How do I keep racoons out of my trash cans?

Question

They keep chewing the lids off!!

Answer 1

Get metal garbage cans, and break their teeth...

If you want to be nice... putting mothballs around the garbage can will mask the smell of the garbage, and also bother their noses....

Also, dumping about a half cup of ammonia in the bottom of the can, and maybe a little on the lid will keep them away...but be careful, because it might keep you away too....

Also, believe it or not, dusting the garbage cans in baby powder can sometimes keep them away. Raccoons do not like the feel of dust/powder on their paws.

Answer 2

We have the same problem with bears so we have to keep the trash cans in the basement indoors

Answer 3

When I used to work at a camp, we would put big rocks or long fence posts on our trash cans. The raccoons couldn't get them off, especially the long wood poles. It kept them from making a mess, and the wood was easy to use as a handle.

Hope this helps!