How to get rid of raccoons

Homemade Repellents to Get Rid of Raccoons Without Harming Them

How to Get Rid of Raccoons?: As cute as they are, raccoons are also extremely destructive little creatures. While they are mostly found in woody areas, they are also commonly seen in places with abundant vegetation and water. Some of the indications of these pesky animals’ invasion are damaged crops (primarily watermelon and corn), ripped shingles and haphazard gardens. So, if you have a garden, the last thing you want is a raccoon invasion. Apparently, they can also transmit several infectious diseases. Before these nocturnal pests set up a den in your property, get rid of them with some effective home remedies. Here are some homemade traps and repellents to get rid of raccoons.

How to get rid of raccoons
How to get rid of raccoons

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Raccoons

Here is a list of some effective home remedies that you can use to get rid of raccoons and make sure that they never come back to wreak havoc on your property:

1. Sound and Light

Being nocturnal by nature, raccoons are most active after dark and love living in areas that are quiet and peaceful. You can use this knowledge to come up with a great remedy to get rid of these creatures using simple items that you probably already have at home.

Instructions:

  • Install lighting all over your outdoor space, especially in areas you have seen raccoons. 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.
  • Empty soda bottles are also great to get rid of raccoons. Fix the bottles in the ground and when the wind blows, they will produce a sound that annoys the animals and keeps them at bay.

Related: How to get rid of chipmunks without harming them?

2. Ammonia

Many animals hate the smell of ammonia, including raccoons. A whiff of the stuff will have them scurrying away immediately. 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:

  • Dip 5 or 6 tennis balls in a bowl of ammonia – these balls absorb the liquid well.
  • Place a ball in every place where you have seen raccoons or you suspect may be their home.
  • You can also place a small dish or bowl with ammonia near your garbage containers to repel these animals.

Related: Harmless ways to get rid of squirrels 

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. The best part is that it is extremely effective.

Instructions:

  • Boil 1 cup of cayenne pepper and 5 habanero chilies in water.
  • Let it cool and then pour it into a spray bottle.
  • Spray the solutions in raccoon-infested areas and any holes they use to enter.
  • Another remedy is to make a cayenne pepper solution and apply a coating to the outside garbage cans.
  • Last but not least, sprinkle cayenne pepper powder around your garden to repel the creatures and prevent them from destroying your plants and flowers.

Related: Homemade weed killers that are safe around children and pets

4. Predator Urine

It may sound a little disgusting but predator urine is extremely effective against raccoons and other pests that invade your home and garden. You will find it easily available in a number of stores as well as online stores. 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.
  • You can also leave small bowls or dishes of the urine in places or holes that raccoons use to enter your property.

Related: How to get rid of bats with homemade repellents?

5. Garlic

Another smell that raccoons hate is the smell of garlic, which makes it is an excellent home remedy for repelling these pests. This remedy is simple and cheap, because chances are that you already have garlic at home. You can make it even more effective by adding chili powder, another ingredient you are sure to have on hand.

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.

Related: Home remedies that you can try to get rid of gophers

6. Vinegar

Raccoons detest the taste of vinegar. Use this ingredient to keep these destructive creatures away from different places in your home and garden.

Directions:

  • Place a vinegar-soaked cloth on food traps in areas where you often see raccoons.
  • You can also these clothes in your attic, basement, etc. to keep them from entering these places.

Related: How to get rid of ladybugs without killing them?

7. 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.

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

As you can see, you do not need harsh chemical-filled products to get rid of raccoons. You can make your own effective home remedies with simple, easy-to-find ingredients that you most likely already have at home. Natural remedies are the best as they do not harm children and pets or the plants and flowers in your garden. If you notice raccoons in your home or yard, head to your kitchen to make the most effective home remedy to get rid of them.