how do you get rid of raccoons naturally

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Raccoons

1. Sound and Light. Being nocturnal by nature, raccoons are most active after dark and love living in areas that are quiet and peaceful.
2. Ammonia. Many animals hate the smell of ammonia, including raccoons. ...
3. Cayenne Pepper. Another smell that a number of animals cannot stand is the smell of cayenne pepper. ...
4. Predator Urine. ...
5. Garlic. ...
6. Vinegar. ...
7. Mothballs. ...

Full Answer

How to deter raccoons from your yard {14 easy ways}?

Seal Off Your Home and Yard

• Seal holes. Raccoons have a great sense of smell that they use to find food, and they won’t hesitate to venture inside your home if they can smell and easily ...
• Use a perimeter fence. Raccoons are natural climbers that often venture onto trees and other tall places. ...
• Use barrier screens. ...

Does raccoon repellent really work?

Yes! These raccoon repellent bags really help to prevent these creatures from digging in waste outdoors, so in a waste container in the kitchen, if raccoons got in there. And everyone knows HOW they love waste! Although some users who live in NY say that their “raccoons-mutants” don’t pay attention to such bags and also dig in them.

What is the best poison for raccoons?

• Rabies is the main concern since a rabid animal can transfer the disease to pets or people. ...
• If animal control will only help if the raccoon is sick, you could always say you saw the raccoon “behaving strangely” or something like that when you call it in. ...
• Under no condition should you get close to a sick raccoon.

What can you spray to keep raccoons away?

• Protect your trash. Raccoons can't resist trash, so you'll need multiple strategies in this area.
• Clean up. Like many animals, raccoons love yards with places to hide as they scurry along.
• Scare 'em.
• Fence the garden.
• Repel 'em.
• Remove food.
• Tend to pets.

What smell will keep raccoons away?

Since raccoons have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find convenient food sources, one can take advantage of this feature by using scents they hate. Hot pepper, garlic, peppermint oil, onion, and Epsom salt are a few scents used to repel raccoons.

What home remedy keeps raccoons away?

Garlic acts as an effective raccoon repellent home remedy. Crush garlic and chili powder together and spread it around the boundaries of your attic. You may even sprinkle it around the garden randomly near the crops. They will get irritated by the smell of garlic and leave your garden.

What are raccoons afraid of?

Raccoons aren't fond of spicy smells, so a cayenne pepper spray can be an easy and effective raccoon repellent. Mix a small bottle of cayenne pepper with a bottle of hot sauce, then add both to a gallon of water and shake well. Spray this pepper solution around your plants, bushes, and other garden greenery.

How do you keep raccoons away at night?

Scare them with loud noises Raccoons may be smart and wily creatures, but they're also easily shaken up. All it takes is a sudden loud sound and they'll go scampering away into the night. If you can get a device that puts together a loud sound and flashing bright lights, that would be even more effective.

What food is toxic to raccoons?

Although they are omnivorous, there are some things raccoons can't eat: Chocolate, onions, raisins and macadamia nuts are toxic to raccoons. Garlic and bread aren't toxic, but they can upset a raccoon's digestion. Coffee, cocoa and candies can cause health problems in raccoons.

Will vinegar keep raccoons away?

Here are some tips on raccoon control to prevent them from identifying your home as a place to nest or frequently visit. Raccoons hate the smell of apple cider vinegar (and so do some humans!). Soak a cloth in apple cider vinegar and place it in an aerated container near the den. The smell will deter them!

Does Irish Spring soap keep raccoons away?

Soap the yard Raccoons use their superb sense of smell to forage for food, and some scents are really effective at keeping them away. The ingredients in Irish Spring soap are generally effective in keeping raccoons and other small mammals out of your yard.

How do you Shood away raccoons?

How to Deter Raccoons: 9 DIY Control MethodsAdd a motion-activated sprinkler. ... Use ultrasound deterrent devices. ... Secure trash cans. ... Bag your trash in raccoon-repelling trash bags. ... Make your own raccoon repellent. ... Use ammonia. ... Remove pet and bird food. ... Use fences to protect high-interest areas.More items...•

What to spray to get rid of raccoons?

One homemade “taste” raccoon repellent recipe uses 1 bottle hot pepper sauce or 1 bottle cayenne pepper powder and mixes it with a gallon of water and a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. The soap helps the liquid to adhere to what you're spraying, and should be sprayed on the entire area that you would like to protect.

Do mothballs keep raccoons away?

Mothballs get rid of all kinds of critters Raccoons dislike the strong smell of mothballs. Buy a box and scatter them around your property to prevent raccoons from taking up residence.

What time of night are raccoons most active?

Raccoons are nocturnal creatures. They usually sleep during daylight, and spend their nights foraging for food. Most often, raccoons leave their dens soon after sunset.

Will a porch light keep raccoons away?

Yes, in most cases, porch lights keep raccoons away. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, which means they can be very sensitive to light. However, it doesn't mean that porch lights will scare every raccoon away. You should use this method together with other pest control repellents to increase its efficiency.

How to get rid of raccoons in your house?

Spread ammonia. Ammonia has a horrible smell. Not only is it repulsive to humans, but it is also a great raccoon repellent. If you can get your hands on ammonia and if you can bear the smell, then this is a good solution in the short term to get rid of raccoons from your property.

How to keep a raccoon from being scared?

Therefore, it is important to keep a check on it and not trap it for a long period of time. Before moving the trapped raccoon, cover the cage with a cloth and wear protective gear.

Why do raccoons come into my garden?

Raccoons usually come into your garden or your property because they have found a place to live in, or feed in. So it is very likely that the raccoon has found a hiding spot in your property and is living in it. They like garbage cans, chimneys, sheds, etc.

How to make a raccoon trap?

If you notice raccoons in your region, here is a simple way of making a raccoon trap at home with few tools: 1. Cut plywood according to the box size. Get a long plywood specifically treated for outdoor purposes and cut in to following sizes with the help of a handsaw: For walls: Two pieces of 12 inches * 24 inches size.

What predators hunt raccoons?

Coyotes, Mountain lions, and Wolves are all predators that hunt raccoons in the wild. So if raccoons smell the urine of any of them, they will not dare to come near that area. It is, of course, difficult to collect the urine of Mountain Lions or Wolves.

How to make a trap with PVC pipe?

Bolt the pipe halves to the walls and put the metal door between them. Place the pipe halves at the front and back of the trap in a way that its edges touch the wall. With the help of three or four screws per pipe, assemble it with the wall pieces. Make a door by inserting the metal door panel between the PVC pipes.

What is a racoon?

Raccoons are a type of omnivorous mammal that is native to North America. They are quite big in size, and they are in general, a nuisance. They can also cause massive damage to your gardens, especially if you grow vegetables. Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, meaning they only come out at night to find food.

How to discourage raccoons from eating my garden?

How to discourage raccoons to eat from your garden? Make a mixture of chili or hot pepper powder with water, then add it in a spray bottle.

How to keep raccoons from eating my plants?

Make a mixture of chili or hot pepper powder with water, then add it in a spray bottle. Spray the soil and the plants, to stop raccoons from eating them. You can also use other hot peppers like jalapenos, cayenne, etc. Cinnamon works very well, too.

How to prevent raccoons from eating my food?

7 Preventive Measures against Raccoons 1 Never leave the garbage bin uncovered (duh!). An open bin is like an unwritten invitation to dinner for small animals like raccoons, rats, mice, or squirrels. 2 Keep garbage bins with the lid closed and secured with weight, ropes, or locks. 3 Raccoons have a thing for pet food. If you have pets outdoor, take their food and water bowl inside the house during the night. 4 Harvest vegetables, as soon as ripen, pick fruits and nuts as soon as they fall on the ground. Otherwise, raccoons would be thrilled to eat these and will consider your yard a food haven. 5 Put a mesh fence around your deck or porch to prevent raccoons from hiding underneath. 6 Check you fences often to spot any damage or holes and be able to repair them quickly, before raccoons spot them first and take advantage of them. 7 Don’t get near raccoons, as they may have rabies.

What does it mean when you find raccoons in your garbage?

Or a lack of manners. As cute as they are, as mischievous they can be. You will find raccoons in your garbage, throwing everything out like he wouldn’t care; in your garden, munching on your veggies and stomping on the ones they don’t care for; in your attic, where they sneak in, install, and declared it their home.

Do raccoons like garlic?

Raccoons detest garlic. Then, sprinkle garlic powder in your garden. It’s true that your tomatoes might come on your table already seasoned and smelling like garlic, but it’s okay, since you have them on your table, and not the raccoons in their paws.

Can you use chili to deter raccoons?

Well, chili is a great raccoon deterrent home remedy for your garden. However, keep in mind that you have to be two times more persistent than raccoons, to win the battle. And believe me, raccoons are very, very persistent. They keep trying. And trying. And trying even more. And if you don’t step back (and keep using chili to deter them from your plants), raccoons will give up and leave your property to find an easier place to get food.

Can raccoons climb on electric fences?

You can try. It seems raccoon don’t like beech trees, as these are difficult to climb on, having a smooth surface.

1.Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a natural repellent for many types of pests, including raccoons, because it contains a substance called Capsaicin that gives the pepper its hot flavor.

2.Black Pepper

Black pepper works as a great raccoon repellent for fruits in an orchard, garden, or yard because raccoons detest the spicy smell of the pepper.

3.Onion and Pepper

A combination of onion and pepper releases an unappetizing, pungent smell that will deter raccoons but will also irritate them if they get too close.

4.Vinegar

Raccoons absolutely hate the smell of vinegar. The caustic, acidic smell overwhelms their senses and makes it hard for them to sense their surroundings.

5.Ammonia

The colorless gas ammonia works as a great raccoon repellent. When you smell ammonia, it’s pungent odor immediately takes away your breath, and it does the same to raccoons.

6.Garlic

Raccoons are extremely irritated by garlic because its strong smell disrupts their ability to detect food’s smell, and its taste lingers on their tastebuds and leaves them desensitized.

7.Peppermint Oil

Peppermint essential oil works great as a raccoon deterrent to get rid of raccoons because raccoons hate the permeating and cool, burning smell of peppermint.

What repels raccoons?

There are various other repellents you can use as well, like Mint-X trash bags, which are specifically designed to repel raccoons. They’re all-natural trash bags that have a mint fragrance, which raccoons dislike. Motion-activated floodlights can also serve to deter raccoons.

How far can raccoons get from the roof?

Also, be sure to cut trees back to six or eight feet from your home so raccoons can’t get to your roof and make their way into the attic to form their den. Raccoons will eat almost anything and are always on the lookout for a good nesting site.

Can you use cayenne pepper on raccoons?

You can even deter raccoons from coming with cayenne pepper. These masked marauders hate the smell of the spice. Add one small canister of cayenne and one bottle of hot sauce to a gallon of water, then spray the solution all over your garden plants, bushes and shrubs, and reapply after a rainfall.

What is the best way to get rid of raccoons?

3. Cayenne Pepper. Another smell that a number of animals cannot stand is the smell of cayenne pepper. Use this to your advantage and get rid of the destructive raccoons before they completely destroy your property. This is a simple raccoon-proof remedy that is quick and easy to make.

How to get rid of raccoons in my garden?

Instructions: Crush a few cloves of garlic with chili powder and spread the mixture in different raccoon-infested areas as well as entry points. You can also apply some in different spots around your crops and flowers to repel raccoons. The smell will irritate them and they will leave your garden as fast as they can.

How to get rid of rats and mice?

When it comes to pests like rats, mice, raccoons, etc., ammonia is one of the best home remedies to get rid of them and make sure that they never come back. If you do not have a bottle at home, visit a store and get one quickly. Instructions:

How to keep raccoons away from my house?

Directions: To keep raccoons from entering your home or garden, place mothballs in their entry points. You can also place mothballs in different areas of your home, such as your attic, and your yard to make sure that they stay away. Related: Easy ways to get rid of wasps at home.

What are some good repellents for raccoons?

Mothballs. When it comes to home remedies to repel any pests including raccoons, mothballs are excellent. Their smell is fatal to these pests. Mothballs are a great repellent and if you do not have any at home, go to your local store and get some to fight these creatures.

What animal can fool raccoons?

You can choose from the urine of mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes or wolves and use it to fool raccoons into thinking that there is a predator around. Instructions: All you have to do to get rid of raccoons from your property as quickly as possible is to spray predator urine in different areas where you have seen them.

How to keep raccoons from setting up in my garden?

Additionally, keep them from setting up a home in your garden by playing loud music – this helps in making sure that they do not get the peace and quiet they need to make an ideal home.

How to keep raccoons out of my house?

Raccoon exclusion by professionals is the most effective way to keep raccoons out permanently. Without exclusion, raccoons can simply return after removal. There is even a high chance of re-entry since raccoons spend much of their lives in the same area.#N#Professional exclusion begins with a thorough examination of your home and yard. The technician will identify holes in your home raccoons might potentially enter through and patch them. This can include screening the areas under porches and decks, installing animal-proof vents, installing chimney caps, and placing raccoon fencing around the border of your property.

How long does it take to remove a raccoon?

A professional removal ranges from a few hours for manually handling a mother and babies to a few days for trapping. DIY raccoon trapping can similarly take a few days based on how effective the trap placement is. Scaring a raccoon out of your home or yard will generally work immediately if it is going to work.

How does DIY raccoon exclusion work?

Often they work by creating an unpleasant smell or causing the animal slight irritation. They often prove ineffective and should be used with care, especially if you have household pets that spend time in the area treatments are applied. DIY raccoon exclusion may not keep raccoons out of your yard indefinitely.

How long does it take for a raccoon to die from rabies?

Rabies causes death in raccoons in 3 days or less. Roundworm – Raccoon feces can contain a parasitic roundworm that is transmitted through direct contact or inhalation. This makes it important to keep raccoons out of home and clean up thoroughly if raccoon droppings are present.

How long do raccoons live?

Those in colder climates will become less active during the winter. A raccoon in the wild generally lives between 2 and 3 years. During that time, female raccoons often stay within a few miles of the area they were born, taking advantage of their knowledge of dens and food sources. Males will roam more freely.

What are racoons known for?

Known for their distinctive black “mask” over their eyes, a ringed tail, and their craftiness, raccoons have an almost “cute” appearance from a distance. But up close, raccoons are potentially dangerous animals and one that should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.#N#The average raccoon has grey and black fur and is about the size of a housecat or small dog. They are talented animals, as they have five-fingered hands that move and act with outstanding coordination – not unlike human hands. It allows them to solve problems, including how to open containers, that other animals cannot solve.

What is it called when a raccoon moves into a city?

This process of living in proximity to people is called synurbanization . The raccoon loses its fear of humans and in return takes advantage of trash, gardens, and food storage that people create for sustenance.

How to get rid of raccoons in my house?

1 small bottle of hot sauce. Mild dishwashing soap. tb1234. Mix the hot sauce and dishwashing soap in a large spray bottle. Spritz the DIY raccoon repellent spray onto the plants surrounding your home. You can also spray areas like your garden, and your trash can lid. Adding dishwashing soap to the hot sauce causes it to stick to ...

How to make raccoon repellent?

1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper. 1 tablespoon of chopped yellow onion. tb1234. Cook the ingredients in boiling water for approximately 20 minutes. Let the homemade pepper spray cool, and then strain it through a cheesecloth. Apply the DIY raccoon repellent spray onto any areas you suspect the raccoons may go.

What to do if it rains on a raccoon?

If you’re looking for a simple solution to your raccoon problem, create what’s called a hot sauce spray; this recipe will work wonders but keep in mind that if it rains, you’ll have to reapply it to the vegetation to continuously keep the little animals away.

Do racoons like chickens?

Raccoons love meat , which means they look at chickens as their pet food; because of this, you’ll want to secure your chicken coop. These wild animals know how to open many latches, so you’ll want to attach a padlock to windows and doors leading to your chickens.

Do racoons like spicy food?

Raccoons do not like anything spicy, but you’ve probably already figured that out. While this concept may be like the last option offered, it will differ in ingredients and application.

Can raccoons eat mothballs?

Raccoons cannot stand the strong odor of mothballs. If you’ve discovered that there are raccoons nesting or roaming in areas like your attic, near a tight crawl space, or around your wood piles, place a few mothballs in the area.

How to keep raccoons away from my yard?

Raccoons may also be deterred by dog and cat urine. To ward them off with sound, play heavy metal music or an all-talk radio channel. Mix ground garlic cloves with chili powder and sprinkle it around your yard or garden.

How to protect your garden from racoons?

Fence your garden or individual plants you want to protect with a mesh screen. Put the fencing deep enough in the ground that these furry bandits can’t dig it up. Raccoons will dig or pull up edible and ornamental plants to find fruits, vegetables, seeds, grubs, insects, or underground crops like carrots.

How long do racoons live?

Raccoons generally live from five to twenty years in the wild. Females may have one litter, with one to seven babies, called kits, in April or May. Racoons look for warm, safe places to bear their young, which makes homes and outbuildings attractive.

What do racoons eat?

These omnivores eat fruit, crayfish, insects, frogs, bird eggs, grains, berries, nuts, and other plants and animals. They become a problem when they destroy sheetrock and electrical wiring, tear out shingles and insulation, loosen boards, dig in lawns and ornamental gardens, ...

Can a raccoon have rabies?

It could have rabies. If you do use a trap, use only a humane trap designed for live animals and check on the raccoon often. Trapped animals become stressed and may hurt themselves or die while trying to get out. There are other effective ways to control raccoons, such as these.

Can you trap raccoons?

Though other pesky pests can be trapped and released elsewhere, raccoons shouldn’t be. In some states, you must have a license to trap them, and in most states, it’s actually illegal to relocate raccoons beyond your property.

Do you have to have a license to hunt a raccoon?

Because they are fur-bearing animals, raccoons are protected in many states and you must have a license to trap or hunt them. Contact your state’s Department of Natural Resources and check your local regulations for more information. However, trapping and hunting is not recommended because raccoons can transmit rabies.