How to Repel Raccoons
When urban development destroys their habitats, raccoons often turn to yards and homes for shelter. Living in harmony with displaced wildlife takes extra resources, time, and effort, but it can help to keep lawns, homes, and gardens safe from raccoon damage.
Raccoon Deterrents
Many residents want to know how to deter raccoons rather than how to trap them. Trapping is an effective way to remove these pests, but it also comes with some dangers to users. Several raccoon deterrents may help while posing less risk.
Scare and Harassment Tactics
Raccoons prefer dark, quiet places like attics, chimneys, or gaps beneath decks. Keeping these areas well-lit and playing loud music can disturb their rest and force the pests to move. Pinwheels, balloons, or empty soda cans blowing in the wind may also deter raccoons.
Unfortunately, sound, light, and frightening tactics become less effective as the animals get used to them. These cheap, easy methods are a good first step but may not be enough to keep raccoons away for good.
Habitat Modification
Eliminating sources of food and shelter in the yard is another raccoon deterrent. Homeowners can:
- Screen attic, porch, and foundation vents with heavy duty wire mesh.
- Secure the garbage can lid with bungee cords or buy a new bin with a tight-fitting lid.
- Remove outdoor pet food or seal it in secure metal or glass containers.
Raccoon Repellents
Certain tastes and smells may also repel raccoons. Homeowners can buy a wide variety of sprays, granules, and oils that claim to drive away these pests.
Taste Raccoon Repellent
Since raccoons dislike spicy tastes, some homeowners spread hot pepper products over areas where the pests like to climb or dig. Many sources suggest cayenne pepper, but this is often not potent enough to keep raccoons away. Hotter oils may harm plants, pets, birds, and beneficial insects like lady beetles and honey bees.
Odor Raccoon Repellent
Many stores also sell fox, coyote, or bobcat urine as a raccoon repellent. While the smell of fresh waste from one of these natural predators may keep the pests away, urine granules usually don’t have much effect.
Mothballs are another common scent deterrent that pest experts do not recommend. They can be toxic and are harmful to pets, humans, and other wildlife as well as raccoons. In fact, these intelligent pests may just bury or remove odor repellents to get rid of the smell.
Professional Prevention
The best option for safe and effective raccoon control is to rely on wildlife experts. The specialists at Trutech have the right equipment and knowledge to keep raccoons away from homes and yards.
