Raccoons are intelligent and adaptable nocturnal mammals that thrive in urban and suburban environments. They are highly motivated by accessible food and secure shelter, making residential properties attractive targets. Permanently removing raccoons requires a multi-pronged strategy focused on eliminating these primary attractants and securing the property against future entry. Simply trapping and relocating an animal often fails because the original factors remain, inviting new raccoons to take its place.
Removing Food and Water Sources
Eliminating easily accessible food is the most immediate step in deterring raccoons from your property. Raccoons are opportunistic scavengers and consistently return to any location offering a reliable meal. The primary target for security efforts should be outdoor garbage receptacles. These should either be stored indoors, such as in a garage, or secured with heavy-duty straps or locking lids.
If bins must remain outside, use bungee cords secured to the handles or invest in metal cans, as raccoons can chew through plastic containers. Removing all outdoor pet food and water bowls overnight is important since raccoons are nocturnal foragers. Bird feeders should be removed entirely or replaced with specialized weight-sensitive feeders.
Fallen fruit from trees should be collected promptly. Compost piles should be contained in sealed, revolving tumblers rather than open heaps, which are easily accessed.
Sealing Access to Den Sites
Once food attractants are managed, the next step involves blocking off potential nesting and shelter locations, known as exclusion. Raccoons can enter surprisingly small openings, requiring a full inspection of the building exterior, from the foundation to the roofline. Common entry points include damaged soffits, loose shingles, and unsecured chimney tops.
Any open chimney flue must be covered with a heavy-gauge wire mesh cap to prevent entry. Attic and crawlspace vents should be screened with strong, galvanized hardware cloth. For openings under decks, sheds, or porches, a specialized physical barrier is required to prevent digging. This exclusion involves burying galvanized hardware cloth in an L-shape that extends horizontally away from the structure, at least six to twelve inches into the ground. Confirm no animals are currently inside before sealing any entry point, as trapping an animal within a structure can cause extensive damage.
Using Sensory Deterrents
After food and shelter sources have been eliminated, secondary sensory deterrents can discourage persistent visitors. Motion-activated hydro-deterrents, which are specialized sprinklers, are effective because raccoons dislike sudden bursts of water. These units use a passive infrared (PIR) sensor to detect body heat and movement, startling the animal with a jet of water and a distinct noise. They typically cover a range of up to 40 feet with a 120-degree field of view.
Scent-based repellents take advantage of the raccoon’s sensitive nose. Commercial products often contain capsaicin, derived from chili peppers, or predator urine scents that signal danger. Homemade solutions, such as a mixture of cayenne pepper powder, water, and dish soap, can be sprayed around gardens or trash cans. Since these topical deterrents are easily washed away by rain, they require frequent reapplication to remain effective.
When Professional Assistance is Necessary
DIY methods are often insufficient when a raccoon has established a den inside a structure, such as an attic or wall void. In these cases, a licensed wildlife control specialist should be contacted to ensure the animal is removed safely and humanely. Professionals possess the tools and training necessary to handle mother raccoons and their young, which is important during the spring and summer birthing season. A trapped mother may cause significant damage attempting to reach her kits if the exit is sealed too early.
Raccoons are considered a rabies vector species, so direct contact should be avoided. If a raccoon exhibits unusual behavior, such as staggering, walking in circles, partial paralysis, or lack of fear of humans, it may be ill and requires immediate reporting to local animal control. Homeowners must be aware of local laws, as many jurisdictions prohibit the trapping and relocation of wildlife by unlicensed individuals. Any structural damage caused by the animal’s entry will require specialized sanitation and repair to prevent future infestations.