How to Repel Raccoons

Raccoons typically live in wooded areas, near water sources such as lakes or streams. For this reason, it is not uncommon to come into contact with raccoons when you go camping. Raccoons are generally not harmful to humans. However, some raccoons are known carriers of rabies. Learn to repel raccoons on your next camping trip. Reduce your risk of encountering rabid animals.

Things You'll Need

  • Commerical cat and dog repellent
  • Cayenne pepper
  • 1 qt. of water
  • Pot
  • 1 Jalepeno pepper
  • Spray bottle
  • Mechanical repellent
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Instructions

    • 1

      Eliminate things that attract raccoons such trash, food and food waste before you reach for the raccoon relellent. Make sure that your trash can has a snuggly fitting lid to reduce the odors that attract raccoons. Secure the lid with a small peice of rope or bungee chord for added protection. Raccoons are quite adept with their paws and are capable of opening simple lids. Remove all food waste from in and around your campsite. Put your good food in tightly sealed containers and store them in your car.

    • 2

      Use commercial cat and dog repellents as raccoon repellents. These home pest control are widely available for purchase at your local pet stores and work to repel raccoons as well. Sprinkle the granules around the perimeter of your campsite to create a barrier for the raccoons. Reapply the granules every couple of days while you camp.

    • 3

      Use cayenne pepper as a natural raccoon repellent. Raccoons have a very keen sense of smell and do not like the the scent of cayenne pepper. Shake ground cayenne pepper around the perimiter of your campsite. Reapply the cayenne pepper raccoon repellent every couple of days while you camp and after rains.

    • 4

      Make a homemade, pepper-based raccoon repellent. Pour 1 quart of water into a pot. Cut 1 jalepeno pepper in half and place it in the water. Add in two tablespoons of ground cayenne pepper. Boil the mixture for at least 25 minutes. Let the mixture cool completely and remove the jalepeno pepper from the water. Pour the mixture into an empty spray bottle and take it on your camping trip. Spray the mixture around the perimeter of your campsite to repel raccoons. Reapply the raccoon repellent daily.

    • 5

      Utilize a mechanical repellent. Many raccoons are repelled by motion activated mechanical repellents such as "Scarecrow," which is made by Contech. When "Scarecrow," detects motion, it sprays water to repel raccoons out of the immediate area. Place the device near the trash cans at your campsite or any other area you think might attract raccoons.