Raccoons may look cute, but when they start invading your yard, tipping over trash cans, and threatening your garden, they quickly turn into a nuisance. Fortunately, there are safe, humane, and effective ways to deter raccoons from your property. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 tried-and-true methods to get rid of raccoons in your yard for good—plus give you helpful product recommendations to speed up the process.
🔊 1. Use Light and Sound to Deter Raccoons
Raccoons are nocturnal and naturally avoid bright lights and unexpected noises. You can take advantage of this by installing motion-activated deterrents.
✅ Recommended Products:
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Ultrasonic Animal Repeller with Strobe Light – Emits a high-frequency sound and flashing light to scare off raccoons without harm.
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Solar-Powered Motion Sensor Lights – Bright lights that activate when motion is detected.
🍗 2. Don’t Leave Out Food—Ever
Raccoons are scavengers, and any accessible food—whether pet kibble, leftovers, or compost—can attract them. Eliminate all food sources.
✅ Tips:
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Feed pets indoors at night.
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Clean your grill after use.
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Don’t compost meat or greasy food.
🐦 3. Adjust Your Bird Feeders
Birdseed is a raccoon magnet. They will climb, tip, or damage feeders to get to the tasty mix.
✅ Solutions:
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Bring feeders inside at dusk.
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Use feeders with weight-sensitive perches that close under heavier animals.
🌿 4. Plant Things Raccoons Dislike
Some plants naturally repel raccoons due to their texture or smell.
✅ Raccoon-Repelling Plants:
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Mint
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Garlic
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Onions
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Hot peppers
Try planting these along your fence or garden borders.
👃 5. Use Smell Deterrents
Raccoons have a strong sense of smell. You can use this against them by introducing odors they hate.
✅ Best Smell-Based Deterrents:
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Ammonia-soaked rags
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Vinegar spray
These methods are best used near garbage bins or under decks—areas they like to nest.
🌶️ 6. Try Using Spices
Spices like cayenne pepper, black pepper, and chili powder irritate raccoons’ paws and noses.
✅ How to Use:
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Mix crushed red pepper with water and a few drops of dish soap.
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Spray it around garden edges, trash cans, or entry points.
You can also buy ready-made spicy raccoon repellents.
🐺 7. Spray Predator Urine
Raccoons fear predators like wolves, coyotes, and bobcats. Predator urine mimics the presence of these animals.
✅ Best Options:
Use these near the perimeter of your yard, garden, or compost bins.
🗑️ 8. Lock Up Your Garbage
Trash is the raccoon’s jackpot. Prevent access by using animal-proof solutions.
✅ Amazon Picks:
Also, store bins inside your garage or a closed shed whenever possible.
🔒 9. Secure Your Trash Cans
Even a “secured” lid can sometimes be pried open by a clever raccoon. Consider using:
✅ Tools That Help:
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Bungee cords
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Lid latches
You can also place a heavy object on top to make it harder to knock over.
💡 10. Install Motion-Activated Lights
Bright bursts of light are one of the best nocturnal deterrents.
✅ Recommended:
Install these near entry points, sheds, or known raccoon paths.
🛑 Bonus Tips to Keep Raccoons Away
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Seal entry points to attics, basements, and sheds.
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Use hardware cloth or chicken wire to block off decks and crawlspaces.
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Keep gardens fenced and pick ripe fruits/vegetables regularly.
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Don’t overwater your lawn—earthworms attract raccoons.
⚠️ What NOT to Do
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Don’t use poison (illegal and inhumane).
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Avoid trapping without a permit—it may violate local wildlife laws.
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Never try to handle a raccoon—it can carry rabies and parasites.
🧺 Final Thoughts
Getting rid of raccoons in your yard doesn’t require harmful chemicals or expensive services. By combining multiple deterrent methods—from securing trash to using light, sound, and scent—you’ll send a clear message to raccoons that they’re not welcome here.
With a bit of effort and the right tools, you can reclaim your outdoor space—peacefully and effectively.
