How to Prevent Raccoons From Returning After Removal

Raccoons can remember food sources for up to three years. That means once they find a way into your home or yard, they might come back unless you take real steps to keep them out. Many homeowners deal with raccoons more than once—especially if they don’t make changes after the first visit.

After getting rid of raccoons, you’ll want to make sure they don’t return. This blog explains how to do just that, using simple and effective strategies.

Seal All Entry Points

After any raccoon removal service in Ann Arbor, your first step should be sealing off every possible way a raccoon could get back inside. These animals are strong and clever. They can open vents, push through screens, and climb into chimneys.

Check your roofline, attic vents, soffits, and crawl spaces. Use strong materials like metal mesh or wood panels to cover any openings. Raccoons can tear through weak materials like plastic or loose wood, so it’s important to make sure repairs are solid.

Remove Outdoor Food Sources

Raccoons are drawn to easy meals. Trash, pet food, bird seed, and even compost piles can attract them. After raccoon trapping services in Novi, many people forget to clean up the yard—and raccoons come back.

Use sealed trash cans with tight-fitting lids. Never leave pet food outside overnight. If you feed birds, keep the ground underneath feeders clean. It also helps to stop composting food scraps, which give off strong smells raccoons love.

Trim Trees and Shrubs Near the House

Raccoons are excellent climbers. Trees that hang near your roof or garage act like ladders, helping them get onto your house. After a raccoon removal in Ann Arbor, cut back branches at least six to eight feet from your roofline.

Also, clear out thick bushes where raccoons might hide during the day. A clean, open yard is less appealing to these animals, especially when it doesn’t offer cover or shelter.

Install Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers

Raccoons are mostly active at night. They prefer dark, quiet places. Bright lights or sudden sprays of water can scare them away. Motion-activated devices are a helpful, non-harmful way to keep raccoons from hanging around.

Place lights or sprinklers near garbage areas, sheds, or any spots where raccoons were seen before. Over time, this can discourage them from returning.

Clean and Disinfect Attic or Crawl Spaces

If raccoons nested inside your home, cleaning those areas is important. Their scent can stay behind and attract others. After raccoon trapping services in Novi, disinfect the space thoroughly.

Use gloves and proper gear if you're doing it yourself. If there’s heavy mess, hiring a cleanup service might be best. Removing old nesting material and droppings lowers the chance of raccoons returning.

Use Raccoon-Proof Chimney Caps and Vent Covers

Raccoons often enter homes through chimneys or roof vents. After raccoon removal in Ann Arbor, install chimney caps that lock into place. You can also use vent covers with fine wire mesh that still allow airflow but block animals.

These simple tools are cost-effective and can keep raccoons from crawling back into your attic or fireplace.

Follow Up with a Professional if Needed

Even after all your efforts, raccoons might try to come back—especially if the area has high activity. In those cases, a second visit from raccoon trapping services in Novi may help.

Professionals can re-check the property, reinforce barriers, and offer advice on long-term prevention. This follow-up makes sure your home stays raccoon-free for the long run.

Final Thoughts

Getting rid of raccoons is only part of the solution. Keeping them away for good takes a bit more effort—but it’s worth it. Blocking entry points, removing food, and making your yard less inviting are simple actions with big results.

After services like raccoon removal or raccoon trapping services in Novi, always take time to secure your home. These small steps help protect your property, avoid repeated visits, and keep your living space clean and safe.