Quick Tips to Get Started
- Use animal-proof trash cans with locking or tight-fitting lids.
- Store garbage bins in a garage or shed whenever possible.
- Take trash out the morning of pickup, not the night before.
- Clean bins regularly to reduce lingering odors.
- Remove nearby food sources like pet food or fallen fruit.
Few things are more frustrating than waking up to find your trash scattered across the yard. From raccoons and skunks to foxes and rodents, wildlife is constantly on the lookout for an easy meal and your garbage can is often the first place they check.
Learning how to keep animals out of garbage is one of the most effective ways to prevent wildlife problems around your home. When animals find a reliable food source, they’re far more likely to stick around, nest nearby, or even attempt to enter your home.
Why Garbage Attracts Wildlife
Trash bins are a goldmine for animals. Leftover food, packaging, and even strong scents from discarded items can attract a wide range of wildlife. In the Washington, D.C. area, some of the most common culprits include:
- Raccoons digging through bins at night
- Skunks foraging for scraps and insects
- Foxes investigating open containers
- Rats and mice feeding on food waste
- Birds pulling apart trash bags
Once animals associate your home with food, they may return night after night or even begin nesting nearby.
Choose Animal Proof Trash Cans
One of the most effective solutions is upgrading to animal proof trash cans. Standard lids are easy for wildlife to pry open, especially for strong animals like raccoons.
- Look for containers that feature:
- Locking or latch-style lids
- Heavy-duty plastic or metal construction
- Tight seals to contain odors
- Weighted bases or designs that resist tipping
If replacing your bin isn’t an option, you can secure lids with bungee cords, clamps, or specially designed locking straps.
Smart Placement Makes a Difference
Where you keep your trash can matters just as much as the container itself.
To help keep animals out of garbage, try the following:
Store bins inside a garage or shed whenever possible
Place trash cans against a wall or in a secured enclosure
Avoid leaving bins near fences, trees, or structures animals can climb
Use fencing or a small trash enclosure for outdoor storage
Reducing accessibility makes your trash less appealing and harder for animals to reach.
Reduce Odors That Attract Wildlife
Animals rely heavily on their sense of smell to locate food. Even sealed containers can attract attention if strong odors are present.
To minimize attraction:
- Rinse food containers before throwing them away
- Double-bag particularly strong-smelling waste
- Clean trash bins regularly with soap or a vinegar solution
- Sprinkle baking soda inside bins to absorb odors
Less smell means less interest from curious wildlife.
Be Strategic About Trash Day
Putting trash out too early is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make. Overnight exposure gives animals plenty of time to investigate.
Instead:
- Take trash out the morning of collection whenever possible
- Avoid leaving bags outside overnight
- Secure lids tightly before placing bins at the curb
This small change can significantly reduce nighttime scavenging.
Eliminate Other Food Sources Around Your Property
Even if your trash is secure, other attractants can still draw animals to your yard.
To fully prevent issues:
- Bring pet food indoors at night
- Clean up fallen fruits and garden waste
- Secure compost bins
- Keep grills clean and free of grease buildup
When food sources disappear, wildlife is far less likely to linger.
When Garbage Problems Become Wildlife Problems
If animals are consistently getting into your trash, it may be a sign they’ve already established a presence nearby, such as under a deck, in a crawl space, or inside an attic.
At that point, simply securing your garbage may not be enough to keep hungry critters away.
District Wildlife Solutions provides professional services to address both the cause and the source of the problem, including:
- Humane animal trapping and removal
- Animal exclusion to seal entry points
- Dead animal removal and odor treatment
- Wildlife damage repair for affected areas
Keep Wildlife Out for Good
Taking steps to keep animals out of garbage is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent larger wildlife issues. By securing your trash, reducing odors, and eliminating easy food sources, you make your home far less appealing to unwanted visitors.
Need help keeping wildlife away from your property? Contact District Wildlife Solutions for expert, humane wildlife removal and prevention services in Washington, D.C. and Maryland.