10 Things in the Yard That’ll Attract Raccoons Faster Than Trash

Raccoons are clever, determined, and not shy about helping themselves to whatever they can find. Most people already know they’ll dig through the garbage—but there’s a lot more in a typical yard that gets their attention.

If you’re noticing tipped bins, paw prints, or nighttime commotion, these are the things you’ll want to deal with first.

Bird Feeders That Spill Seed

Raccoons love birdseed. If your feeder spills easily or drops extra seed to the ground, you’ve basically set a snack tray out for them. They’ll visit again and again.

Use feeders with trays to catch excess or hang them away from fences and trees that a raccoon could climb. Sweep the ground every few days to keep it from building up.

Pet Bowls Left on the Porch

Even if it’s water, raccoons will come check it out. Food bowls are even worse—they’ll lick them clean and hang around waiting for more.

If your pets eat outside, pick up the bowls when they’re done. It doesn’t take much for a raccoon to figure out your routine and show up every night.

Unsealed Crawl Spaces or Vents

If your house or shed has an opening low to the ground, raccoons see that as an open door. They’ll squeeze in, nest, and drag food inside with them.

Walk the property and look for weak spots. Close off crawl spaces with hardware cloth, and make sure vents are intact and screwed in tight.

Chickens Left in Open-Top Pens

If your chicken run doesn’t have a roof, raccoons can—and will—climb right in. They’re excellent climbers and can clear fences you wouldn’t think possible.

Lock up your flock at night in something covered and secure. A strong latch is also important—raccoons have no trouble working basic clips or hooks.

Open Compost or Food Scraps in the Garden

A garden with half-rotting veggies or an uncovered compost pile is like ringing a dinner bell. Raccoons are opportunistic and will eat anything that smells sweet or fermented.

Harvest often, clean up dropped fruit, and secure compost with a cover. If it smells strong to you, it smells even stronger to them.

Chicken Feed Stored in Thin Plastic Bins

Raccoons will chew right through cheap storage containers to get to the feed. Even if it’s tucked under a shed or barn overhang, they’ll find a way to break in.

Store feed in thick, sealed bins with a locking lid. If you can’t open it with one hand, there’s a better chance the raccoon won’t either.

Leftover Grease in the Grill

Drip pans and grease trays get overlooked all the time, but raccoons can smell that fatty residue and won’t hesitate to dig it out.

After grilling, clean the drip tray and make sure the lid stays shut. A bungie cord or strap helps if raccoons have been getting aggressive.

Kiddie Pools with Murky Water

Stagnant water is a magnet—not just for raccoons, but also for bugs. Raccoons are attracted to both. They’ll use the pool to wash their food or take a soak if it’s hot out.

Dump out kiddie pools every night and flip them upside down. It only takes one night of use for them to start coming back regularly.

Corn or Veggies Left Too Long in the Garden

If you grow corn, melons, or tomatoes, raccoons will wait until they’re ripe and then clean you out overnight. They don’t eat cleanly either—they’ll destroy more than they consume.

Harvest early and often, especially if you’ve seen raccoon signs before. Don’t assume your fencing will stop them unless it’s electric or enclosed.

Cat Litter or Waste Piles

If you’ve got outdoor cats or a spot where pet waste gathers, that can draw raccoons in. They’re curious about strong smells and will dig or sniff around out of habit.

Dispose of litter regularly and don’t let waste piles build up. Raccoons won’t be picky, and once they get interested, they’ll explore the rest of your property too.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.