Dr. rer. nat. Saskia Schneider Managing Editor

May 19, 2026, 6:36 am | Read time: 4 minutes

With their black facial masks, raccoons look like little bandits. This description fits their behavior well, as some animals display it while foraging. They rummage through trash cans, empty dog and cat food bowls, dig up flower beds, and even raid bird nests. Nothing is safe from these small mammals. Here are six tips to keep raccoons out of your garden:

Tip 1: Avoid Temptations

Most raccoons enter gardens in search of food, and they usually find it quickly. Whether it’s on the compost heap, accessible dog or cat food, or leftovers from the last barbecue. Bird feeding stations are also often raided by these skilled climbers. Therefore, pets should not be fed in the garden, and food scraps should not be disposed of in the compost–as they attract not only raccoons but also rats.

Also interesting: Raccoon or raccoon dog? Here are the differences

Tip 2: Install Raccoon Guards on Trees and Downspouts

If you want to continue feeding birds or squirrels despite raccoons in the garden, place feeding stations as high as possible and secure them with humane raccoon guards. These prevent the animals from climbing trees or downspouts. This not only protects against animals entering the house via the roof but also makes it harder for them to reach trees to raid bird nests. Be sure to use humane models that won’t injure the raccoons.

Tip 3: Block Access to the House

Is there noise in the attic? If a raccoon has sought shelter there, the animal welfare organization “Vier Pfoten” recommends checking how the animal got in. Raccoons often climb onto roofs via downspouts or trees with overhanging branches, gaining access to the house.

This is where you can take action–block future paths and access points for raccoons. The Nature Conservation Union (Nabu) advises trimming trees and shrubs that reach or overhang the roof generously. Downspouts can be covered with a smooth metal collar to prevent the animals from climbing up.

A strong metal grid on the chimney, for example, prevents them from entering the house, and other access points should be sealed with solid building materials. Another tip to prevent raccoons from discovering and raiding the kitchen: lock the cat flap at night.

Tip 4: Secure the Trash Well

If a raccoon gets into the trash, it’s a feast for them. However, they can’t access well-sealed bins. Bungee cords that secure the lids or locks are useful for this purpose.

The location of the bins can also make a difference: According to Nabu, they should be placed at least half a meter away from fences, walls, and branches if possible.

Also important: Do not place yellow bags on the street the night before collection, but only on the morning of pickup. Alternatively, store them in lockable boxes.

More on the topic

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Tip 5: Deter the Animals with Dog Scent

Follow your nose! Raccoons have a keen sense of smell. Particularly enticing for the animals: the scent of dog and cat food. “Vier Pfoten” therefore advises against feeding pets outdoors.

However, some scents also deter the animals–such as the smell of dogs. You can use this to your advantage by placing a well-used dog blanket at potential entry points. Hanging bags of dog hair on shrubs can also keep raccoons away. According to “Vier Pfoten,” the animals also dislike the smell of mothballs.

Tip 6: Make Loud Noises

Loud noises also effectively drive away the small mammals, as “Vier Pfoten” informs on their website. Raccoons have a keen sense of smell and hearing. A running radio is very effective. However, you should have accommodating neighbors, as their hearing will also be affected. For garden owners who live more rurally or isolated, this tip could be helpful.

Created with material from dpa.