10 Ways to Keep Raccoons From Pooping on Your Deck

What’s that smell? Oh, it’s just another raccoon taking a dump on your deck.

If you’ve been struggling to keep these pesky creatures from pooping all over your property, you’re not alone.

Raccoons can be very determined when it comes to finding a spot to relieve themselves, and they don’t care if that spot is in the middle of your deck!

How to Keep Raccoons From Pooping on Your Deck: 10 Ways

In this blog post, we will share some tips on how to stop raccoons from pooping on your deck. Let’s get started!

Understand Why Raccoons Are Pooping on Your Deck

Raccoons are intelligent and resourceful creatures, and they are very good at adapting to their surroundings.

If you have a raccoon living near your home, there’s a good chance that it has discovered your deck as a potential latrine.

While they generally prefer to relieve themselves in wooded areas, if your home is the only suitable spot available, they will make do.

In addition, raccoons are attracted to areas where food is present, so if you’re feeding birds or other wildlife on your deck, this may also be attracting raccoons.

Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to deter raccoons from using your deck as their toilet.

Signs That You Have a Raccoon Problem

If you think you might have a raccoon problem, there are several signs to look out for.

One of the most obvious indications is the presence of raccoon feces, which are typically dark and tubular in shape.

You may also see damage to your property, such as holes chewed in soffits or shredded insulation in attics.

In addition, you may hear strange noises coming from your deck, attic, or other areas of your home, as raccoons are active at night.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action immediately, as raccoons can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans and pets.

The good news is that there are several effective ways to get rid of this pesky animal for good.

10 Ways to Keep Raccoons From Pooping on Your Deck

There are some different ways you can raccoon-proof a deck.

1. Place a Radio on Your Deck

One method is to place a radio near where you suspect is the creatures’ entry point, tuned to a talk station.

The noise will bother raccoons and make them want to find somewhere else to poop.

2. Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers

You can also try using motion-activated lights or sprinklers to startle raccoons and discourage them from returning.

The sudden barrage of water or light will startle raccoons and make them think twice about returning to your house.

3. Put up a Fence

Another option is to put up a fence around your deck.

If you choose this option, make sure the fence is at least four feet tall and has tight openings nothing can squeeze through.

You might even consider an electric fence.

4. Remove Sources of Food

Raccoons are attracted to areas that provide food, water, and shelter, so making your deck less appealing to them can help.

The first thing you should do is to remove food sources and water sources, such as bird feeders or birdbaths. Try to leave pet food inside if possible.

5. Pick up Fallen Fruit

If you have fruit trees nearby, pick up any fallen fruit as soon as possible.

6. Trim Overhanging Branches

Next, take a look at your deck itself.

Trim any overhanging branches or fallen logs so animals can’t easily climb up, and close off any gaps or holes where they might be able to squeeze through.

7. Use a Plastic Dog or Coyote Statue

Another possibility is to place plastic dog toys or a large dog statue around the perimeter of your deck.

Raccoons are often intimidated by dogs, so these items may make them think twice about venturing onto your yard.

You could even go further and use a Coyote statue, strategically placed across your deck area.

8. Scatter Predator Urine Around Your Perimeter

Another option is to scatter fox or coyote urine around the perimeter of your property.

Raccoons are naturally afraid of these predators, and the scent will scare raccoons away.

9. Seal Your Trash Cans Tight

One effective solution to prevent raccoon poop from taking over is to make sure that trash cans are tightly sealed.

Raccoons are adept at opening garbage cans, so it’s important to look for cans with tight-fitting lids.

10. Use Ammonia

Finally, you can also try using ammonia. The strong scent of ammonia is often enough to discourage raccoons from lingering around.

Spray ammonia around your yard for an effective solution or leave ammonia dipped rag around the perimeter of your house.

What to Do if You Find a Raccoon Latrine in Your Yard?

If you find a raccoon latrine in your yard, the best thing to do is to remove it as soon as possible.

Although raccoons are very clean animals they are also common carriers of disease, and raccoon feces can contaminate soil and water supplies.

To remove a latrine safely, wear disposable gloves and a mask to avoid contact with the waste. Then, using a shovel or trowel, carefully transfer the waste to a plastic bag.

Once the bag is full, tie it up tightly and dispose of it in a trash can or dumpster. If possible, disinfect the area where the latrine was found using a solution of bleach and boiling water.

The team at Skedaddle Wildlife recommends covering the latrine area with plastic wrap.

The lack of grip will prevent the raccoon from visiting the site again.

They also pointed out that the raccoon may well just find another spot in your yard so your best bet is to raccoon-proof your deck and yard using the above tips.

Do Raccoons Mark Territory With Poop?

Yes, raccoons will deliberately leave their feces in certain areas as a way of communicating with other raccoons and establishing their territory.

Will Porch Lights Deter Raccoons?

Many people believe that raccoons are attracted to porch lights, but this is not the case.

Raccoons are nocturnal animals, and they are drawn to areas where there is food or water available.

If you have a bird feeder on your porch, chances are that the raccoons are coming for the bird seed.

So, if you leave your porch light on, it is likely that the raccoons will come to investigate. However, once they realize that there is nothing of interest, they will quickly move on.

If you want to use light to deter raccoons, it’s best to use a motion sensor light.

This will only turn on when there is movement in the area, and the bright lights will quickly scare away any raccoons that are trying to get into your yard.

What Are Natural Deterrents for Raccoons?

There are a few natural deterrents that may help to keep them at bay. One of the most effective is garlic.

Raccoons have a strong sense of smell, and the pungent odor of garlic can be unpleasant for them.

Similarly, chili pepper flakes or powder and cayenne pepper can also be effective in deterring raccoons.

The sharp smell and taste of chili peppers can be off-putting for raccoons, and they will typically avoid areas where they have encountered them.

Does Epsom Salt Keep Raccoons Away?

One suggested method is to sprinkle Epsom salts around your garbage cans. The rumor is that raccoons hate the smell.

We’re not convinced of the efficacy of this method of keeping raccoons away as Epsom salt is not toxic to raccoons and is used as a source of magnesium sulfate, which is essential for plant growth.

While it may not keep raccoons away, there is no harm in trying Epsom salt as a deterrent.

Does Irish Spring Soap Keep Raccoons Away?

Some people swear by using Irish Spring soap as a raccoon repellent.

The theory is that the strong scent of the soap is off-putting to raccoons, and they’ll avoid any area where it’s present.

While there’s no guarantee that this trick will work, it’s certainly worth a try if you’re struggling with raccoon problems!

Will Vinegar Keep Raccoons Away?

Many people believe that vinegar is an effective way to keep raccoons away.

While apple cider vinegar may have a strong smell that some animals avoid, it is unlikely to deter raccoons.

In addition, vinegar is not harmful to raccoons, so there is no incentive for them to stay away.

Will Mothballs Get Rid of Raccoons?

Mothballs are toxic to a range of animals, including raccoons, dogs, and small children.

If ingested, mothballs can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. For this reason, this method is not recommended.

When to Call a Professional to Help You Get Rid of the Raccoons

If you’ve tried some of the above suggestions to prevent raccoons poop from taking over your deck and they are still coming back it might be time to call in the professionals.

Your best bet is to contact a wildlife control expert who can safely carry out raccoon removal and repair the damage they’ve caused.

Final Thoughts

With a little effort, you can make your deck an unappealing place for raccoons and enjoy your outdoor space without worry.