How to Get Rid of Raccoons That Chew on the Porch

Raccoons can be a nuisance.

Raccoons are fast learners. Animal repellants sometimes don't work simply because the raccoons realize that the motion-sensitive sprinkler or ultrasonic device is not a threat and ignore it. On the plus side, they also learn quickly when there is no food to be had somewhere or when something tastes revolting. If raccoons are making a nuisance of themselves chewing your porch, try a combination of tactics to make them stop chewing and go somewhere else.

Things You'll Need

• Garbage cans with clamps
• Heavy rocks
• Knife
• Onion
• Jalapeno pepper
• Cayenne paper
• Pan
• Sieve
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Secure your garbage against raccoons. Replace old cans with new cans with clamps or place heavy rocks on garbage can lids.

2. Stop feeding pets outside and wild birds near your porch. Food simply encourages raccoons to hang around, and perhaps chew your porch.

3. Chop up an onion and a jalapeno pepper. Simmer in 3 to 4 pints of water with a tablespoon of cayenne pepper for about half an hour. Leave to cool.

4. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a spray bottle.

5. Spray the mixture everywhere on your porch where the raccoons have been chewing. This is a foul-tasting but harmless spray that most animals cannot tolerate. Repeat daily until the raccoons stop.

Tips & Warnings

• Sprays to stop dogs chewing or cat and dog repellants may also work on raccoons. These products are available from any pet store.

References

• Urban Wildlife Rescue, Inc.: Raccoon Repellants
• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: Living With Raccoons