Natural Raccoon Repellents That Work | Control Guide

Raccoons are one of the most bothersome critters. This nocturnal animal may mess up your trash cans and even your gardens. Due to their persistence and agility, it might be hard to get rid of them.

What are the natural raccoon repellents that work? It includes onion and pepper spray, cayenne pepper spray, peppermint essential oil, and Epsom salt. Spices with strong odors and tastes are very effective deterrents. Predator’s urine and raccoon eviction fluid is also an option.

In this article, you will learn more about different homemade raccoon repellants and some of the manufactured products you can buy on Amazon to repel these raccoons.

What Is a Natural Deterrent for Raccoons?

The natural deterrents for raccoons are the resources available in the environment. This includes homemade spices like peppers, garlic, vinegar, and onions. Since raccoons do not like prickly and thorny plants, you can also plant cucumbers, oriental poppies, and globe thistles to drive them away.

Common Natural Raccoon Repellents

Since raccoons have a very sensitive smell, homemade products deter these critters. In order to get rid of them, it is necessary to remove their access to food, plus add homemade products to discourage them from getting into your backyard and doing damage. Here’s how:

Onion and Pepper

Raccoons do not like the taste of black pepper. On the other hand, onions are not good for raccoons since it causes anemia. You can create an onion and pepper spray by mixing these spices with water. Spray the fallen fruits on the ground with this solution. Raccoons will unlikely eat these sprayed fruits.

Hot Pepper

Raccoons do not like spicy smells. To get rid of this critter, try making a cayenne pepper spray. You need to mix the pepper with water and put it in a spraying container. After creating a pepper spray, try to spray the solution on your plants and vegetables.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Raccoons do not like the smell of peppermint. You can spray them all over the places where raccoons tend to look for food. However, this can be very expensive since you keep on repeating this when the smell fades away. Another alternative is to soak rags with peppermint and place it in the area where raccoons usually attack.

Predator Urine

The predator-prey tactic is very effective in deterring raccoons. When you spray off predator urine, raccoons may think a predator has just arrived and will run off to a safer place. These predators that raccoons are afraid of are wolves, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, and other species of owls.

Epsom Salt

Raccoons don’t like the smell of Epsom salt. This is very easy to prepare since there is no need to mix Epsom salt with other liquids. Simply scatter them around your house or garden. You may scatter it also around your trash bins to discourage raccoons from staying there. Epsom salt also has good benefits for your plants since it can be used as a fertilizer.

Raccoon Eviction Fluid

Eviction fluid releases a strong smell that female raccoons may think that this fluid came from male raccoons. This replication smell will alarm the nursing mother to leave the house with her young. This is very effective if there are raccoons staying in your attic.

What Scent Will Keep Raccoons Away?

Raccoon’s sensitive smell makes them stay away easily once they smell something unpleasant to their nose. These include ammonia, peppers, onions, garlic, eviction fluids, Epsom salt, and predator’s urine. These scents make them stay away from the area.

Related: What Scent Will Keep Raccoons Away? | Information & Facts

How to Repel Raccoons From Garbage?

Provide good lights near your garbage can. Raccoons are nocturnal animals; they don’t like well-lighted areas. You can also spray ammonia and scatter Epsom salt in your trash bin since they don’t like its smell.

Other Things That Repel Raccoons

Does Mint Repel Raccoons?

Raccoon does not like the smell of mint; thus, it is an effective natural repellant. This animal has a very strong sense of smell and tends to stay away from the odor they dislike.

Does Blood Meal Repel Raccoons?

A blood meal is effective in repelling the raccoon due to its smell. You may scatter blood meal in the ground near your garden or places where raccoons usually attack. Not only is it a good repellent, but it is also a good fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Repel Raccoons?

Raccoons are irritated by the smell of apple cider vinegar. You may soak the cloth in the apple cider vinegar and place it in your desired area where raccoons usually stay to deter them. 

Does Irish Spring Soap Keep Raccoons Away?

There is no scientific evidence or study that proves the effectiveness of Irish Spring Soap as a raccoon deterrent. However, it has a distinct odor similar to other deterrents. Since there is no evidence of its effectiveness, you may try to use spring soap and see it for yourself.

Do Mothballs Repel Raccoons?

Raccoons have a very sensitive smell, and they dislike the smell of mothballs. You may buy a box and scatter them in places where raccoons usually attack. However, mothballs are dangerous to humans or pets as they contain harmful chemicals that may cause serious illnesses. Therefore, it is not recommended to use mothballs against raccoons.

What Is the Best Raccoon Repellent Spray?

Cayenne pepper spray is one of the best raccoon repellent sprays because it is easy to make. There is easy access to it since you can just see this spice at home. Effective sprays may include onion or garlic sprays. Though they may be effective at first, their odor does not stay long. There will be an effort in mixing the spices with water, it is not long-lasting, and you need to keep spraying multiple times a day. There are also spray products that can be bought. These products are hassle-free since there is no preparation at all.

What Is the Best Raccoon Repellent? Product Reviews

There is a lot of best raccoon repellent. This may include natural, artificial, and even technological repellants. The best raccoon repellent includes the following:

Amerfist Solar 

Raccoons are nocturnal animals, and they avoid light. This repellent is eco-friendly and easy to install. This only drives the animals away and won’t harm the human body. This is suited for any weather condition and is waterproof.

Rodent Sheriff Pest Control 

This is an effective peppermint spray. It is all-natural and safe for children and pets. You may spray this in your house or in your garden to deter the raccoon. Each bottle of Rodent Sheriff pest control contains 8 ounces and can be sprayed 2,000 times. 

Repels-All Animal Repellent Concentrate - 32 Ounces 

This is an effective deterrent to raccoons. It is safe for humans and animals. This repellent triggers the nasal passages of the animals. This is 32 ounces and can last for up to 2 months. Store this repellent in a safe cabin and keep it out of reach of children.

How Do You Get Rid of Raccoons Fast?

Lights will drive the raccoon fast since it is nocturnal. They are unlikely to stay in a well-lighted place. This is one of the easiest ways to get rid of them since you just have to switch them on. In some ways, repellent sprays may also be effective, but you need to take time to spray once in a while because the smell does not always stay.

What Are Raccoons Afraid Of?

Raccoons are afraid of their predators, including the owl, bears, and wolves. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, and they tend to go at night. They are used to going out in a quiet environment, and they are easily startled by noises. These noises include radio sounds and the barking of dogs. Other than the stated factors, raccoons are also afraid of the smell of peppers, vinegar, ammonia, and onions.

List of Sources

Link, R. (2004). Living with Wildlife: Raccoons. Bremerton Washington.

Pehling, D. (2018). Vertebrate Pest Management. University of Kentucky.

Raccoons. Utah State University – Extension.

Raccoons (Procyon lotor). Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.