Though it might seem “cute” when raccoons rifle through your garbage, if your trash is an invitation to rodents and other pests you may find yourself with a bigger problem than you’re ready to handle. Pests like rats and raccoons seek easily-accessible food sources — and rubbish bins or organics containers can provide a satisfying meal. To avoid encouraging these critters to spend time around your house, follow these tips to keep animals away:
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Dispose of Trash Properly
After trash pickup, rinse any food residue outside or inside the bin. Before placing recyclables in the “blue bin,” rinse wrappers and containers to eliminate enticing smells and tastes.
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Minimize Odour
Many animals locate food through its scent; rotting trash is a big draw. If you have particularly smelly garbage, double bag it before placing it in the bin. You can try masking the smell with materials like mothballs , hanging a bar of “Ivory” soap near the outdoor garbage area, or placing a rag soaked in mint essential oil — raccoons find these smells unpleasant.
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Tie Down the Lid
Some pests are intelligent enough to remove the lid on your trash can if it isn’t secure. If your lid has been dislodged in the past, tie it down with a bungee cord or “racoon-proof” strap to keep it securely attached. You can also affix (and elevate) the trash can on a fence or side of the house to make it harder to reach or be knocked over by determined scavengers.
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Use Motion-sensing Lights
Some animals prefer to search for food at dark and are startled by sudden bright lights. Install motion-sensor lights around your garbage area to scare any guests that are up to no good. Since the lights only activate with motion, you won’t waste much power. They’re also a deterrent for human intruders.
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Place Trash in Inaccessible Places
If all else fails, make your trash inaccessible to pests. Keep bins inside locked garages or sheds until pickup time. Alternatively, if you are concerned about having foul odours indoors, build a plywood box to hold the bins. This keeps them out of sight, and makes it less likely for pests to reach them.
Taking steps to keep wildlife and rodents out of your trash and garbage can help keep your home and property free of pests. If you have a wildlife problem, contact Pro-Pest; we have experience removing both insects and “furry intruders” and preventing their re-entry. Contact us at (416) 487-4179 for help.
