Raccoons in urban and suburban areas often lead homeowners to search for quick, effective ways to remove these adaptable animals. Driven by their search for food and shelter, raccoons can cause significant property damage. Finding a method that is both effective and safe for the animal and the household is a priority. The focus should be on practical, long-term solutions that address the root causes of the intrusion.
How Ammonia Affects Raccoons
Ammonia is frequently cited as a potential raccoon deterrent because its strong, pungent odor is thought to mimic the smell of predator urine. This intense, unfamiliar scent signals danger, causing the raccoon to instinctively avoid the area. Raccoons use their well-developed sense of smell extensively for foraging and identifying territory, making scent-based deterrents a logical consideration.
The effectiveness of ammonia, however, is often limited and temporary. While the smell may initially startle a raccoon, the animal is intelligent and quickly learns to ignore the odor, especially if a strong food source is present. Because ammonia is highly volatile, it evaporates rapidly outdoors, meaning the repellent effect diminishes within hours and requires frequent reapplication. Furthermore, concentrated fumes introduce health hazards, as they can irritate the respiratory systems of humans and pets.
Applying Ammonia Safely and Effectively
For individuals who choose to try the ammonia method, proper handling is necessary to minimize risks. The procedure involves soaking old rags or cotton balls in household ammonia. These saturated materials should then be placed inside a small, puncture-proof container, such as a plastic tub with small holes punched in the lid. This containment limits spillage and controls the dispersal of the fumes.
The containers should be positioned near suspected entry points, like an unsecured chimney or vent, or close to where the raccoon is denning or foraging. Never pour the liquid ammonia directly onto soil, vegetation, or structural surfaces, as it can cause damage and contaminate the local environment. Always wear protective gloves and ensure the area is well-ventilated during application to avoid inhaling the corrosive fumes.
Non-Chemical and Humane Deterrents
More reliable and humane alternatives focus on overwhelming the raccoon’s senses in a non-toxic manner. Motion-activated devices that spray a jet of water when an animal crosses their path are effective because the sudden spray startles the raccoon without causing harm. These devices work well near gardens, trash cans, or other foraging spots.
Raccoons are nocturnal and prefer dark, quiet environments, making light and sound deterrents useful. Placing bright, flashing lights or a radio tuned to a talk station near a den site can make the area unappealing for nesting. Commercial scent-based repellents, often containing capsaicin or predator urine extracts, can also be applied. These formulations are designed to be more persistent than household ammonia and are specifically formulated to repel nuisance wildlife.
Securing Your Property Against Raccoon Entry
The most successful long-term strategy for managing raccoons involves denying them access to food and shelter. Since raccoons are motivated by easy meals, securing all potential food sources is the first line of defense. This includes using heavy-duty, locking garbage cans and removing pet food bowls before nightfall.
Structural exclusion is necessary to prevent them from using your home as a den site. Raccoons can enter small spaces and tear open weak points, so all openings larger than three inches should be sealed. Use heavy-gauge, galvanized wire mesh, often called hardware cloth, to cover chimney openings and unsecured foundation vents. This material resists the raccoon’s strong paws and claws better than thin netting or plastic screening. Homeowners should also check local ordinances, as permanent exclusion is often the only legal recourse for dealing with raccoons, since trapping and relocation may be restricted.