Why Raccoons Keep Coming Back (And How to Stop Them)

Raccoons may look cute, but they can be a serious nuisance for homeowners. These intelligent and adaptable creatures often invade yards, attics, and trash bins in search of food and shelter. If you've successfully removed raccoons before but find them returning time and time again, you may be unknowingly attracting them back. Understanding why raccoons keep coming back and how to prevent their return is crucial for keeping your home and property raccoon-free.

Why Do Raccoons Keep Coming Back?

Many homeowners struggle with recurring raccoon problems, even after attempting to remove them. One common reason is that their home provides an ideal environment for these animals. Raccoons trapping near me services often find that food availability, shelter, and easy access points make properties a prime target for these persistent pests. Here are the top reasons raccoons keep returning:

Your Property Provides a Reliable Food Source

Raccoons are scavengers with a strong sense of smell. They are attracted to pet food, birdseed, garbage, compost piles, and even vegetable gardens. If any of these food sources remain accessible, raccoons will keep coming back.

There Are Plenty of Hiding Spots and Shelter

Raccoons seek safe, warm places to nest, especially during colder months. Attics, basements, crawl spaces, and even sheds offer perfect hiding spots. If your home has easy entry points, they will return to take advantage of the shelter.

Previous Raccoon Scents Linger

Even after raccoons have been removed, their scent can linger for a long time. Other raccoons may pick up on these scents and follow the trail, assuming your property is a safe place to stay.

Your Trash Cans Are Not Secure

Unsecured trash bins are an open invitation for raccoons. If they know they can find food scraps in your garbage, they will continue returning.

You Haven’t Fully Eliminated the Problem

If you remove one or two raccoons but leave behind their den, food sources, or babies, the problem isn’t truly solved. Other raccoons may take over the abandoned nesting area, leading to a cycle of recurring infestations.

How to Stop Raccoons from Coming Back

Now that you understand why raccoons keep returning, let’s explore the best ways to keep them away for good.

Eliminate Food Sources

• Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids or use bungee cords to prevent raccoons from opening them.
• Avoid leaving pet food outside overnight.
• Clean up fallen fruit, nuts, and birdseed from your yard.
• Compost responsibly by using sealed containers instead of open piles.

Seal Entry Points Around Your Home

• Inspect your home for gaps, holes, and weak spots where raccoons may enter.
• Seal attic vents, chimneys, and crawl spaces with durable materials like metal mesh or heavy-duty wood.
• Close off open spaces under decks and porches, as raccoons may use these areas for shelter.

Use Raccoon Repellents

There are several natural and store-bought repellents that can deter raccoons:

• Ammonia or vinegar: The strong smell can keep raccoons away.
• Cayenne pepper: Sprinkling this around trash bins and potential entry points can be effective.
• Motion-activated lights and sprinklers: These devices startle raccoons and discourage them from returning.

Remove Raccoon Scent Trails

After successfully removing raccoons, clean the affected areas thoroughly:

• Use a mixture of bleach and water to disinfect nesting spots.
• Remove any droppings, urine, or food remnants that could attract new raccoons.
• Consider using commercial animal odor removers.

Install Fencing and Barriers

• Use metal fencing around vegetable gardens and compost bins.
• Add a foot of wire mesh at the base of fences to prevent digging.
• Place cinder blocks or heavy rocks around structures raccoons may try to access.

Work with Professional Wildlife Control Experts

If raccoons continue to be a problem despite your efforts, it may be time to call in professionals. Wildlife control experts can:

• Safely and humanely remove raccoons from your property.
• Identify and seal entry points.
• Provide long-term prevention solutions.

Conclusion

Raccoons keep coming back because your home offers food, shelter, and lingering scent trails that attract them. To permanently stop them, you need a combination of food elimination, secure trash management, home repairs, and deterrents. If you’re still struggling with a persistent raccoon problem, professional raccoons trapping near me services can help ensure these unwanted visitors don’t return.