Raccoon Under Deck: What to Do & How to Keep Them Out

Discovering a raccoon under your deck can be startling, but it's essential to stay calm and take the right steps to ensure the safety of both you and the raccoon. Raccoons are intelligent, adaptable creatures that often seek shelter in dark, dry places like decks. Here's what you should do if you find a raccoon under your deck.

First, understand that raccoons are nocturnal animals, meaning they're most active at night. If you've spotted one during the day, it might be sick, injured, or has young kits nearby. Always approach these situations with caution and care.

Safety First: Protecting Yourself and the Raccoon

Before attempting to remove the raccoon, ensure your safety and the raccoon's. Raccoons can carry diseases like rabies, although rare, and may scratch or bite if they feel threatened.

Wear thick gloves, long sleeves, and pants to protect your skin. Avoid direct contact with the raccoon and its waste. If you're unsure about handling the situation, contact a local wildlife removal service.

Identifying the Raccoon's Status

Observe the raccoon from a safe distance to determine its condition. If it seems lethargic, injured, or has young kits nearby, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal control immediately.

If the raccoon appears healthy and is alone, it might be exploring or seeking shelter. In this case, you can try to encourage it to leave on its own.

Encouraging the Raccoon to Leave

Raccoons prefer dark, quiet spaces. If your deck is well-lit and noisy, the raccoon might choose to leave on its own. Open the deck's access points during the day to let sunlight and noise in. You can also use a flashlight at night to deter the raccoon.

Make the space less inviting by removing any food sources, such as pet food or birdseed, and securing trash cans. You can also try using repellents, but remember that their effectiveness varies, and they should be used sparingly and according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Preventing Future Raccoon Visits

Once the raccoon has left, take steps to prevent it from returning. Raccoons are excellent climbers and can find their way into small spaces. Inspect your deck for any gaps or holes and seal them securely.

Install motion-activated lights or sprinklers to deter raccoons from entering your property. You can also trim tree branches that overhang your deck, as raccoons often use them as highways to access elevated spaces.

Dealing with Raccoon Waste

Raccoons can leave behind waste, which can harbor diseases and attract other pests. Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning up raccoon waste. Use a solution of bleach and water (one part bleach to nine parts water) to disinfect the area.

Never use a hose to wash away raccoon waste, as this can spread the waste and contaminate other areas. Instead, use a shovel to collect the waste and dispose of it in a sealed plastic bag.

In the future, regularly inspect your deck and property for any signs of raccoon activity. By taking proactive measures, you can help prevent raccoons from taking up residence under your deck. If you find a raccoon again, remember to stay calm, prioritize safety, and contact a professional if needed.