Wildlife Control

Raccoon Latrines

Raccoons are nocturnal and they create latrines on decks, balconies, patios and porches near the house. If you’re wondering how to stop them from crapping there, you have to understand why they do it and how to deter them. Since raccoons are very clean animals, they like to use the same spot over and over again so you have to break the habit with stuff like that before it becomes permanent.

Their poop is a health risk to humans and pets as they can carry parasites and diseases. If raccoons are using your deck as their bathroom, you must address the issue fast to protect your home and yourself.

Raccoons can also be dangerous to other animals, displaying aggressive behaviour when the feel threatened. Keeping domestic pets away from wild animals is key to not getting hurt.

Why Are Raccoons Pooping on My Deck?

Raccoons and Their Latrine Habits

Raccoons are clean animals but they establish communal latrine sites where they and their family return night after night. They designate areas for defecation away from where they eat and sleep, choosing those spots based on convenience, safety and access to food or shelter. A deck, porch or even an area near a pool can become a prime location if it feels safe from threats.

The Health Risks of Raccoon Poop

Raccoon poop is more than just a nuisance, it’s a serious health risk. The poop can carry roundworms and other parasites which can be spread through direct contact or even inhaled when disturbed. So cleanup and prevention is key to not getting contaminated.

Understanding Raccoon Behavior

Raccoons are highly adaptable and intelligent animals that can thrive in any environment. These creatures are most active at night, prowling around for food. They are drawn to easy food sources, pet food left outside and unsecured garbage bins. Raccoons are generally afraid of humans and tend to avoid direct confrontations but can become habituated to human presence especially if they associate it with food. So they might start approaching humans or frequenting human habitats more boldly. Understanding these behaviours is key to developing effective repellants and prevention strategies to keep raccoons away from your deck and property.

How to Stop a Raccoon Latrine on Your Deck

Remove Food Sources

One of the main reasons raccoons hang around is food around the house. If you have bird feeders, uncovered trash or pet food left outside, raccoons will be drawn to the area. Secure garbage bins, remove any food sources and keep the area clean to discourage them from coming back.

Use Motion-Activated Deterrents

Raccoons are easily startled by sudden movements and noise. A motion-activated sprinkler can startle them and make them feel unsafe. Adding lights, especially bright ones can also scare them away since they like to defecate in the dark. A camera can also help track their habits and give you answers as to where to place the device.

Introduce Predator Scents

Since raccoons are prey to larger animals like coyotes and foxes, they are highly sensitive to predator urine. Spraying this around your deck can make them feel unsafe and encourage them to move elsewhere. Ammonia or plastic bags filled with strong-smelling substances can also work.

Blocked Access to the Deck

If raccoons keep coming back, sealing their access is key. Placing objects like furniture strategically or using barriers like wire mesh can make the area less appealing. Any potential entry points under the deck should be closed up so they can’t use it as shelter.

Noise and Pets as a Deterrent

Raccoons are afraid of big dogs and loud sounds. If you have a dog, letting it out at night can keep raccoons away. Playing loud noise, like a radio or wind chimes, can also disrupt their sense of security. Setting up posts with dangling objects that create movement can add an extra scare tactic.

Long-Term Solutions

While short-term fixes can provide immediate relief from raccoon infestations, long-term solutions are key to preventing re-infestation and having peace of mind. Here are some sustainable practices and landscaping adjustments that can help deter raccoons from your property.

Sustainable Practices for Raccoon Deterrence

1. Secure Food Sources: Raccoons are opportunistic feeders so securing pet food, garbage and other potential food sources is important. Use animal-proof trash cans and store pet food in secure containers to make your property less appealing to these nighttime visitors.
2. Remove Attractants: Get rid of any attractants like bird seed, suet and compost or wood piles that might be drawing raccoons to your property. Keeping these out of reach will reduce the chances of raccoons sticking around.
3. Use Predator Urine: Raccoons are afraid of larger predators. Spraying predator urine like coyote urine around the perimeter of your property will create an environment that feels unsafe for raccoons and encourage them to move on.
4. Install a Motion-Activated Sprinkler: A motion-activated sprinkler can be a great repellent. The sudden burst of water will startle raccoons and make them think twice about coming back to your deck or yard.

Landscaping Adjustments

1. Remove Sheltered Areas: Raccoons look for shielded areas for safety and comfort. Remove debris or clutter that may provide shelter like under decks and sheds to make your property less attractive.
2. Trim Trees and Shrubs: Overgrown trees and shrubs provide hiding spots for raccoons. Regularly trimming these plants will reduce the number of places where raccoons can hide and feel safe.
3. Install a Fence: A sturdy fence can be a big barrier to raccoons. Make sure the fence is at least 6 feet tall and extends at least 12 inches below ground level to prevent raccoons from climbing over or digging under it.
4. Use Repellent Plants: Certain plants like hot peppers and garlic can be natural repellents. Planting these around your garden or the perimeter of your property can help deter raccoons from coming close.

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Additional Tips

Here are some additional strategies to add to your raccoon prevention plan:

Miscellaneous Strategies for Raccoon Prevention

1. Use a Large Dog: Raccoons are afraid of big dogs and will avoid areas where dogs are present. If you have a big dog, letting it out at night can greatly discourage a raccoon from coming close, a big dog will dissuade skunks from venturing on your property as well.
2. Scare Them Away: Use scare tactics like a fake scare dog or a motion-activated device to startle raccoons. A barking dog recorder can also scare them away.
3. Clean Up Feces: Raccoon feces can carry diseases and parasites so it’s important to clean up any feces found on your property and putting it in a garbage bag immediately. Spray or spritz the raccoon feces first, this helps prevent dust or particles from being stirred up when you dispose of it. Wear disposable gloves and a mask to minimize exposure and make sure to clean thoroughly.
4. Seal Entry Points: raccoon pests can squeeze through tiny openings. Check your home for any potential entry points and seal them using steel wool, a strong wire meshing, or expanding foam to keep raccoons out.

By following these tips and strategies you can deter raccoons from your property and prevent re-infestation. Always remember to be sustainable and humane in your raccoon management.

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When to Call a Professional

Trapping and Relocation

If the raccoon defecating persists even after deterrents have been used…don’t lose hope, professional raccoon removal using trapping methods may be necessary. However, relocating raccoons must be done humanely and legally as improper removal can harm the animal and the ecosystem. Reputable wildlife control companies will not trap and dump raccoons at any time during the baby season. Some wildlife removal professionals deal with humane trapping and relocate the raccoons to a safer area, generally just less than a kilometre away .

Cleaning and Disinfecting the Area

Once raccoons stop using your deck as a latrine, cleaning the area is crucial. A mixture of 10% bleach and 90% hot soapy water should be used to scrub down the area. Use a hose to wash down surfaces and disinfect thoroughly to remove any lingering scents that might attract them back. Keeping the area clean and scent-free can prevent future issues.

Conclusion

Dealing with adult raccoons pooping on your deck can be frustrating but with the right approach you can stop the behaviour. Remove food sources, use deterrents and barricade access points to make your property less attractive. If the problem persists, professional help may be needed for long-term results. Act now to protect your home, health and peace of mind.