Deterring Raccoons and Rabbits in a Suburban Yard

New home, new wildlife: raccoons on the deck (droppings on roof) and rabbits under the porch. The previous owners' garden created habitat.

Raccoon Deterrence

• Electronic deterrent: Motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices have mixed results; the author promotes a commercial product (Walnut Creek Enterprises).
• Exclusion: Secure trash, remove pet food, cap chimneys, seal attic vents.
• Trapping: Use heavy-duty cage traps rated for raccoons. Check state laws—relocation often prohibited.

Rabbit Removal

• Live trap: Use a cage trap with a floor plate trigger. Wrap trap in newspaper to create a "tunnel"—rabbits investigate dark tubes. Bait with apple or lettuce.
• Relocate or euthanize per local law.
• Exclude: Install 1/2-inch hardware cloth skirt around porch (buried 6", bent outward 12").

Key Principle

Remove attractants (food, shelter) first. Trapping alone fails if habitat remains.