Raccoons and opossums are highly adaptable nocturnal mammals common in urban and suburban settings. Seeking food, water, and shelter, they often turn residential areas into prime foraging and denning spots. Successfully managing their presence involves a humane, non-lethal strategy focused on prevention. The most effective approach is making your property unattractive and inaccessible to these animals.
Eliminating Common Attractants
The primary reason raccoons and opossums visit a property is readily available food sources. Securing household garbage is the most immediate and impactful preventative measure. Invest in heavy-duty trash cans with robust, locking mechanisms or use strong bungee cords or ratchet straps to fasten the lids securely.
Timing the placement of trash is an effective strategy, as these animals are predominantly active at night. Bins should only be placed at the curb on the morning of collection day to minimize vulnerability. To further reduce attraction, double-bag smelly food waste and rinse recyclable containers. This helps mask strong odors that their keen sense of smell can detect.
Outdoor pet food and water bowls are significant attractants and should never be left outside overnight. Bird feeders, which provide an easy meal of seeds and fallen nuts, also draw in these mammals. Bringing feeders in before dusk or installing trays to catch spilled seed substantially reduces the food reward that encourages repeat visits. Promptly picking up fallen fruit, berries, and nuts from trees and gardens eliminates another readily available food source.
Securing Structures and Property Lines
Physical exclusion, which involves blocking access to potential den sites, is the most permanent and reliable method of deterrence. Raccoons are strong and dexterous, exploiting any weak point to gain entry into attics, crawl spaces, and sheds. Inspect your home’s exterior for any gaps, broken vents, or loose siding that could serve as an entry point.
To seal these openings, half-inch welded-wire mesh, often called hardware cloth, is the preferred material. Unlike chicken wire, this galvanized or stainless steel mesh is durable and resistant to chewing and tearing. Securely fasten it over attic vents, chimney openings (with a fitted cap), and any openings leading beneath porches or decks.
For areas like sheds or decks where animals may attempt to dig underneath, an L-shaped barrier, or “rat wall,” is necessary. This involves sinking the hardware cloth vertically into the ground, typically 6 inches deep. The mesh is then bent outward at a 90-degree angle for an additional 8 to 12 inches to create a subterranean flange. This physical barrier prevents animals from digging next to the structure to gain access. For perimeter security, a single strand of electrified wire placed about eight inches above the ground can be added to an existing fence to provide a non-lethal shock that discourages climbing and entry.
Deploying Effective Sensory Deterrents
Sensory deterrents create an actively unpleasant environment that encourages animals to move to a quieter, darker location. Motion-activated devices are highly effective because they rely on the element of surprise. Motion-activated sprinklers deliver a sudden burst of water that startles and repels raccoons and opossums, who generally dislike unexpected disturbances.
Motion-activated lights, especially bright or flashing models, can deter these nocturnal animals by disrupting their preference for darkness. While sound devices, such as ultrasonic emitters, are commercially available, their efficacy is often variable and less reliable than light or water deterrents.
Scent-based repellents provide a temporary solution, especially when applied around vulnerable areas like trash bins or garden beds. Raccoons and opossums have sensitive noses and are often repelled by strong odors like cayenne pepper, vinegar, peppermint oil, or ammonia. These repellents require frequent reapplication, particularly after rain, to maintain potency.
Addressing Existing Wildlife and Local Regulations
If a raccoon or opossum is already denning on the property, exercise caution due to the risk of bites or disease transmission. The most humane approach is encouraging the animal to leave on its own before sealing the entry point. Place mild disturbances like a bright light, a small radio, or rags soaked in ammonia near the den site to make the area undesirable for nesting.
If you suspect the presence of young, do not seal the entry; a mother will cause significant damage attempting to reach trapped offspring. The best time to exclude animals is typically in late fall, after young have matured and dispersed. If you cannot humanely evict the animal, or if it appears sick or trapped, contact a licensed wildlife control operator or local animal control services.
Legal compliance is necessary, as laws regarding the trapping, possession, and relocation of nuisance wildlife vary significantly by municipality and state. Property owners are often allowed to capture certain nuisance animals. However, the methods of disposal—whether release or euthanasia—are strictly regulated and may require a permit or professional involvement. Always consult local ordinances before taking action to ensure legal compliance.