Critter Control Tips
This information is from a Peppertree neighbor who voluntarily researched ways to deter wild animals.
PRORA does NOT endorse any products.
Do NOT approach wild animals- seek professional assistance with animal problems. Wear proper protective gear when applying chemical solutions.
Some options to consider:
1. Chemical Repellents:
- Apply store brand animal repellents according to label instructions. Some known to repel raccoons and skunks are: Safer Brand Critter Ridder Animal Repellent, Natural Armor Animal and Rodent Repellent, Bonide Repells All Animal Repellent.
- Concoct a homemade spray using spices like cinnamon, black pepper or cayenne pepper. All bother a raccoon’s sense of smell, forcing it to relocate to a more appealing area. By mixing cayenne pepper and onion in boiling water, you can create a natural raccoon repellant. You can add hot sauce to the mixture if desired. For effectiveness, spray your yard and house baseline at least twice a week and after any rains. It may seem ironic, but skunks hate certain odors like citrus, ammonia, mothballs and predator urine (dog or coyote). If you use mothballs or ammonia-soaked cotton balls, be sure to keep them far away from children.
2. Ultrasonic Repellent Devices: Certain pitches of sound are highly annoying for skunks and raccoons and can be a good long-term way of stopping them coming into your yard. While humans can't hear ultrasound, dogs and cats CAN, so if you have pets this may not be an option.
3. Lighting: the brighter the better. Raccoons and skunks like to hide so lighting up your yard acts as a deterrent because it makes it easier for predators to spot them. They will go out of their way to avoid bright areas while foraging.
If you've had success in deterring raccoons or skunks, please let your PRORA board member know how you did it. THANK YOU and good luck!
- Three raccoons on a rampage