How to Get Rid of Raccoons

Throughout North America, raccoons are one of the most bothersome animals in suburban and country homes, and in recent decades they are increasingly a problem in urban areas, too. From destroying vegetable gardens to raiding trashcans, these medium-sized animals are extremely adaptable, which makes their destructive behavior a real problem.

If you have ever seen a raccoon attempt to open a nearly sealed garbage can, you’ll agree they have amazing agility and persistence. Because of the severity of destruction that raccoons can cause, many of your customers may seek your help to deter or remove raccoons from their property.

Utilize Repellents to Get Rid of Raccoons

Homemade Raccoon Repellents

Using homemade recipes is a natural, yet expensive, method to get rid of raccoons. There are two categories of repellents a customer can make or use: taste repellents and odor repellents. Taste repellents use strong and offensive flavors, such as cayenne pepper, to deter a raccoon’s interest. Odor repellents use strong and offensive smells, such as ammonia.

Taste Repellents

One raccoon repellent recipe uses 1 bottle hot pepper sauce or 1 bottle cayenne pepper powder. Mix those with a gallon of water and a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. The soap helps the repellent adhere to the application area, and should be sprayed on the entire area that requires protection. Note that the cost of the ingredients can range from $9 to $20 for a single application.

Be aware that hot peppers sauce is a nose, mouth and eye irritant for animals, children, and adults, should they come into contact with the sprayed area.

Cost of Application: With 100+ reapplications per year the cost for a single year can be great than $300.

Effectiveness for Getting Rid of Raccoons: Fair

Odor Repellents

A raccoon is very sensitive to smell, which means odor repellents are very effective. Household products can serve as repellents, including ammonia and mothballs. Let your customers know these products will need regular replacement. Also note that professional trappers report that intelligent raccoons are more likely to remove an offending odor, or cover it up than to vacate the premises.

Cost of Application: Continuous ($150/year or more)

Effectiveness for Getting Rid of Raccoons: Negligible

Electronic Repellents

Sprinklers are another method to deter raccoons because they really dislike getting soaked. Randomly running sprinklers is one option, though local laws may prohibit this.

Motion Activated Sprinklers can be purchased for $50 to $180 depending on the product. These sprinklers are only activated when they sense something approaching. The device then emits a mist of water and a noise to accompany the water and effectively frightens the raccoon away from a yard.

Cost of Units: $50-$90 PER UNIT Cost of Units: $50-$90 PER UNIT

Cost of water additional Cost of batteries additional; some units are solar powered, which is more cost effective.

Effectiveness for Getting Rid of Raccoons: Good (depending on brand)

Fancing Options to Get Rid of Reccoons

Mesh Or Wire Fencing

Mesh or wire fencing is a commonly used method of fencing. This type of fencing is relatively inexpensive ranging from $10 to $30 depending on the square footage of the protection area. Although this method is fairly cost effective, it is time consuming to set up. The problem comes from the fact that raccoons are good climbers. Simple fencing is not enough to deter them.

Cost of Application: $10-$30 depending area to be fenced

Effectiveness for Getting Rid of Raccoons: None*

Wooden Or PVC Fencing

Durable wood fencing could be an option as well, but, even if the raccoons can’t climb the fence, they will dig under it.

Cost of Fence: $16,000+ (For fencing a 1 acre property)

Effectiveness for Getting Rid of Raccoons: None*

Electric Fencing

Another option for getting rid of raccoons is to install an electric perimeter fence, which will protect your lawn and garden from a wide variety of animals. Set-up can be time consuming, but its effectiveness is undeniable.

Cost: $500+ for all necessary parts of stand-alone electric fence (1 acre)

Effectiveness for Getting Rid of Raccoons: Great

How to Get Rid of Raccoons with Humane Live Animal Traps

DIY Raccoon Trapping

Live animal traps can be an option if your customer is looking to relocate a raccoon. These live traps can be reused numerous times. Before trapping a raccoon, make sure to check with your customer checks municipal laws on live trapping and relocation. A number of states require proof that the raccoon is a nuisance or causing damage to a property in order to justify the animal’s relocation.

Depending on your area and the type of animal, a permit may be required in order to trap the raccoon. Obtaining a permit usually requires a simple application to be filled out and submitted to a local conservation office. Always make sure to check your state’s regulations on live trapping, removal and relocation.

Professional Trapper Services

Professional trapping and removal is also an option that is available to get rid of raccoons. Although this method is quick and ensures the safety of those involved, it is very expensive. Pest control experts view raccoons as wildlife, and will use the same traps you sell for personal use.

The difference with a professional trapper is that he or she is licensed to remove wildlife, and should know the ins and outs of dealing with a wild animal.

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