The One Outdoor Pest Found in All 50 States — And the Inspiration Behind the Rascalater Trash Bin Lock

When homeowners search for the most common wildlife pest in the United States, the answer is nearly always the same: raccoons. Raccoons are found in all 50 states, and unlike many other outdoor pests, they are active year-round — even in cold northern winters and hot southern summers. This constant activity makes raccoons the primary source of trash can break-ins in urban and suburban neighborhoods.

This nationwide issue is what inspired the creation of Rascalater, a simple, sustainable, and user-friendly way to keep raccoons and other wildlife out of your trash bins, especially popular Toter® bins, which are the leading brand across North America.

The Only Wildlife Pest That Never Takes a Break

Most outdoor pests have seasons. Mosquitoes disappear in winter. Ants go dormant. Bears hibernate. But raccoons remain active through every month of the year, constantly scavenging for food. Their intelligence, strength, and dexterity make them especially effective at opening hinged-lid trash cans, even high-quality ones.

That’s why raccoons are the #1 cause of trash can disturbances nationwide — from downtown alleys to quiet suburban cul-de-sacs.

Because they never stop searching for food, homeowners need a solution that works every day, in every season, in every region.

The Inspiration Behind Rascalater: A Cleaner, Kinder Way to Deter Wildlife

Rascalater began with a simple idea: create a raccoon-resistant trash can closure that didn’t rely on complicated straps, metal hardware, or tension mechanisms that can injure pets or wildlife. Surprisingly few options existed that were effective, safe, sustainable, and easy for everyone to use.

The founders — longtime nature lovers — believed the real problem wasn’t raccoons. It was unsecured trash. When wildlife gets into garbage, it disrupts their natural diet, spreads litter, and encourages repeated visits. Securing the bin helps protect both the community and the animals.

The mission was clear:

Design a wildlife-proof Toter bin lock that supports environmental responsibility and works for all demographics.

Sustainability Was a Non-Negotiable

From the start, Rascalater’s creators wanted a product that aligned with their values of conservation and waste reduction. That’s why Rascalater is made from recyclable PET plastic, a durable material accepted in recycling streams nationwide. The clasp’s single-material construction avoids the mixed metals and plastics that make many products non-recyclable.

Additional sustainability commitments include:

• Manufactured in the USA to reduce shipping emissions and support local production

• Designed for long-term use, not disposal after a single season

• No metal or elastic components that degrade in weather or harm wildlife

• Minimal packaging to reduce waste

This sustainability-first mindset is built into the product from top to bottom.

Designed for Universal Ease of Use

Effortless operation is a hallmark of a thoughtful, user-centered design approach.

One of the biggest problems with traditional raccoon-resistant trash can locks is usability. Many require strength, dexterity, or tools. Others are challenging for older adults or homeowners with limited mobility.

Rascalater was intentionally engineered to be:

• Quick to install — seconds, no tools

• Easy to remove and operate for any user

• Safe for pets, children, and wildlife

• Compatible with Toter’s lid and lip design

This makes Rascalater one of the most accessible raccoon-proof trash can solutions available today.

A Nationwide Problem Inspired a Nationwide Solution

With raccoons active in every state and active in every season, homeowners needed a wildlife-deterring solution that was sustainable, effective, and simple. Rascalater was created for that purpose — born from a respect for nature and a desire to keep neighborhoods cleaner and safer.

Whether you live in the Pacific Northwest, New England, the Midwest, or the Deep South, raccoons aren’t going anywhere. But a secured trash bin makes a world of difference. And Rascalater makes securing that bin easier for everyone.