Are raccoons getting into your dumpster in Memphis TN?  This is not surprising given what raccoons like to eat, which is everything!  It seems that raccoons are always looking for a free lunch, and that's exactly what they get when a dumpster is left open to wildlife.  A smelly dumpster, particularly behind a restaurant is a banquet for hungry raccoons.

Raccoons are omnivores, which means they will eat both plants and animals. A raccoon’s diet consists mostly of a variety of nuts, berries, plants, fruits, and acorns. Raccoons also eat small rodents, frogs, fish, squirrels, rabbits, bird eggs, and insects. 

These little rascals are also opportunistic foragers. Opportunistic eaters will eat anything they can get their hands on including human food like leftovers from trash cans. If raccoons can get their hands on it, they will definitely eat it.

If raccoons are getting into your dumpster, here are a few suggestions you may try to deter them yourself.

First, remove any open trash around the trash cans or dumpster that is easily seen or accessible. The smell will attract raccoons and provide an easy meal. If they know food is easily accessible, they will continue to come back.  Keep these trash cans tightly secured with bungee cords or clamps.

Keeping your property free of food sources for raccoons is always a good idea.  If you have a rat problem, you will eventually have a raccoon problem. Keeping your bushes and trees cut back will help as well.

Also, if one of your neighbors is feeding raccoons, this will affect nearby neighbors. Make sure to let your neighbors know in case they don’t realize the impact it is having on the neighborhood.  Some people find these cute little masked faces irresistible when they're begging for food.  But just remember that these are wild animals who will defend themselves and their young if they feel threatened.

Sometimes raccoons get stuck in trash cans.  When this happens, try to gently tip over the trash can and quickly move away.  Raccoons will usually not be in attack mode, they are just be glad to get out and will try to run away quickly.

A raccoon stuck in a dumpster is a little trickier. Open any side doors if possible. If they are still unable to get out, try to put a board or something they can use as a ladder to climb out themselves.

If an adolescent raccoon is stuck in a trash can or dumpster and the mother is not around, call us immediately. Typically if it is a small baby they are harmless and we have protective gloves to handle it.

If a baby raccoon has been found without its mother, we will locate a rehabilitator  who will raise the baby in a manner so that it may be reintroduced into the wild at an appropriate age.  This will allow the baby the best chance at survival in a world where it can live its best raccoon life.

Sometimes these chunky little fellows will underestimate their own "abundance" and get stuck!  When this happens, we will send a technician out with a net and noose. He will assess the situation and determine the best way to handle it. Sometimes the raccoon has already tired itself out and they can easily scoop it up and remove it. Sometimes when the raccoons are defensive and afraid, we have to use the noose. In order to properly and safely get the raccoon, the noose will be wrapped around its body. A noose does not go around the raccoon's neck and should never be used this way.  Doing this incorrectly can severely harm the raccoon.  The raccoon could also slip out of a noose around its neck and harm the technician or bystanders. 

When you call, please let us know every effort you have tried so far, as well as how many raccoons you have seen together, if you have seen them. We prefer to trap families together if we can. Raccoon families relocated together have a better chance of survival. Relocated raccoons will have to find a new water source and feeding ground as well as looking for their new home. Many areas are already occupied by other raccoons and it is their territory.

The newly relocated raccoons will either have to fight for territory or avoid the local wildlife and hideout until they can find a new home. Raccoons relocated together will help to protect each other and forage together so their chances for survival are much higher.  If we find orphans in trash cans, they will be relocated after rehabilitation.

Once you have tried to get the raccoons out yourself with no success, it is most likely time to call a professional. We do not advise you to try to get the raccoon out yourself. They may feel trapped and will be extremely defensive and may likely lash out and try to scratch or bite you.

At Apex Wildlife Control, we do not use “kill” traps for raccoons. Once we trap these little fellows, we will take them about twenty-five miles out and relocate them. This is far enough away that they will not find their way back to your home and dumpster.  Fortunately, the reserve they will be located to will have plenty of food, water and shelter.  Just maybe not as much garbage, but they'll live.

So if you have a little trash panda who has gotten stuck in a dumpster or trash can, give us a call.  We will be happy to remove your unwanted guest and handle the situation for you!