before tossing it in the bin.
Use Baking Soda: Sprinkle some in the bottom of your trash bin to help neutralize odors.
Change Trash Day Habits
Small changes in timing can also reduce the chance of attracting raccoons.
Put Trash Out in the Morning: Since raccoons are active at night, avoid putting bins out the night before.
Don’t Leave Overflowing Cans: Make sure the lids can close completely.
Use Natural Deterrents
There are a few safe and humane ways to discourage raccoons from approaching your garbage area.
Ammonia-Soaked Rags: The smell mimics predator urine and may repel raccoons.
Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers: Sudden movement or noise can startle and deter them.
Cayenne Pepper or Vinegar Spray: These smells may discourage raccoons from investigating.
Keep the Area Clean
Raccoons are less likely to linger if the area around your bins is free of other food sources.
Clean Up Spills Immediately: Remove any garbage that falls out.
Avoid Leaving Pet Food Outside: Especially overnight.
Secure Compost Bins: Make sure they’re well-sealed and odor-controlled.
When to Call in the Pros
If you’re seeing frequent raccoon visits despite your best efforts, it might be time to call Critter Control of Kansas City. Our trained wildlife specialists use humane, environmentally responsible methods to remove raccoons and keep them from coming back. We can also help identify access points around your home that might be attracting them in the first place.
Protect Your Property the Humane Way
Raccoons are persistent, but with a few smart adjustments, you can make your home far less appealing to them. If DIY solutions aren’t doing the trick, contact us for safe, professional wildlife management. We’re here to help you keep your property clean, secure, and raccoon-free—humanely.