To deter raccoons from destroying your yard, you must take several steps. Firstly, make sure you lock all trashcan lids. Another step you need to take is to double-bag food. You can also cover bird feeders, which raccoons love. You can also install electric fences, or secure your garbage can with heavy-duty garbage bags. Aside from that, make sure you keep pet food and garbage out of reach of raccoons.
Homemade raccoon repellents are not a great solution if you have an area where you can apply a repellent frequently. However, they can wash off easily by the rain. In Central Pennsylvania, we receive 130 days of rain a year. Applying repellents more often means more time and money spent on the problem. Hot peppers and soap are both irritants to the human nose and eyes, and can cause irritation in raccoons. Hot sauce mixed with dishwashing soap will also work. But this will cost between $9 and $20 per application.
If you are a pet owner, you may have noticed raccoons scurrying in your yard, stealing your pet food, and eating it. If you are unable to find them on your property, the best way to discourage them is to remove pet food. You may also need to restrict the amount of food that your pets eat, as this will attract raccoons to your home.
Although raccoons are docile, the presence of one in or around your home can be dangerous for people and pets. While raccoons are generally docile, their presence can be hazardous for humans, pets, and the environment. Therefore, it is crucial that you remove these raccoons as quickly as possible. However, this can be more difficult than you think, as it will take longer for the raccoons to return to their usual homes.
If you cannot remove raccoons completely, you can install a wildlife guard. Raccoons can access chimneys and attics through these openings. You should also install a 10-gauge galvanized hardware mesh over these entry points. This will prevent them from making nests in these places, while still providing them with the necessary drainage. Aside from sealing off these entry points, you can also try installing lights inside your attic. Remember that raccoons are nocturnal creatures and prefer dark areas, so installing a light will make them uncomfortable.
Another option for preventing raccoons from entering your yard is to place a deterrent light near their den. Raccoons can perceive bright lights as an unsafe area and will run for cover. An outdoor spotlight or a mechanic’s light are both great options for raccoon deterrent lights, but you need to make sure they are fire-safe. Lastly, a deterrent light will also make the raccoons feel unsafe in their den.
Aside from ammonia, you can also use vinegar as a natural repellent. Raccoons hate the smell of ammonia, so you can spray the odor near the trash can. Another alternative is using tennis balls dipped in vinegar. This liquid cleaner is also considered to be a strong deterrent and can be used in the garbage bin or on cloths. However, keep in mind that the acidity of vinegar will deter raccoons.
