One of the best ways to keep raccoons from destroying your property is to put up a motion-activated sprinkler system. These systems use motion-sensitive sensors to turn on only when a raccoon enters an area. Other options include placing a small tennis ball dipped in ammonia near your trash bins or chicken coop. If none of these solutions work, try creating a homemade raccoon repellent.
Another option is to trap raccoons as soon as they enter your home. Live traps are effective for this purpose because they can catch a mother raccoon with her young. However, if you happen to trap a raccoon in the midst of her young, they are unlikely to survive without their mother. Fortunately, professional trappers can reunite the mother and her young. Professional trappers can also move the young at the mother’s pace.
Another effective raccoon repellent is to secure your garbage bins. Raccoons tend to be attracted to trash cans with easy access. To deter them, make sure your trash cans have heavy, metal lids. Even better, tie trash cans to posts or racks with bungee cords. If you must leave out pet food or bird feeds, bring them inside before nightfall. Also, make sure to clean your fruit and nut trees on a regular basis.
For a more natural repellent, you can mix up a few ingredients, such as cinnamon, garlic, or peppermint oil, in boiling water. These will give the raccoons a bad smell, forcing them to leave the area. If you don’t have these ingredients, you can still try boiling water and onion to create a natural repellent. Another option is to keep vinegar or liquid cleaner on your property. These repellents are highly effective, but the raccoons will not like them at all.
If none of these options work, you can use eviction fluid. It releases a strong smell, mimicking that of a male raccoon. Put it in the chimney or attic, and raccoons will be scared away. They will then find another, safer area to hide. If none of these options work, you can always buy a sonic repellent. These repellents are very effective and safe.
Peppermint essential oil is another popular repellent. However, this option is more expensive and must be reapplied daily or weekly depending on the potency of the peppermint essential oil. Another way to deter raccoons is to mix equal parts of onion and pepper with water. Peppermint oil is one of the most widely used essential oils and works well to keep raccoons away from your property. Garlic juice, which has a strong smell, is also effective in keeping raccoons away. Hot peppers also release a pungent smell.
You can also try putting up a low electric fence. It should be installed around your garden or corn patch. Make sure the fence is at least six inches high, and activate the fence from dusk to dawn. The electric fence is also effective if you’re installing it around a newly laid sod lawn. Just make sure to remove it once the turf takes hold. Additionally, you should cap chimneys and fill gaps in attics.
