What can I do about raccoons opening locks in garbage cans?

Question

we have bungee cords tied around and over the garbage can to keep it in place but last night, the raccoons managed to open the lock and tear away at the cords and spill trash all over the place!!!!!

Answer 1

You need a garbage can bin. If you live in an area that has a lot of critters, I am surprised there wasn't one already at your house. The bin can be anything you can put your garbage cans in. Usually a wooden box with a lid you can lock. but some are made out of wire. If you are new to rural life, you might find the fact that here is something of a cult of garbage bin designers amusing. Much like the cult of "squirrel proof feeders". Their quest is the "ultimate critter defeater"! Driving down country roads is a good way to spot some of the more imaginative designs! or pick up a copy of Bird & Bloom, or Countyside magizine. Have fun!

Answer 2

You might try putting hot sauce all over the trash - while it is in the trash can.
Another thought is to pour vinegar all over the trash and set the trash out like you normally do. The smell of the vinegar is very strong and unpleasant and just might be the thing to deter them. Hopefully, the smell of the vinegar will do the trick.
Good luck.

Answer 3

Well you might try some chain instead of bungee cord and then put a padlock through the two end links of the chain.

Answer 4

The best advice I can give you for raccoon problems would be to trap and relocate them...we have had them in the attic, and ended up having to totally redo two of our ceilings and insulation, and then more came and had garbage problems. If you have a garage or shed, then lock your garbage in there...they are extremely intelligent and resourceful....good luck.

Answer 5

Get rid of your garbage cans and recycle!