As of March 2023, Michigan DNR law prohibits the knowing or reckless killing, torturing, mutilation, maiming, disfigurement, or poisoning of an animal. This is regardless of the
animal's classification and the use of these methods is only authorized by the health department in extreme situations causing a health and safety risk to other animals and humans. In the past, antifreeze has been commonly used in neighborhoods to eliminate raccoons and rodents, because it is relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain. It is effective because they are quickly attracted to the sweet smell and taste. It is considered a poison that's use is also a danger to children and small family pets who are also easily drawn to the smell and taste.Once antifreeze has been ingested by an animal, their kidneys begin to shut down, and they experience a slow, painful, and cruel death (over a period of 24-48 hours). It is an inhumane way to treat any animal. From a property management perspective, it can also potentially die in a location that will not be discovered until it begins decomposing, contaminating the area, and creating a strong distinctly unpleasant odor that is difficult to get rid of.
Nuisance Animals are not protected from being exterminated in Michigan when they are potentially destructive to property, providing it is done humanely. Since traditional hunting is forbidden in our community, we can have them removed by a professional (experienced in trapping them and licensed to either relocate or dispose of them). A more initiative-taking approach would be to deter them from wanting to enter and stay in the community.
The most obvious deterrent is to remove easily accessible food sources from them. Making sure dumpsters lids are kept closed and not leaving food sources out in our yard and patio areas are a beginning step. To prevent den seeking into home and building spaces, be proactive about sealing any access to buildings and removing objects that can make it easy for them to climb onto roof areas.
A less obvious deterrent is to make areas unwelcoming to them. Like most species, raccoons have certain scents that offend them and motivate them to move onto more favorable areas to spend their time. Apply the scents to create an invisible barrier. Think of it as a scent-based wall. If there is a break in the smell, raccoons can squeeze their way through and still wreak havoc on your home.
NATURAL RACCOON DETERRENT SCENTS:
- Black or Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle the pepper in places where raccoons are most likely to find food. Focus on the area where you keep your garbage cans or compost piles. If you have a garden, you can benefit from sprinkling some pepper around the perimeter as well. Apply the pepper regularly, as it can wash away with heavy rain. It will not take long for the scent to start keeping raccoons away.
- Ammonia: Raccoons can detect ammonia long before they get close, and most will run away the moment the aroma hits their noses. You can use it to keep them away or to get rid of existing ones. The easiest way to use ammonia is to put it into a bowl and place it near potential food sources. Alternatively, you can soak old rags or tennis balls in the ammonia, then place them where needed (on porches or in trash cans. The ammonia evaporates slowly so the aroma will last all night.
- Peppermint Oil: The essential oil is quite strong but dilutes with a little water or vegetable oil. It is more pleasant smelling than ammonia, but raccoons do not like it and will stay away. Since it is a natural repellant, it also works for insects. To use it add a few drops of peppermint oil to a spray bottle with clean water. The more oil you add, the more potent the scent becomes. Spray the mixture around your property. The scent will get weaker over time, so you will need to reapply regularly.
- Epsom Salt: This is a form of magnesium sulfate and has a long history of medicinal use. Even though it is odorless to us, Raccoons do not like it and will stay away. Sprinkle the Epsom salt around your property, focusing in areas where the raccoons might go, like around trash bins and porches.
- Pepper & Onion Spray: This spray has the same effect as dry pepper for raccoons. However, the scent has a longer lasting impact when it comes to deterring raccoons. It is a bit more labor intensive to make the solution, but the stronger scent will keep raccoons away. To make the spray, boil equal parts of onion and cayenne pepper in some water. Dry spices can do the trick if you are in a pinch, but the raw vegetables have a stronger scent that will keep raccoons away. Once the solution cools down, you can pour it into a spray bottle and apply it to the ground outside. The spray will have a strong smell that will become less potent over time, so reapply regularly.
- Garlic: Raccoons do not appreciate garlic like people do. The scent is too strong, and they do not like the flavor, so they will stay away. Consider planting some garlic cloves. Garlic sprouts quickly and produces long stocks with blooms. The scent surrounds the entire plant, so plant the garlic strategically for maximum coverage. Or you can just bury the cloves with no intention of growing them. If you do not enjoy gardening, you can put some cloves in the trash bin, so a raccoon is not tempted to rummage through the bins. Lastly, you can create garlic spray like the other spray solutions, by blending some cloves to add to the water. Then spray the solution heavily around the ground and areas they are drawn to.
BEST PLACES TO APPLY DETERRENT SCENTS:
- Where they have been seen and are known to regularly visit.
- Obvious areas that are close to food sources like trash bins, fruit and vegetable gardens.
- If you are worried about raccoons getting into your window wells or house, try putting the scent next to all exterior walls.
- Finally, do not forget to think about nesting spots. Even when using scents to deter or repel raccoons, many females will brave the smell to get to “clear” sites for nesting. They often turn to attics and chimneys, as most homeowners do not think to treat those spots.