Do Outdoor Lights Deter Raccoons? (What To Know)

Raccoons are notorious for being destructive pests. They’re known to raid garbage cans, dig up gardens, and even eat bird feeders. If you’ve ever had raccoons in your yard, you know how much damage they can cause.

But did you know that outdoor lights might deter raccoons from coming into your yard? In fact, there’s evidence that suggests that certain types of lighting could actually scare off these pesky critters.

In this article, I’ll explain why outdoor lights might deter raccoon activity and provide you with some tips on how to keep raccoons out of your yard.

How can outdoor lights deter racoons?

The first thing we need to understand is what kind of light attracts raccoons. There are two main categories: white-light and red-light. White-lights include incandescent bulbs or halogen lamps. These lights have a warm glow which makes them attractive to animals like raccoons.

Red-lights include sodium vapor lamps, mercury vapor lamps, and high pressure sodium lamps. The color red has been shown to be more effective at scaring away wildlife than the other colors.

What’s more, it seems that raccoons avoid bright lights over dim ones. So if you want to discourage raccoons from entering your property, make sure all of your exterior lights are set to full brightness.

What makes lights and sets of lights a good or a bad deterrent? 

There are several factors involved when determining whether an area will attract or repel raccoons.

First, consider where the lights are located. A dark spot near water sources may draw raccoons because they use those areas as shelter during cold weather months. Similarly, a large tree stump surrounded by tall grasses may also serve as a safe haven for raccoons.

Next, think about the size of the area lit up. Smaller spaces tend to hold less appeal for raccoons since they prefer larger open spaces. Also, remember that raccoons don’t see well so they won’t notice small changes in their environment unless something big happens. For example, if you put up new fencing around your garden but leave one hole wide enough for raccoons to squeeze through, they’ll still find ways to get inside.

Finally, consider the type of light used. Some people believe that using motion sensors instead of traditional floodlights would help prevent raccoons from getting too close to homes. Motion sensors work by detecting movement within a given radius. When someone walks past the sensor, it triggers the light bulb to turn on. This way, when the light turns on automatically the racoons will be scared and will most likely run away.

Why do racoons like to hang around outside at night?

Raccoons aren’t just attracted to outdoor lights; they’re drawn to any place outdoors after sunset. They spend time hanging around garbage cans, bird feeders, and even gardens looking for food.

This behavior isn’t surprising considering that raccoons eat almost anything including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, insects, frogs, mice, birds, fish, eggs, carrion, and plants.

How does light affect the behavior of animals?

Animals respond differently depending on how much light there is. In general, brighter environments seem to encourage activity while darker places lead to restful sleep. Animals living under artificial lighting usually exhibit this same pattern. However, some species such as bats and nocturnal moths actually benefit from having fewer hours of daylight.

In addition, many types of animals become active earlier in the day when exposed to sunlight. The reason behind this phenomenon has been debated among scientists for years. It could have something to do with the fact that these creatures need to consume energy before going into hibernation. Or maybe it’s simply due to the fact that they can detect longer wavelengths of light better than humans. Whatever the case, researchers agree that exposure to natural light helps keep them healthy and happy.

Is it safe to use LED or CFL bulbs outdoors?

LEDs produce very little heat which makes them ideal for outdoor applications. But what about CFLs? While they might not generate quite as much heat as LEDs, they still emit infrared radiation which means they should never be placed directly next to windows or other openings. Instead, install them high above ground level or bury them deep underground. If possible, try placing them out of direct line-of-sight.

Are there any other ways to discourage raccoons from hanging around your property?

There are several things you can do to deter raccoons from coming near your home.

• First, make sure all trashcans are secured tightly so they don’t fall over easily.
• Next, remove any items that attract wildlife such as birdfeeders, pet dishes, and toys.
• Finally, cover holes where raccoons may enter your yard.

You can also purchase products designed specifically to scare off raccoons. These include:

• Scarecrow – A large stuffed animal dressed in an outfit similar to a raccoon. Place it somewhere visible but far enough away from your house so that it doesn’t frighten pets or children.

• Scat Bags – Small bags filled with cat feces. Leave one bag by each door leading inside your home. When a raccoon comes along, he’ll smell the scents and leave quickly.

• Motion Sensors – Similar to motion detectors used indoors, these devices work well if installed properly. They’re activated whenever movement occurs within their range. Simply place them at various points throughout your yard and set up schedules to turn them on and off during different times of the night. How Do I Keep My Home Safe From Raccoons?