Raccoons

• How to Manage Pests - Pests in Gardens and Landscapes -- Raccoons by the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program
• "Consider the perennial problem that many homeowners face with raccooons getting into the trash. Prevention strategies to solve this problem could include (1) using a strong garbage can with a locking lid that can defeat break-in (but not hamper trash collection), (2) rigging the can or area around it with an alarm that uses light, noise or even water to chase raccooons away, (3) using a repellent on or inside the can or (4) keeping the trash in the garage or shed until the morning of collection and putting it at the curb after the raccoons have gone to bed. In this case the most sensible approach would be to use either of the last two strategies mentioned, but all might work well enough to solve the problem."       pg. 25, -- Wild Neighbors The Humane Approach to Living with Wildlife, The Humane Society of the United States