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How to Keep Raccoons Out of Your Trash Cans

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Now that the harshest parts of winter are approaching, food is becoming harder to find for raccoons. At Brody Brothers Quality Pest Control, we get calls every week about pesky raccoons getting into trash cans. Here’s what you need to know to keep raccoons out of your trash cans for good.

Use Your Trash Can Wisely

To keep out raccoons, there are some “best practices” you should follow when using your garbage can.

  1. Check your trash can to make sure that it is sturdy, strong, and in good repair. If you live in an area with a great deal of wildlife, purchase a trash can specifically designed for keeping out pests.
  2. Never over-fill your trash can. There should not be food, bags, or trash hanging out from underneath the lid. If you cannot firmly close the lid, your trash can is too full.
  3. Clean your trash cans and recycling bins on a regular basis. This will remove any lingering smells and pieces of food.
  4. Firmly tie closed trash bags. If there are any holes or leaks in the bag, take time to double-bag the trash. It might seem like merely an annoyance, but any food or trash that falls out onto the ground when the garbage truck comes will show raccoons that you might be interested in feeding them. You should also double-bag trash that is particularly smelly.
  5. Use rubber bungee cords to tie down trash can lids. This works exceptionally well on the trash cans distributed throughout Baltimore City for residents. If you do not want to invest in bungee cords, placing something very heavy on top of the lid (like a bag of sand or rock salt) will do the trick.
  6. Place your trash cans on a level surface. If your trash can is in great condition but on a slope, raccoons could knock the can over and access what’s inside.

Our Trash Can Picks

Are you in the market for a raccoon-proof trash can? Below are some of our favorites that we use ourselves!

Keep Raccoons Away with Help from Brody Brothers

If you need help keeping raccoons, bears, squirrels and other pests out of your trash cans, schedule a property inspection with Brody Brothers Quality Pest Control. Give us a call at 410-653-2121 .