Raccoon & Squirrel Prevention: Effective Strategies to Protect Your Home

Raccoons and squirrels can become unwelcome visitors in your yard and home, often causing damage and disturbances. Implementing effective raccoon and squirrel prevention tips is essential to protect your property and maintain peace of mind. Understanding their habits and behaviors can help you proactively keep them at bay.
Start by securing trash bins and removing food sources that may attract these animals. Installing fences and barriers and using natural repellents are practical measures to deter their entry. Incorporating these strategies safeguards your property and promotes a healthier coexistence with local wildlife.
Being vigilant and proactive can significantly reduce the chances of raccoons and squirrels invading your space. This article will provide targeted tips that can easily be applied to your yard and home, ensuring you enjoy your outdoor areas without worrying about unwanted animal guests.
Understanding Raccoon and Squirrel Behavior

Recognizing the behavior and preferences of raccoons and squirrels can significantly help you implement practical prevention tips. These animals have specific habitat needs, and attraction points that you should be aware of to keep them at bay.
Habitat Preferences
Raccoons thrive in urban areas where food sources are plentiful. They prefer environments that provide shelter, such as dense shrubs, attics, and garages. You may find them near water sources, including ponds and streams, aiding their foraging habits.
Squirrels, on the other hand, favor trees for nesting and foraging. They often inhabit areas with oak, hickory, and pine trees. In residential settings, they may invade attics or garden sheds, especially if there are easy entry points.
Common Attraction Points
To keep raccoons away, seal off trash cans tightly and store pet food indoors. They are often drawn to bird feeders, so choose squirrel-proof models or bring them in at night. Raccoons are also attracted to compost piles, especially if they contain kitchen scraps.
Squirrels are likely to be lured by accessible bird feeders or gardens. Remove fallen fruits and nuts, as these provide an easy meal. Installing baffle systems on poles can prevent them from reaching feeders. Regular maintenance of your yard can minimize the attraction for both animals.
Preventive Strategies and Solutions
Implementing effective strategies can significantly reduce the chances of raccoons and squirrels invading your space. Focus on securing your home, using natural deterrents, and considering professional methods when necessary.
Securing the Home Perimeter
- Start by inspecting your home for potential entry points. Look for gaps in your foundation, walls, and around windows. Close holes larger than a quarter, as raccoons and squirrels can fit through surprisingly small openings.
- Install strong mesh screens over vents and chimneys.
- Trim tree branches that overhang your roof to eliminate access points.
- Ensure that trash bins are locked with tight-fitting lids to deter raccoons from searching for food.
- Creating a physical barrier is crucial. To prevent digging, use fences at least four feet high buried a foot underground. An effective barrier such as Electric Fencing can significantly reduce wildlife intrusion on your property.
Natural Repellents and Deterrents
- Natural repellents can help keep raccoons and squirrels away without harmful chemicals. You can use scents like peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, or vinegar. Simply soak cotton balls in these substances and place them near entry points.
- Consider using motion-activated sprinklers. These can startle animals and discourage them from returning. Another option is to plant herbs such as lavender and rosemary, which many critters find unappealing.
- It is critical to remove food sources regularly. Keep bird feeders clean and filled with smaller seeds less appealing to squirrels. Ensure pet food isn’t left outside, and clean up any fallen tree fruit.
Professional Control Methods
If prevention fails, seek professional help. Certified wildlife control experts can assess your situation and provide targeted strategies. They often utilize humane traps and relocation methods to remove problem animals safely.
Professionals can also offer advice on and implement exclusion techniques. This may include sealing cavities in attics or under decks that could allow wildlife access.
Regular inspections and maintenance of your property will help deter future infestations. Experts can provide ongoing support to protect your home from unwanted wildlife intrusions.
Critter Stop: The Experts on Wildlife Removal

When dealing with unwanted wildlife like raccoons and squirrels, your best option is to consult professionals. Critter Stop is a leader in humane wildlife removal, providing practical solutions tailored to your needs.
Prevention Tips:
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for gaps and holes that raccoons or squirrels could use to enter. Cover these openings with sturdy materials.
- Secure Garbage: Keep trash cans tightly sealed. Raccoons are adept at rummaging through waste.
- Remove Food Sources: Don’t leave pet food outside; consider bird feeders that won’t allow wildlife access.
Critter Stop has a fantastic reputation and online customer reviews because it provides high-quality work and excellent customer service. Their team is skilled in effective strategies for deterring raccoons and squirrels.
Contact Critter Stop at (214) 234-2616 for a free inspection. They will assess your property and provide tailored solutions for wildlife prevention. Don’t wait until it’s too late; be proactive about wildlife management.