How do you get rid of unwanted raccoons?

How to Deter Raccoons: 9 DIY Control Methods

Table of Contents

Add a motion-activated sprinkler.
Use ultrasound deterrent devices.
Secure trash cans.
Bag your trash in raccoon-repelling trash bags.
Make your own raccoon repellent.
Use ammonia.
Remove pet and bird food.
Use fences to protect high-interest areas.

What not to do when dealing with raccoons?

Raccoons (along with foxes, skunks, and bats) are “rabies vector species” (meaning they have a higher risk of contracting and spreading rabies) and therefore you should never attempt to handle them. If you need assistance with a raccoon, don’t take matters into your own hands: Call Animal Services!

How do you get rid of raccoons in Chicago?

You must hire a local licensed wildlife control operator, such as Humane Raccoon Removal Chicago IL at 224-836-4999. These companies do charge for their services.

Is it legal to relocate raccoons in Illinois?

Since 1999, it is no longer an option to relocate raccoons in Illinois. They must be destroyed due to the level of overpopulation and the potential dangers from disease. The only option is to release them on the same property where caught, within 100 yards of where captured.

How do you get rid of raccoons around your house?

15 Tips on How to Get Rid of Raccoons Fast [Humanely]

Install a motion activated sprinkler.
Test out an ultrasound animal repeller.
Use rodent repelling trash bags.
DIY Spicy raccoon repeller.
Use strategic placement of ammonia.
Secure the trash can.
Remove food sources.
Raccoon proof your bird feeders.

How do you get rid of raccoons naturally?

4 Natural Raccoon Deterrents

Scatter or spray pepper. Spices like cinnamon, black pepper or cayenne pepper bother a raccoon’s sense of smell, forcing it to relocate to a more livable area.
Soak rags in ammonia.
Place mothballs around your house.
Call Apple Pest Control.

Are raccoons common in Chicago?

Chicago is a clear example of this, with a vibrant range of wild urban animals. This offers residents the opportunity to engage with many types of wildlife on a daily basis – from raccoons and squirrels to larger animals such as coyotes.

How far do you have to relocate a racoon?

It will have great difficulty thriving in a new territory, or established raccoons will outcompete it or drive it out. They will travel far to return to the original territory, so if you don’t want to see it again, it’s recommended to bring it a minimum of 5, or even 10 miles away from the capture site.

How do you relocate raccoons?

To urge a raccoon with young out of a den that is under your house, deck or in the attic, place a small battery operated radio set to a talk station into the den as well as a light. This disturbance will cause the raccoon to relocate her young.

What smell will keep raccoons away?

Since raccoons have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find convenient food sources, one can take advantage of this feature by using scents they hate. Hot pepper, garlic, peppermint oil, onion, and Epsom salt are a few scents used to repel raccoons.

How do I get rid of raccoons in my yard naturally?

Are raccoons invasive in Illinois?

Researchers estimate that there are more raccoons in Illinois today than there were when the first European settlers arrived. It is common to have populations of 9 to 45 raccoons per square mile in Illinois.

Can you hunt raccoons in Illinois?

There is no limit on foxes, coyote, opossum, raccoon, striped skunk or woodchuck.

Why you should not relocate raccoons?

Live trapping is not recommended for ridding your property of raccoons. Trapping and relocating is only a temporary solution, inhumane and illegal. Relocated raccoons have to fight with already established raccoons for territory, food and shelter. Most do not survive.

Does vinegar keep raccoons away?

Here are some tips on raccoon control to prevent them from identifying your home as a place to nest or frequently visit. Raccoons hate the smell of apple cider vinegar (and so do some humans!). Soak a cloth in apple cider vinegar and place it in an aerated container near the den. The smell will deter them!

Is there a spray to keep raccoons away?

Raccoons aren’t fond of spicy smells, so a cayenne pepper spray can be an easy and effective raccoon repellent. Mix a small bottle of cayenne pepper with a bottle of hot sauce, then add both to a gallon of water and shake well.