Raccoons, with their inquisitive nature, often seek shelter in garages. They’ll causing disturbances, a mess, potential damage inside and can even damage a garage door. Preventing these clever critters from infiltrating your garage requires strategic measures. Let’s go over some effective tips and tricks to deter raccoons, safeguarding your garage and belongings.
Start by Sealing Any and All Entry Points and Gaps
Inspect your garage for any gaps or openings that raccoons might use for entry. Seal cracks, holes, or gaps in walls, windows, doors, and around the garage door with weather stripping, sealants, or hardware cloth. You need to prevent any way for the raccoons to get in cause any damage. You can even find horror stories of them breaking through, bending or damaging garage doors to get in.
Garage Door Maintenance Plays a Big Role
Regularly inspect your garage door for any damages or gaps. Ensure the weather stripping at the bottom of the door is intact and seals properly when closed. Replace damaged seals to prevent raccoons from squeezing underneath. If you have a door with a more bendable material like aluminum, check the corners regularly. Damage can occur and even if a small dent or bend starts, they’ll capitalize on it.
Keep Your Garbage and Food Sources Sealed and Safe
Raccoons are attracted to food sources. Keep garbage cans securely closed and store them in sealed containers. Avoid leaving pet food or birdseed in the garage, as these can also attract raccoons. Clean any spilled food promptly. If you keep recycling in your garage, make sure you regularly clean out your containers. You should be doing this anyway but it’s worth double checking and making sure that everything is clean. They’ll latch on to any scent or food that you leave for them.
Use Repellents and Deterrents at Any Entryway
Try using natural or commercial raccoon repellents near potential entry points. Ingredients like ammonia, vinegar, or predator urine can deter raccoons. Install motion-activated lights or sprinklers to startle them away from your garage. All of these options can be found locally and they’re very easy to set up.
Create Disturbances to Discourage Nesting
Raccoons prefer quiet, undisturbed spaces for nesting. Make your garage less inviting by introducing disturbances like loud noises or bright lights. Keeping a light on overnight can go a long way, especially during nighttime. This will help deter them from settling in but also give the impression that you might be around. Motion sensor lights are one of the best investments you can make for areas where animals might be wandering around.
Trim Any Vegetation or Trees You Have Around the Garage to Keep Them Grounded
Raccoons are adept climbers. Trim tree branches and bushes near your garage to reduce access points. Avoid providing easy pathways for them to access the roof or openings leading into the garage. They’re nimble creatures that will really go above and beyond for your trash (but their treasure).
Install Additional Barriers Where It Won’t Impede You
Consider adding physical barriers like wire mesh or fencing around vulnerable areas of your garage. Ensure these barriers are securely fastened and cover potential entry points without impeding the garage door’s functionality. You don’t want to cover up your car’s pathway, but you might want to cover a window that could be opened.
Regular Inspections for Animals Can Help Address Any Issue
Schedule routine inspections of your garage and its surroundings. Check for signs of raccoon activity, such as paw prints, droppings, or damage. Promptly address any issues or potential entry points you discover. If found an opening once, they’ll be sure to find it again (perhaps with their family this time). As well, if they start to damage anything like your garage door you need to repair it promptly. Otherwise, they’ll keep wearing away at it until it’s a rather expensive repair.
Seek Local Wildlife Control If It Becomes a Big Issue
If raccoons persistently infiltrate your garage despite preventive measures, consider seeking professional assistance. Wildlife control experts can provide specialized solutions to deter raccoons without harming them. The big thing with animals coming onto your property is that you want everyone to be safe. You don’t want to hurt the animals that are just trying to find food, and you don’t want to be hurt. Calling animal control once it’s out of your control is always for the best.
Being Proactive Is the Best Way to Prevent Entry
Preventing raccoons from entering your garage requires both proactive measures and constant vigilance. By sealing entry points, using repellents, and creating disturbances, you can stop raccoons from wanting to go in your garage. Regular inspections, maintenance, and seeking professional help if needed ensure a raccoon-free environment. You can safeguard your garage and preserve your daily peace of mind. With these effective tips and tricks, you can deter raccoons and protect your garage from unwanted critter intrusions.