Raccoons are common inhabitants of urban and suburban landscapes, known for their intelligence and adaptable nature. These nocturnal mammals thrive near human activity, viewing residential areas as reliable sources of sustenance and shelter. Their dexterity allows them to exploit weaknesses in homes and yards while seeking food and nesting sites. Successfully deterring these resourceful animals requires strategies that focus on making the environment less appealing, rather than attempting to remove the animals themselves.
Eliminating Food and Water Sources
The most effective step in discouraging raccoons is securing all accessible food sources. Unsecured garbage cans are a significant attractant. Homeowners should utilize heavy-duty containers equipped with secure locking mechanisms, or employ bungee cords wrapped tightly around the lid and handles to prevent raccoons from prying them open.
Pet food left outdoors, especially overnight, provides concentrated nutrition. All pet bowls should be brought inside once feeding is complete, and stored feed must be kept in robust, sealed containers. Landscaping and outdoor cooking areas also provide foraging opportunities.
Fallen fruit from trees and bushes should be collected promptly, as fermenting fruit is highly attractive. Grills and outdoor cooking surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned after use, removing any lingering grease residue. Even standing water sources, such as bird baths or leaky faucets, should be addressed or removed, as they provide easy access to hydration. Modifying the environment to deny them basic resources is the foundation of long-term deterrence.
Implementing Physical Exclusion Barriers
Once food sources are managed, implementing physical barriers prevents raccoons from accessing potential den sites. These animals frequently seek shelter in protected, dark spaces like attics, chimneys, and areas beneath decks and porches. Chimneys should be capped with sturdy metal screens or covers to prevent nesting.
For sealing ground-level entry points, such as gaps beneath sheds or decks, half-inch, 16-gauge hardware cloth is recommended. Unlike flimsy chicken wire, the thick gauge of hardware cloth provides robust resistance. The barrier must be installed using an “L-footer” technique to prevent digging.
This technique involves burying the bottom of the wire mesh 6 to 12 inches deep, then bending it outward at a 90-degree angle to create a horizontal apron extending 18 to 24 inches away from the structure. When the raccoon attempts to dig near the structure, they encounter this horizontal mesh layer, preventing them from tunneling underneath. This creates a permanent defense against intrusion attempts.
Utilizing Sensory and Chemical Deterrents
Beyond physical exclusion, non-lethal sensory methods can make an area temporarily uncomfortable for raccoons. Motion-activated sprinklers are effective deterrents, as the sudden burst of water and movement startles the animal without causing harm. These devices use Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors to detect body heat and movement, activating a sharp spray that conditions the raccoon to associate the area with an unpleasant surprise.
Chemical repellents exploit the raccoon’s sensitive sense of smell. Products containing capsaicin, found in chili peppers, can be applied to surfaces to create a mild, irritating sensation. Other deterrents include essential oils like peppermint or garlic, which emit strong odors raccoons avoid.
These scent-based applications require frequent reapplication, especially after rain, to maintain effectiveness. Ultrasonic sound devices, which emit high-frequency noises, have shown mixed results and are often less reliable than the immediate shock provided by a motion-activated water spray. Relying on a multi-sensory approach reinforces that the location is not safe for foraging or resting.
Addressing Active Entry Points and Local Regulations
When a raccoon is suspected of nesting within a structure, such as an attic or crawlspace, the approach shifts from deterrence to humane eviction and exclusion. Identify the main entry and exit point by covering the opening with loosely crumpled paper or flour and checking for disturbance the following morning. Sealing an active entry point without confirming the animal has left is dangerous, particularly during the spring and summer when female raccoons may have kits that are dependent and unable to exit on their own.
If an animal is confirmed to be inside, professional wildlife control operators should be contacted to facilitate a humane, one-way exit and ensure no young are orphaned. After confirming the animal has exited, the entry point must be immediately and permanently sealed with robust exclusion materials.
Local Regulations and Relocation
State and local regulations frequently govern the trapping and removal of nuisance wildlife, and property owners must be aware of these mandates. In many jurisdictions, the relocation of trapped raccoons is prohibited or requires a special permit to prevent the spread of disease or disruption to local ecosystems.
Relocating an animal to an unfamiliar environment often causes significant stress and rarely solves the problem, as other raccoons will quickly move in to exploit the newly available resources. Consulting with local wildlife agencies will provide accurate information regarding legal compliance for trapping, releasing, or handling animals.