Dealing with Raccoons in Your Backyard

Have you noticed raccoons in your backyard or around the neighborhood? These clever creatures are adapting quickly to both rural and urban areas across Massachusetts. And while they might look harmless, raccoons carry serious risks to you and your property.

According to the 2023 Massachusetts rabies report, over a third of raccoons tested positive—meaning that one in three raccoons could pose a direct health threat to your family. That same study noted that Middlesex, Essex, and Worcester counties had the highest number of positive tests. Not only can they spread rabies, they can also wreak havoc in neighborhoods. Keep reading to learn more about how to deal with raccoons if you find them in your yard.

Understanding Raccoon Behavior: What Attracts Them to Your Yard?

Raccoons’ habits and taste for easy meals often draw them to residential areas. Here’s what to know:

• Nocturnal Habits: Raccoons are most active at night and prefer hiding from bright sunlight.
• Opportunistic Eaters: Trash cans, gardens, and even pet dishes are on the menu for these adaptable eaters.
• Intelligence: Raccoons can get into garages, sheds, and attics with ease, making it essential to secure entry points.

Tips for Keeping Raccoons Away

Preventing raccoons starts with removing food sources and shelter options around your home. Here’s how:

• Secure Garbage Cans: Raccoons are clever and persistent. Tighten or lock garbage lids to prevent them from getting a meal on your property.
• Invest in Outdoor Lighting: Raccoons avoid bright lights, so strategically placed outdoor lighting can make your property less inviting.
• Feed Pets Indoors: Outdoor pet dishes are open invitations for raccoons looking for a quick bite.
• Trim Trees and Branches: Raccoons are excellent climbers, so trimming branches prevents easy access to your roof or attic.
• Clean up Leaves and Yard Debris: Raccoons love to hide, so be sure to take away any tempting hiding spots.

Know the Law: Trapping and Removing Raccoons

Before attempting to trap or remove a raccoon, it’s important to know MassWildlife’s rules and regulations around raccoon control in Massachusetts.

• Trapping Requires Training: Trapping methods must be humane and in line with state regulations.
• State License Required for Removal: You’ll need a licensed professional to handle any raccoon removal.
• Relocation is Restricted: Moving raccoons is illegal in many cases and ineffective as they tend to return to their original area.
• Repellants are Regulated: Even certain repellants may be subject to restrictions.

That’s why it’s important to work with a Problem Animal Control (PAC) agent. Professionals, like Ford’s Hometown Services, use humane, legal traps and proven methods for safe raccoon removal.