One effective homemade raccoon repellent recipe that I have personally used and found to be quite successful involves using hot pepper sauce or cayenne pepper powder, water, and dishwashing liquid. This mixture creates a potent solution that can help keep raccoons away from your property.
To prepare this repellent, you will need one bottle of hot pepper sauce or cayenne pepper powder. If you choose to use hot pepper sauce, ensure that it is the kind that is made with real peppers and not just flavored vinegar. Alternatively, you can use cayenne pepper powder, which can be found at most grocery stores or online.
In a large container or bucket, mix the entire bottle of hot pepper sauce or approximately one bottle of cayenne pepper powder with a gallon of water. The hot pepper sauce or cayenne pepper powder acts as the main ingredient to deter raccoons due to its strong scent and taste that they find unpleasant.
Next, add a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to the mixture. The dishwashing liquid serves as a surfactant, helping the solution adhere to the surface you are spraying. It allows the repellent to stick to the areas you want to protect for a longer period of time.
Once you have mixed all the ingredients thoroughly, transfer the solution to a spray bottle or use a garden sprayer for larger areas. It is important to spray the entire area that you would like to protect, such as trash cans, gardens, or outdoor structures, as raccoons can be quite persistent in their search for food and shelter.
When applying the repellent, make sure to spray it directly onto the surfaces and areas that raccoons are likely to come into contact with. This includes the lids and sides of trash cans, the leaves and stems of plants, or any other areas where raccoons may be causing damage or accessing your property.
It is important to reapply the repellent after heavy rainfall or every few weeks to ensure its effectiveness. Additionally, keep in mind that this repellent may need to be reapplied more frequently if you have a heavy raccoon presence in your area.
While this homemade raccoon repellent can be effective, it is important to note that it may not work in all situations or for all individuals. Raccoons are intelligent and adaptable creatures, and some may become accustomed to the repellent over time. In such cases, additional deterrent measures may need to be taken, such as securing trash cans with bungee cords or installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers.
Using a homemade raccoon repellent can be a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly way to deter raccoons from your property. However, it is always important to consider the specific needs and circumstances of your situation, and to be open to exploring other solutions if needed.