Home » 11 Reasons That Attracts Raccoons to Your Property

11 Reasons That Attracts Raccoons to Your Property

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Raccoons might seem cute at first, but they can make a big mess around your home if they find reasons to stay.

They go where food is easy to find, water is nearby, or there’s a quiet spot to hide during the day.

If you notice raccoons hanging around, it means something is pulling them in without you even knowing.

We will explain what really draws raccoons to your yard and how you can stop the problem before it gets worse.

Even something simple like pet food left out overnight can turn into a big raccoon invitation

1. Food Scraps Left Behind

Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will happily scavenge leftover food scraps. Whether it’s pizza crusts, chicken bones, or fruit peels, they’ll take advantage of any meal left outside.

These creatures are smart and can smell food from a distance.

If you leave food scraps around, it’s almost like sending out an invite to raccoons.

Tips to Avoid:

Clean up food scraps immediately after meals.
Never leave food outside overnight.
Store trash in bins with tightly sealed lids.

2. Bird Feeders That Draw Attention

Bird feeders are a favorite snack spot for raccoons, especially when seeds spill or feeders are left full overnight.

These critters are excellent climbers and will easily access your bird feeder to get a quick meal. They’ll also snack on other small items around the feeder, like fruit or nuts.

Tips to Avoid:

Clean up spilled seeds around feeders.
Bring feeders inside at night.
Use raccoon-proof bird feeders to reduce access.

3. Garbage Cans Without Proper Seals

Raccoons are notorious for rummaging through garbage cans in search of food. If your cans are left open or don’t have proper seals, raccoons will pry them open and scatter trash everywhere.

They are persistent and will work tirelessly to find food, making your trash an easy target.

Tips to Avoid:

Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.
Store trash bins in a garage or shed.
Avoid leaving bags of trash outside before pick-up.

4. Compost Bins Filled With Scraps

Composting is great for the environment, but it can also attract raccoons if you are not careful.

Organic scraps like vegetable peels, fruit rinds, or coffee grounds are irresistible to these nocturnal creatures.

If your compost bin is easily accessible or overflows, raccoons will happily take advantage of the free food.

Tips to Avoid:

Use compost bins with secure, tight-fitting lids.
Cover food scraps with soil to reduce odor.
Store compost bins in enclosed areas to avoid access.

5. Pet Food Left Outdoors

Leaving pet food outside can attract raccoons, especially at night when they’re out searching for a meal.

They will feast on dog or cat food, and if it’s left out consistently, it becomes a regular source of food. These clever animals are always looking for an easy meal.

Tips to Avoid:

Bring pet food inside after your pets finish eating.
Store pet food in sealed containers when not in use.
Avoid leaving bowls of food outside overnight.

6. Fruit Trees in Your Yard

Raccoons love fruit, especially when it’s ripe or fallen from the tree. If you have fruit trees in your yard, they can become a major draw for these critters.

Whether it’s apples, pears, or berries, raccoons are skilled at climbing and foraging for any edible fruit. Overripe fruit on the ground is especially tempting.

How to Avoid:

Pick fruit as soon as it’s ripe to prevent it from falling.
Remove any overripe or fallen fruit from the ground.
Use tree netting to protect fruit from wildlife.

7. Accessible Vegetable Gardens

Raccoons are fond of snacking on garden veggies, from tomatoes to corn and even herbs. They’ll easily access garden beds, especially if they’re not properly fenced or protected.

If you have noticed damage to your crops, it’s likely raccoons looking for a free meal. Their love for fresh produce can cause significant damage to your garden.

How to Avoid:

Install a strong fence around your garden to keep raccoons out.
Use raised garden beds to limit easy access.
Cover plants with netting to protect them from pests.

8. Water Sources Like Ponds and Birdbaths

Raccoons are drawn to water sources like ponds, birdbaths, or even open containers of water.

They not only need water for drinking but are also attracted to the moisture for bathing or foraging.

If your property has standing water, raccoons may frequent it during the night, especially in warm weather.

How to Avoid:

Empty birdbaths and ponds overnight to eliminate water access.
Use motion-activated water features to deter raccoons.
Avoid leaving standing water in buckets or containers.

9. Outdoor Grills With Food Remnants

Outdoor grills can be a hidden treasure for raccoons, especially if they’re left with food remnants or grease after cooking.

Even the smallest traces of food, like a leftover hot dog or grease on the grill, will attract raccoons.

These persistent creatures can easily smell food, making your grill an irresistible target.

Tips to Avoid:

Clean your grill thoroughly after each use.
Store grills in a closed garage or shed when not in use.
Avoid leaving food remnants or grease on the grill.

10. Trash Piles and Discarded Items

Trash piles, discarded furniture, or piles of building materials can be tempting spots for raccoons to move around.

These piles often provide both food scraps and shelter, creating the perfect environment for them.

If you’re tossing old items or unused materials outside, raccoons may see it as an invitation to investigate.

Tips to Avoid:

Store discarded items like furniture in a shed or garage.
Keep trash piles organized and in sealed bags.
Avoid leaving building materials or debris outside.

11. Sheds and Garages Offering Shelter

Sheds and garages provide raccoons with a warm, safe place to hide and potentially nest. These structures offer shelter from the elements.

And if there’s any food or debris left inside, it becomes even more inviting. Raccoons will often seek out these hidden spaces for comfort and protection.

Tips to Avoid: