Raccoon In Dumpster: What Should You Do Next?

Whether you are a business owner, property manager, or just someone renting a dumpster for a few days, raccoons can invade your area. So what can you do to prevent a raccoon from entering your dumpster? Use our tips below.

What Happens When A Raccoon Gets In Your Dumpster?

Raccoons are intelligent and agile creatures that have an affinity for human waste, unfortunately. These nocturnal animals can quite easily scale fences and open latched bins or dumpsters.

Sometimes, raccoons are even capable of solving simple locking mechanisms. The issue here goes well beyond inconvenience, as these pests can spread diseases like rabies and leptospirosis. They can also cause considerable structural damage. Eventually, their presences can attract even more pests to the area.

Potential Risks And Damages

Raccoons are considered opportunistic omnivores, meaning they feast on anything, including your trash. They will often explore dumpsters in search of food. Their persistence turns them into frequent, unwanted guests in residential and commercial spaces.

The mess left behind by these pests can harbor bacteria and other pathogens. Their waste can also become hazardous. Additionally, the presence of raccoons can often lead to structural damage.

How To Prevent A Raccoon Infestation

What measures can you take either as a home or business owner to prevent raccoons from entering your dumpster? Use these ideas below.

Secure The Dumpster

Physical barriers are always the logical first line of defense. Metal bars, heavy-duty locks, or cylindrical guards can be added to the dumpsters in order to prevent raccoons from entering.

Check the dumpsters for any vulnerabilities like gaps or loose hinges. Ensure that everything is in good working condition at all times.

Use Animal Deterrents

Beyond locks and bars, there are deterrents that can be applied to play on a raccoon’s senses. There are numerous homemade or commercial solutions available that emit smells that deter raccoons.

The common options include ultrasonic repellents, ammonia-soaked rags, sprinklers, or motion-activated lights.

Keep Up With Regular Maintenance

A clean dumpster will be less appealing to pests. That’s why regular cleanings are essential.

It’s crucial to always ensure the surrounding area around the dumpster is free of any debris or food scraps.

How To Deal With A Raccoon In A Dumpster

Even despite taking the above preventative measures, infestations can still occur. Follow the next steps to ultimately get rid of this pest.

Safe Removal

If you are dealing with a raccoon on your property or in your dumpster, never approach or attempt to move them yourself.

Instead, contact local wildlife authorities or a licensed trapper to safely remove the raccoon from your area. These professionals will then humanely relocate the raccoon.

Contact The Professionals

As mentioned, professional wildlife removal services will know the local regulations and how to handle these pests safely.

They may also give you advice on how to prevent any infestations in the future.

Legal Considerations

The laws regarding the removal and relocation of wildlife will vary based on location.

Be sure to consult local ordinances and regulations before taking any action in this unfortunate situation. Violation of these laws could result in hefty fines.

Conclusion

The infestation of raccoons is not an uncommon occurrence for both home and business owners. It’s important to always stay vigilant and address this issue as soon as you notice it.

Taking immediate action will help protect the health and safety of everyone around the area. Maintaining a safe and tidy environment will help prevent infestations from taking place.