Tips for Keeping Critters Out of Your Trash Cans

Are you tired of finding trash strewn about outdoors due to animals breaking into your garbage cans overnight? The good news is that there are ways to reduce these occurrences. Follow these tips for keeping critters out of your trash cans to prevent pests from coming back in the future.

Upgrade Your Trash Bags

When it comes to keeping pests out of your garbage cans, you should start by assessing your garbage bags. If your garbage bags are cheap and tear easily, then critters will easily rip into them and go through your trash. Upgrade to a heavy-duty trash bag that pests will have a harder time getting through. Using thick tear-resistant trash bags helps protect your garbage from pests if they do make it through your exterior trash can itself.

Choose the Right Trash Can

To prevent pests from getting to your trash bags in the first place, you need to choose the right trash can. For example, you may want to invest in a critter-proof dumpster for your business. Locking dumpsters provide a space where you can throw out trash bags that animals like bears and raccoons can’t access. And if you have less garbage (as you probably do at home), a single critter-proof trash can should be enough to hold your garbage bags before the weekly trash pickup.

Wash Out Containers

Sometimes, the container itself might attract pests instead of its contents. If you’ve had garbage bags rip or previous animal break-ins in the past, your garbage can might have food waste and other residues. It’s best to wash out your trash containers every so often to prevent smells and waste residue from attracting more critters. Even if your trash bags are impenetrable, a dirty waste receptacle will still attract pests trying to get to the source of the smell. The choice of plastic versus steel garbage cans can also affect how often you will need to wash and disinfect your cans, so choose the best material for your home or business.

Use Motion-Activated Lights

If all else fails, you can try humane methods to scare critters away from your house or business garbage cans. To repel nocturnal creatures like raccoons, you can install a motion-activated light system on your home or business building. The sudden flash of light will spook these skittish critters and hopefully keep them away for the time being.

If local pests keep disturbing your garbage cans and trash routine, then try some of these tips for keeping critters out of your trash cans. These methods will help strengthen your trash receptacles’ defenses and discourage animals from trying to break into your garbage in the future.