Raccoon facts

Raccoons are smart, alert, and curious animals with a good sense of hearing and smell. They come out at night-time searching for food, water, and somewhere to live and sleep during the day.

A female raccoon will set up a den site only during six weeks in spring when the babies are too young to travel with her.

Raccoons do not make good pets because they are wild, reckless, and can be violent and harmful. In fact, they can transmit rabies which is a viral disease transmitted mainly through animal bites containing saliva that can be deadly.

How to prevent raccoons from living in your yard

• Do not leave pet food outside. If you have pets, feed them during the day and don't leave their food or water dishes outside.

• Secure garbage by using trashcans with locking lids or store garbage cans in the garage until pickup.

• Seal openings to attics, basements, crawlspaces, chimneys, decks, and sheds.

•Use bright lights and noise to force raccoons out of attics, chimneys, garages, etc.

• Install electric fencing to keep raccoons out of gardens.

•Keep bird feeders away from trees or other structures.

• If a mother has babies in an unwanted area on your property, make the area uncomfortable with bright lights and noise. She will move her babies to a new nest site and you can then safely close the opening.

Methods for cleaning up and removing things that attract raccoons

1. Check the area around your home and clean up all garbage, paper, food, and fruits that fall from trees.

1. Place heavy weights on the lids when there is garbage, food, or water in trash cans.

Homemade Raccoon Repellents that can be used

Ammonia - It can be applied or soaked onto pieces of cloth or even kept in small opened bottles.  The soaked pieces of cloth can be placed around the house, such as near food sources or around garbage cans and bins. Pine Sol can also be used in place of ammonia.

 Vinegar - Vinegar cider can be applied or soaked onto pieces of cloth or rags.  It can also be used on food 'traps'. Raccoons do not like the taste of vinegar and may never return to the property.

Moth Balls or Crystals - Moth balls are highly toxic and raccoons hate their smell with a passion, so make use of them as they can be purchased easily. If you have babies or small children, moth balls can be dangerous objects and you may consider using moth crystals instead.

Epsom Salts - Epsom salt is an excellent deterrence.  It can also be used as a fertilizer for your gardens and plants.  Therefore, scatter them around your bins and in your garden.

Blood Meal-This product can be purchased in most garden centers.  It is great for repelling raccoons, skunks, etc.  It is a safe product and doesn’t harm animals.

If you have any concerns about raccoons or any other animals that might be sick, contact Animal Control at 203-576-7727 for immediate health concerns.  However, if there are ongoing invasive animal issues, contact a Connecticut Licensed Nuisance Control Operator.  Refer to the yellow pages for a list of Connecticut Licensed Nuisance Control Operators.