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Can Raccoons Climb Fences? Tips to Keep Away Them

ByLisa Stevens

Have you ever seen a raccoon in your neighborhood? These furry little creatures might look cute, but they can be quite the troublemakers. One big question many people have is, “Can raccoons climb fences?”

In this blog post, we’re going to explore whether raccoons can climb fences and how you can keep them away from your home. Raccoons are smart and like to explore, especially if they smell food. We’ll look at what attracts them to your yard and share some easy ways to make your place less inviting. 

What Attracts Raccoons to a Property?

Raccoons are always looking for food and a cozy place to hang out. They love places where they can find easy meals like open trash cans, pet food left outside, or gardens full of tasty veggies. They also look for quiet spots like attics or sheds to make a home, especially if they have babies. So, if your place has any of these, raccoons might think it’s an open invitation!

Ways to Keep Raccoons Out of Your Property

Keeping raccoons away from your property doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some straightforward strategies to discourage these clever creatures from visiting:

1 – Secure your trash:

 Raccoons have a keen sense of smell and love to rummage through trash looking for a tasty snack. To keep them out, ensure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids that raccoons can’t easily pry open. Using bungee cords to secure the lids can add an extra layer of protection. This simple step can significantly reduce the food scents that attract raccoons to your yard.

2 – Don’t leave pet food outside: 

Raccoons aren’t picky and will happily dine on your pet’s food if it’s left out. To avoid this, only feed pets outside during the day and bring any leftover food inside at night. This practice not only keeps raccoons away but also ensures your pet’s food stays clean and uncontaminated.

3 – Protect your garden:

 If you have a garden, it’s like a buffet for raccoons. They love to nibble on fruits, vegetables, and even some flowers. To protect your hard work, consider using fencing or netting to cover your garden beds. Ensure it’s sturdy and tall enough to deter climbing. Raccoons are less likely to make the effort to break in if it requires too much work or if they can’t easily access the food.

4 – Close off hiding spots:

 Raccoons look for cozy, quiet places to nest, like attics, sheds, or crawl spaces. To prevent them from moving in, inspect your property for any potential entry points. Seal off openings with sturdy materials and consider installing grates or covers over vents and chimneys. Regularly check these areas for signs of attempted entry and maintain them well to keep raccoons out.

What kind of fence keeps raccoons out?

You’re probably wondering what type of fence can keep these climbers out. Well, raccoons are good climbers, so a regular fence might not do the trick. You’ll need a fence that’s at least 6 feet tall, and it helps to add a smooth piece at the top that tilts outwards. This makes it hard for raccoons to get a good grip and climb over.

How high can raccoons climb?

Raccoons are like little acrobats. They can climb pretty high, especially if they’re motivated by food! While there’s no exact limit to how high they can climb, making your fence tricky to navigate can discourage them from trying.

What animal is a raccoon afraid of?

Raccoons are pretty brave, but they don’t like messing with bigger predators like dogs. Having a dog in your yard can make raccoons think twice about visiting. They’re also not fans of strange noises, so things like motion-activated lights or noise makers can scare them off.

Can a raccoon hurt a human?

While raccoons usually run away from people, they can get aggressive if they feel trapped or threatened, especially if they have babies. They can bite or scratch, and sometimes they carry diseases. It’s best to keep a safe distance and never try to touch or feed a wild raccoon.

Conclusion


Raccoons are smart and can be quite bold, but with the right steps, you can keep your home safe and critter-free. Remember to secure your trash, don’t leave out pet food, protect your garden, and consider a well-designed fence to keep them out. And always be respectful of wildlife while ensuring the safety of your home and family.

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