How to Make a Safe Raccoon Repellent at Home

When it comes to our homes, we want nuisance wildlife to stay off our properties. But we don’t want is to harm animals in an attempt to keep them away. Here in lies the problem: some wild animals are just too smart for some of our standard tricks. For instance, raccoons. Raccoons are incredibly intelligent mammals that have terrific memories and agile abilities to climb, catch, and grasp. They have little dexterous fingers that can even open doors and latches! So how do you keep ambitious raccoons away?

Fortunately, there are several non-toxic, non-lethal, and perfectly-humane methods for keeping raccoons off your property. One of those methods is a simple, homemade raccoon repellent that you can make right from the comfort of your very own kitchen. And it is likely that you already have several of the ingredients since most are common household items.

Continue reading to learn how to make a safe, but effective raccoon repellent that you can scatter along the perimeter of your yard to keep raccoons away.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622
Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Gather Up Your Supplies

What You Will Need: Plastic spray bottle, fresh water, protective eye wear, kitchen gloves, and anything else to mark off the treated areas from children and pets.

Household Spices (1 or More): Cinnamon, cayenne pepper, black pepper, fresh hot peppers (optional), jalapeño, habanero, serrano, etc.

Extracts (1 or More): Menthol, peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, eucalyptus, etc.

These smells and sensations are something that raccoons hate, and they will stay far away from it at first whiff.  So you are going to be making a solution that contains a selection of the household spices, extracts, and peppers listed above. You do not need to use all of them together. Simply select from one category, or combine all three for an extra-strength solution. You can put all of these items into an empty and clean plastic spray bottle, and administer it around the perimeter of your property.

Getting Started

Choose your ingredients, and combine them in your empty plastic spray bottle. You can purchase a spray bottle at any home improvement store for under $5, or you can clean out an old one.

If you are using fresh peppers, wear your protective gloves and dice them up. Then transfer them to a bowl and crush them with a spoon until the juices begin to flow. Then put the muddled peppers into your spray bottle. Be sure to wash your hands after you remove your gloves.

Once your ingredients are in the bottle, fill your bottle with clean tap water. Then attach the top securely.

Put on your protective eye wear to prevent getting the solution in your eyes as you spray. If it is a windy day, you should apply the repellent the next day.

Walk around the perimeter of your lawn and spray the solution generously. Be sure to avoid spraying areas where pets and children play.

If you have leftover, spray the solution in areas where you have actually seen raccoons. And then spray the bottom of your outdoor trash cans.

If your problem persists, contact a professional wildlife control company for safe and humane raccoon removal solutions.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Call 502-553-7622 for safe and humane Louisville raccoon removal services today. We offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

Emergency Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622
Emergency Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Frequently Asked Questions About Raccoons

If you have trees, water, or woods near your home, you most definitely have a nearby raccoon population. Here in Kentucky, raccoons are wide-spread among rural and urban regions and can be found living in all sorts of different habitats and locations. They are an incredibly intelligent and ambitious, giving them have excellent survival skills. If you believe raccoons could be a possible threat to your property, it may help to educate yourself on their species and how to control their nuisance activity.

Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about raccoons and raccoon control.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622
Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

What Does a Raccoon Eat?

Raccoons are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and produce. They also enjoy a diet of berries, acorns, mushrooms, and plant life. They generally dine on fish, small invertebrates, fruits, grubs, insects, vegetables, nuts, grains, and many other foods found in nature. If living nearby water, raccoons will almost always use this as their main source of food. Anything they can grab from the water is a treat, such as salmon, carp, bluegill, frogs, crabs, crayfish, mollusks, worms, and even snakes. They are also known to steal eggs from chicken coups, bird nests, and other hatching grounds.  They can pick their own fruit and vegetables, skim through chicken houses and raid farm crops.  Raccoons will even eat road-kill!

Do Raccoons Hibernate?

During winter in colder regions of the country, some raccoon species will partake in behaviors similar to hibernation, but not hibernation at all. They may take up and stay in their dens for several weeks at a time; sleeping or remaining stagnant, lowering their body temperatures and heart rates too. They may only venture out a few times a week to hunt for food and find water. This behavior is quite similar to an innate habit called torpor, and is what bears essentially do.

Do Raccoons Carry Diseases?

Raccoons are known carriers of several infectious diseases, viruses, and even parasites like lice, fleas, and mites. Not only can these diseases infect people if exposed, they can also threaten the well-being of our pets.  Dogs, cats, and other small animals are at risk of contracted various illnesses and infections from wild raccoons. For this reason, pet vaccinations are vital. Rabies is a common disease contracted and spread by raccoons. Others include canine distemper, roundworm, and leptospirosis.

Will Raccoons Damage My Property?

Raccoons will damage your property, both inside and out depending on how much access they get. An indoor raccoons infestation can breed all sorts of bacteria and unhygienic conditions from leftover urine, droppings, and rotted food. It can also leave behind torn insulation, soiled floorboards, stained ceilings, lingering odors, and much more. Outside is not much different in terms of potential raccoon damage. They like to rip up lawns and garden beds in search of grubs and other invertebrates. They also like to nest under patios and porches, causing the same sort of interior structural damages mentioned before.

Can I Remove Raccoons Myself?

No; and in most states, it is illegal to do so without the proper licenses, permits, and equipment. For this reason, you must never attempt to provoke, touch, catch, trap, harm, or kill a raccoon under any circumstances. It is equally vital to never make a stray baby raccoon your pet. See our blog, “Can I Hunt Wild Raccoons in Kentucky?” to learn about the state laws surrounding raccoon trapping.

How Do I Get Rid of Raccoons in Louisville?

Call 502-553-7622 for safe and humane Louisville raccoon control in Louisville, Kentucky and its surrounding counties. Our DNR licensed and insured raccoon rescue contractors offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

Emergency Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622
Emergency Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Why are Raccoons in Your Garbage?

Are you outside refilling your trashcans because some pesky raccoons pillaged your garbage again last night? Well, there is a very good reason why this continues to happen. In fact, there are several. Read on to learn why you have raccoons in your garbage, and what you can do to put a stop to their nuisance behaviors.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622
Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

▷ Raccoons are Omnivorous

Raccoons are omnivores, like us, which means they eat all food groups, including meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, legumes, and more. Informally, raccoons are what we call “opportunistic feeders”, which means they will basically eat anything, as well as, do whatever it takes to gain access to discovered food sources. This includes your garbage.

▷ Raccoons are Bad at Hunting

Although raccoons are incredibly intelligent mammals with excellent memory, dexterous paws, and excellent climbing abilities, they are actually very bad at hunting. So when they find a worthy and reliable food source, they stick with it for as long as they can, or until it is gone. When raccoons know your garbage cans are a free, nightly buffet, they will remember and revisit for as long as the garbage is there.

▷ Raccoons Can Open Lids

As mentioned, raccoons have dexterous paws and claws, which give them the ability to grasp, pull, and pry. So when you think your trashcans are safe because they have lids, think again. Raccoons can easily climb trashcans, open them up, and pull out as much garbage as they can reach. They can even open latches and locks, untie ropes, and achieve other simple feats that only require a little tampering.

What You Need to Do

All you have to do is stop leaving your garbage cans outside. Furthermore, wait to put your garbage cans at the curb for pickup on the morning of trash collection day. Raccoons are nocturnal, so you are handing over your trash by putting out your garbage the night before. If you must leave your trash receptacles outside, invest in some quality lid locks. You can find these at your local home improvement store or online.

Still Have Raccoon Activity Around the House?

If you are experiencing raccoon problems, let us help. We offer 24 hour raccoon removal, as well as, raccoon proofing and prevention, minor restorations for raccoon damages, raccoon cleanup, and much more. We are DNR licensed and insured, and provide both residential and commercial raccoon control services in Louisville, Kentucky and throughout its surrounding areas. Call us directly at 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or advice, today.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

How to Stop Raccoons From Harming Your Property

Wild raccoons can pose a threat to humans and pets if paths are crossed at the wrong times. This is because raccoons, along with other wild animals, can carry infectious diseases. These diseases and infections can be quickly passed along through a possible bite, scratch, or attack. A raccoon will attack out of self-defense or to protect it’s young. Even if raccoon bites and confrontation are avoided, there are other ways raccoons can be dangerous for us and our pets.

You see, raccoon urine and droppings can also carry infections and bacteria that are harmful if accidentally or unknowingly ingested. Dogs and cats are known to track traces of raccoon droppings into the house where it can come in contact with everyone and spread quickly among the family. Illnesses such as roundworm, Rabies, Leptospirosis, and more are commonly spread by raccoons. So how can you protect your home from wild raccoons and avoid potential dangers? 

Continue reading and learn some simple and full-proof methods to protecting your home from raccoons and other wild animals.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control
Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Raccoon Prevention 101

There are several quick tips on how to stop raccoons from entering your property.  Things like everyday chores, pet care routines, and simple handy work can all be a good place to start making changes.  For example, one way to keep raccoons away from your property is to thwart their desire to come in the first place. This means stop doing things that make raccoons interesting in visiting your house.  Don’t leave garbage cans outside and easily accessible to raccoons.  They are scavengers at heart and can smell food scraps from miles away. 

If you are in the habit of taking your garbage out the night before trash day, it is good idea to stop. Raccoons will come and they will remember your home as a dependable source of food; so they will return night after night seeking more opportunities you are giving away.  Leaving pet food dishes outdoors is like feeding raccoons directly, night after night.  Raccoons love the taste of pet food and will come back every night for it.  It is always recommended to leave pet food inside in a secure place.

Another factor that attracts raccoons to residential areas is shelter availability.  Loose shingles in the roof, cracks in the attic window seals, and unlocked sheds or garages become a raccoon colonies dream come true in poor weather.  They will seek out warm shelter anywhere around their food sources.  This means your house.  To prevent raccoons from squeezing their way inside your home, take out the old tool belt and implement a little home maintenance.  Secure locks, seal windows, fix any loose roof shingles, and more.  This can help protect your home and keep raccoons away for good.

The best way to prevent raccoons from entering your property is to make sure they do not already have access inside.  Call a professional raccoon control company to inspect your property for signs of raccoon infestations and damages. The sooner you find raccoon problems, the less expensive and extensive the damages and repairs will be.  A professional can also facilitate proper raccoon-proofing strategies that will eliminate raccoon invasions altogether.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Call 502-553-7622 for safe and humane Louisville raccoon removal and control services you can trust. We offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Our Wildlife Control Specialists Have the Workable Solutions for Your Nuisance Raccoon Problems

Raccoons commonly nest in homes and buildings in search of shelter and breeding grounds. Their colonies can accumulate quickly, and if not removed and abated right away, they will create massive messes and severe structural damage in whatever area they are occupying. On top of causing interior structural damages and unhygienic environments, raccoons can also damage lawns and gardens in search of grubs, and even pose several health and safety risks as common carriers of infectious diseases and parasites.

For these reasons and more, a raccoon problem must be managed in a timely manner. In fact, it must be handled immediately, before the consequences turn costly and tedious. Trust our DNR licensed and insured wildlife control specialists for safe and humane raccoon removal and control services at the most competitive prices around. Our services are comprehensive, as you will see below!

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

A Family Owned and Operated Business

We are a family owned company based out of Louisville, Kentucky. We are owned and operated by two brothers, Mark and Bruce, who have nearly 20 years of hands-on experience in the wildlife rescue and control industry. They are licensed and insured through the Department of Natural Resources, A+ Accredited BBB members (since 1993), and recognized by the National Wildlife Control Operators Association.

As a team, we are dedicated to separating themselves from their competitors by offering fair prices and higher standards for courteous customer service. You can trust that our work is efficient, reliable, and affordable, and we have the reputation to prove it!

What We Can Do For You

We offer high quality raccoon removal services in Louisville, and throughout the surrounding Kentucky towns and counties. Not only do we remove raccoons, we offer a wide variety of other raccoon abatement services, including full-property inspections, emergency raccoon removal, raccoon proofing, post service checkups, integrated pest management, environmental modification and monitoring, free estimates, free advice, and much more.

Also, raccoons can cause extensive amounts of damage and mess in the areas they use for shelter, but our DNR licensed and insured raccoon control contractors retain the latest technologies and decontamination materials to manage any raccoon cleaning and restoration job, regardless of size or scope.

Got Raccoons in the Attic?

Having a raccoon in the attic can be an unpleasant situation, and can turn into a costly and dangerous one very fast. Raccoons use attics and other dark, warm areas of residential and commercial buildings for shelter and breeding. This behavior of nesting within our properties can come with some costly consequences if not taken care of right away. Our professionals can repair and replace areas that have been soiled from urine and droppings, such as ceilings, sheetrock, insulation, and dry wall. We can also provide odor removal and prevention strategies to eliminate the possibility of their return.

We Will Solve Your Raccoon Problems, TODAY!

Louisville Raccoon Removal

Louisville Raccoon Removal 502-553-7622

Call us today at 502-553-7622 for professional Louisville raccoon removal services today. We offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

Getting Rid of Raccoons In and Around Your Property

Raccoons are forest creatures that prefer living near wooded areas with lots of trees. When new construction begins (i.e. new homes, commercial complexes, etc.), raccoons are often pushed out of their natural habitat and forced to find alternative food and shelter sources. This is when raccoons are spotted on our porches, roofs, lawns, gardens, and more. Homeowners are always asking how to get rid of nuisance raccoons on their property. Read on to learn more ways to avoid raccoon invasion in your home or on your property.

How to Get Rid of Raccoons

Do not ever feed raccoons. A common mistake that many people make is leaving food sources out and available for raccoons to eat, either unintentionally or on purpose. Families who intentionally feed raccoons may think they are helping, or having fun with a nightly source of entertainment (i.e. watching the raccoons come and eat the food through their patio doors); however, these people are teaching raccoons that residential properties are bountiful sources of easy-to-get food. This creates an on-going problem for other property owners that do not want raccoons entering their yards, or their homes.

There are also people who unintentionally leave food sources outside that will always attract raccoons. For example, many families own outdoor pets, and leave food bowls outside for them. This is a common mistake property owners make. Raccoons are omnivores, and eat about everything. Dog and cat food are tasty treats for them, not to mention an easy meal too. It is advised to bring the pet bowls inside before night fall to avoid attracting more raccoons to your house. Raccoons are clever and will remember which areas are food sources and which are not. If they fail to find food on your property, they will remember and not come back.

Secure your home from the outside. Raccoons want to find shelter from the cold fall and winter seasons, and also find cooler shelter in the hotter seasons. When raccoon colonies are pushed out of their natural environments, they are desperate to find alternative shelter in the area. In most cases, raccoons desire our homes for that kind of shelter because they are nearby and accessible. If there are vulnerable spots on the outside of your home, raccoons will find these spots and enter the premises quickly. They are clever and have dexterous paws that allow them to grip and clasp very well. This allows them to open doors, push and pull at siding and shingles, and more. Have your home inspected annually to be sure there aren’t any holes in your roof, attic, crawl space, porch, and garage. Also, lock any open pet doors because raccoons will use them to enter your home just as your pet does.

For more information about how to get rid of raccoons in residential areas, call Louisville Raccoon Removal right away! We are expert raccoon control technicians with over 20 years of experience in the industry. We are professionals in our field and are happy to offer advice, answer questions, give free estimates, and more! Call us at 502-553-7622 to learn more about getting rid of raccoons in Louisville, KY today!