How To Keep Raccoons Out Of Garden: Your Complete Guide

Raccoons can be a real bother in your garden. They dig up plants. They eat your fruits and vegetables. They can make a big mess. Knowing how to stop them is important. This guide will help you with raccoon prevention. It covers many ways to keep them away. You want to protect your plants. You want to enjoy your garden. This guide shows you how to do that.

How To Keep Raccoons Out Of Garden
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Spotting Raccoons in Your Garden

First, you need to know if raccoons are the problem. Other animals can cause damage too. Look for certain signs. These are raccoon damage signs.

What Raccoon Signs Look Like

Raccoons look for food. They often dig in soft soil.

Turned-over sod: They roll back grass like a carpet. They look for grubs and worms underneath.
Eaten produce: They love corn, melons, and berries. They will bite chunks out of ripe fruits. They might pull corn stalks down.
Broken plants: Raccooons are strong. They might break stems or branches to reach food.
Scattered trash: If you have garbage cans near the garden, they might knock them over. They spread trash everywhere. This is a common sign of their presence.
Droppings: Raccoon poop looks like small, dark tubes. It often contains bits of what they ate. They may use a specific spot, called a “raccoon latrine”. Be careful near these. They can carry germs.
Footprints: Raccoon tracks look like small human hands. They have five long toes. You might see them in mud or soft soil.

Seeing these signs means raccoons are visiting. You need to take action.

Stopping Raccoons From Coming Back

Preventing raccoons is better than getting rid of them. You need to make your garden less inviting. This is key for effective raccoon prevention. It means removing things that attract them.

Removing Food Sources

Raccoons come to your garden looking for food. Your garden and nearby areas might have easy meals.

Secure Your Trash

Garbage cans are like a free buffet for raccoons. Securing garbage cans is vital.

Use cans with tight-fitting lids.
Add clamps or weights to the lids. You can buy special clips or bungee cords.
Keep cans in a secure shed or garage. Do this especially at night. Raccoons are most active then.
Wash cans regularly. This removes smells that attract animals.
Take trash out only on collection day. Do not leave bags outside overnight.

Pick Up Fallen Fruit

Fruit falling from trees is easy food. Pick up any fruit that drops. Do this daily. This stops raccoons and other pests from eating it.

Feed Pets Indoors

Pet food left outside is a big draw. Raccoons will eat pet food. They will drink pet water. Feed pets inside. Bring bowls inside after feeding.

Protect Bird Feeders

Bird feeders can drop seeds. Raccoons eat seeds. They can also reach the feeders themselves. Hang feeders high. Use squirrel baffles. These can also stop raccoons. Bring feeders in at night if possible.

Removing Water Sources

Raccoons need water.

Empty pet water bowls at night.
Cover swimming pools.
Secure pond areas. Use wire mesh around small ponds. This stops raccoons from getting easy water access.

Removing Shelter

Raccoons look for safe places to rest or have babies.

Seal off openings under decks or sheds. Use sturdy wire mesh. Bury the bottom edge a few inches deep. This stops digging.
Trim back bushes and trees near your house. This removes potential hiding spots.

Building Physical Barriers

Physical barriers are a strong way to protect your garden. A wildlife proof fence can work well. It needs to be built right.

Choosing the Right Fence

A simple garden fence might not stop raccoons. They are good climbers. They are also good diggers.

Height: A fence needs to be tall enough. Raccoons can climb fences that are 4 feet high or less. Aim for 5-6 feet or more.
Material: Chain-link fences are easy to climb. Smooth wire or netting is better. A fence made of solid material is best if possible.
Top: Add an outward-leaning section at the top. Make it about 1 foot wide. This makes climbing over harder. It makes them fall off.
Bottom: Raccoons dig under fences. Bury the bottom edge of the fence. Bury it at least 6-12 inches deep. You can also lay fence material flat on the ground for 1-2 feet outwards. Cover it with soil or rocks. This buried mesh stops digging.

Electric Fences

A low-voltage electric fence is very effective. It does not harm the animal. It gives a small shock. This scares them away.

Place wires close to the ground. Raccoons often try to go under.
Two or three wires are usually enough. Put one 4-6 inches high. Put another 8-12 inches high.
Use a proper fence charger. It must be made for wildlife control.
Place warning signs on the fence.

Electric fences work well for protecting vegetable garden areas. They teach raccoons that your garden is not safe.

Using Deterrents

Making your garden unpleasant for raccoons can help. There are different types of deterrents. Some use smell. Some use sound or movement.

Natural Raccoon Repellent

Many people prefer to use things that are not harsh chemicals. Natural raccoon repellent options are popular.

Smells Raccoons Dislike

Raccoons have a good sense of smell. Some strong smells bother them.

Cayenne pepper or chili flakes: Sprinkle these on plants or around the garden edge. The capsaicin irritates their noses and mouths. You need to reapply after rain.
Garlic: Plant garlic around your garden. Or make a garlic spray. Mix chopped garlic with water. Let it sit. Strain and spray.
Peppermint oil: Soak rags in peppermint oil. Place them around the garden.
Epsom salts: Some gardeners sprinkle Epsom salts. The strong mineral smell might deter them.
Predator urine: The smell of a predator, like a coyote, can scare raccoons. You can buy liquid predator urine. Place it in small containers around the garden. Do not spill it directly on plants.
Ammonia: Raccoons dislike the smell of ammonia. Soak rags in ammonia. Place them near problem spots or potential entry points. Be careful using ammonia. It can be strong. Do not use it near food plants.

Natural repellents can work for a while. Their effect often wears off. You need to reapply them regularly. Especially after rain.

Plants Raccoons Avoid

Some plants might keep raccoons away.

Cucumbers (fuzzy leaves)
Squash (fuzzy leaves)
Pumpkins (fuzzy leaves)
Plants with strong smells like garlic, onions, mint. However, raccoons sometimes eat mint. This is less reliable.

Planting a border of these might help. It is not a guaranteed fix.

Repellents Using Taste

Some sprays make plants taste bad. Raccoons take a bite. They don’t like the taste. They stop eating that plant.

Sprays with ingredients like bittering agents.
Some commercial sprays are available. Check they are safe for food plants if using in a vegetable garden.

Sound and Light Deterrents

Sudden changes can scare raccoons. They are often keeping raccoons away at night.

Motion Activated Sprinkler

A motion activated sprinkler is a good tool. It sprays water when an animal moves nearby.

The sudden spray of water scares them.
The movement triggers it.
Place sprinklers near paths raccoons use or near plants they target.
They are humane. They just scare the animal.
They work well for protecting vegetable garden areas.

Bright Lights

Raccoons are active at night. Bright lights can make them uncomfortable.

Install motion-activated lights. When a raccoon moves, the light comes on. This sudden bright light often scares them away.
Place lights near your garden and garbage cans.
LED security lights work well. They use little power.

Ultrasonic Devices

Some devices send out high-frequency sounds. Humans cannot hear them. Some animals can.

These devices are said to bother raccoons.
Place them in the garden.
Their effectiveness is often debated. Some animals might get used to the sound.

Combining Methods for Better Results

Using just one method might not be enough. Raccoons are smart. They can get used to things. Using several methods at once works best. This is called integrated garden pest control.

Use a fence and motion-activated sprinklers.
Secure trash and use scent repellents.
Remove food sources and use light deterrents.

Make your garden a difficult and scary place for them.

Humane Raccoon Removal

What if raccoons are already living under your deck or shed? Or if prevention is not enough? Sometimes you need to remove them. It is best to do this humanely. It is also often required by law. Check local rules.

When to Consider Removal

If raccoons are living in or under your house.
If they are causing significant, ongoing damage that prevention cannot stop.
If there is a risk of rabies or other diseases (though direct contact is needed for this).

Live Trapping

Live trapping is a common method for humane raccoon removal.

Use a sturdy trap. It must be large enough for a raccoon.
Bait the trap. Raccoons like sweet things. Marshmallows, melon, or corn work well. Place the bait inside the trap.
Set the trap in an area you see raccoon activity.
Check the trap often. Check it early in the morning. You do not want the animal stuck for a long time.
Once trapped, cover the trap with a blanket. This calms the animal.
Relocation: Laws about moving trapped animals vary. In many places, it is illegal to move raccoons far from where you catch them. Moving them can spread diseases. It can put them in another raccoon’s territory. This can harm them. It is often recommended to release them very close by (e.g., just outside the trap near where you caught it) if you have fixed the reason they were attracted (like sealing entry points). If you can’t fix the issue, or if laws require it, you may need to call animal control or a wildlife removal service.
Professional Help: The safest and often best way is to hire a professional. They know the laws. They have the right equipment. They know how to handle wildlife safely and humanely. They can also help find where the raccoons are getting in. They can seal it up properly after removal.

Making Areas Unattractive for Denning

If raccoons are using a spot like under your deck, make it unwelcoming before they have babies (usually spring).

Shine bright lights into the area.
Place strong smells there (like rags soaked in cider vinegar or ammonia – though be careful).
Play loud radio noise.
Once you are sure no animals are inside (especially mother and babies), seal off the entry points. Use heavy gauge wire mesh. Dig it into the ground.

Important Note: Never seal an entry point if you think a mother raccoon and her babies are inside. The mother will try to get back in. She can cause serious damage. The babies will starve and die inside. This is not humane. Wait until you are certain they are out. Or use a one-way door installed by a professional. This allows them to leave but not get back in.

Seasonal Tips

Raccoon behavior changes with the seasons.

Spring: This is denning season. Mothers look for safe places to have babies. Check under sheds, decks, and in attics before spring. Seal potential entry points. Be very careful about trapping or excluding in spring if you suspect babies.
Summer: Food is plentiful. Raccoons are very active. Garden damage might increase. Keep up with prevention efforts. Protect ripening produce.
Fall: Raccoons are eating a lot to store fat for winter. They might be extra determined to get garden food. Continue removing attractants.
Winter: In cold areas, raccoons may sleep more (though not true hibernation). They still forage when it’s warmer. Keep trash secure year-round.

Choosing the Right Garden Pest Control Methods

Controlling pests like raccoons in your garden requires thought. You want methods that work. You also want methods that are safe. Safe for you, your pets, and the environment.

Start with prevention: Always begin by removing food, water, and shelter. This is the most basic and often most effective step.
Physical barriers are reliable: Fences are a strong defense.
Deterrents vary: Smell, sound, and light can help. They work best when used together. Be ready to try different types. Raccoons are smart and adapt.
Humane methods: Always aim for humane raccoon removal if needed. Trapping and relocating can be complex and might require professional help.
Check local laws: Animal control laws differ by location. Know what is allowed regarding trapping and moving raccoons.

Table: Comparing Common Raccoon Control Methods

Method	Type of Control	Works By	Pros	Cons
Securing Garbage Cans	Prevention	Removes food source	Simple, addresses main attractant	Needs consistent effort
Wildlife Proof Fence	Barrier	Blocks physical access	Very effective if built right	Can be costly, requires work to install
Natural Raccoon Repellent	Deterrent	Uses unpleasant smells/tastes	Chemical-free, easy to apply	Needs frequent reapplication, not always effective
Motion Activated Sprinkler	Deterrent	Scares with water/movement	Humane, effective for specific areas	Needs water source, animals may get used to it
Motion Activated Light	Deterrent	Scares with light	Humane, works at night	Animals may ignore over time
Live Trapping	Removal	Catches animal	Allows for relocation (if legal/humane)	Can be dangerous, complex laws, need plan for animal
Sealing Entry Points	Prevention	Blocks access to den sites	Permanent solution for denning	Must be sure animals are not inside, requires careful work

Keeping Raccoons Away at Night

Raccoons are nocturnal. This means they are most active at night. This is when they will likely try to get into your garden. Focusing your efforts on nighttime deterrence is important.

Use motion-activated lights: Place them to cover your garden area. The sudden light will startle them.
Deploy motion-activated sprinklers: Set these up before dusk. They will spray when raccoons approach.
Bring in pet food and water bowls: Do this every evening.
Ensure garbage cans are secure: Double-check lids and restraints before going to bed.
Use scent repellents: Reapply natural raccoon repellent in the late afternoon or evening. Smells might fade during the day.
Close gates or access points: If your garden is fenced, make sure gates are closed and latched at night.
Harvest ripe produce: Don’t leave ripe fruits or vegetables on the vine or ground overnight. Pick them as soon as they are ready.

Consistency is key. Doing these things every night makes your garden less appealing for their late-night visits.

Further Tips for Garden Pest Control

Dealing with raccoons is part of larger garden pest control. Healthy gardens are often less prone to severe pest issues.

Healthy Soil: Good soil helps plants grow strong. Strong plants can recover better from damage.
Right Plants: Choose plants suited for your area. They will be healthier and less stressed. Stressed plants can attract pests.
Know Your Pests: Learn about common pests in your area. This helps you identify the problem quickly.
Encourage Good Bugs: Some insects eat garden pests. Learn which ones are helpful (like ladybugs) and attract them.
Rotate Crops: Do not plant the same vegetables in the same spot year after year. This confuses pests and helps soil health.

These steps for general garden health can support your efforts to keep raccoons and other animals away.

Understanding Why Raccoons Are Attracted

Grasping why raccoons come to your garden helps you stop them. They are looking for three main things:

Food: Easy meals like trash, pet food, bird seed, and ripe garden produce. Grubs and worms in your lawn are also food.
Water: Ponds, pet bowls, pools.
Shelter: Safe, quiet places to sleep or raise young. Under decks, sheds, in hollow trees, or attics.

If you remove these attractants, raccoons have less reason to visit. Raccoon prevention works by taking away what they need.

Long-Term Raccoon Prevention

Stopping raccoons is often not a one-time job. It requires ongoing effort.

Regular Checks: Walk around your property often. Look for signs of raccoon activity. Check for new digging spots or damaged areas.
Maintain Barriers: Check fences for damage. Make sure gates latch properly. Repair any holes quickly.
Keep Up Deterrents: Reapply sprays. Check batteries in lights or sprinklers.
Stay Vigilant: Raccoons are smart. They learn. They might try different ways to get in. Be ready to adjust your methods.

By consistently applying these techniques, you make your garden a tough place for raccoons. They will likely move on to easier spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

h5 How do I know if it’s a raccoon and not another animal?

Look for the specific signs. Raccoon footprints look like small hands. They often roll back sod looking for grubs. They tend to eat large pieces of fruit or pull down corn stalks. Squirrels might just nibble. Skunks dig smaller, cone-shaped holes. Check for scat (poop) too; raccoon scat has bits of undigested food.

h5 Are raccoon repellents safe for pets?

Natural raccoon repellent like cayenne pepper can irritate pets if they touch or eat large amounts. Ammonia is toxic if ingested. Commercial products should state if they are pet-safe. Always read labels carefully. Physical barriers and motion-activated devices are generally safer around pets.

h5 Will mothballs keep raccoons away?

Mothballs are sometimes suggested but are not recommended. They contain harsh chemicals (naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene). These fumes are toxic to animals and humans. Using them outdoors is bad for the environment and wildlife. It is better to use safer natural options or physical deterrents.

h5 Can raccoons climb fences?

Yes, raccoons are excellent climbers. A standard fence is often not enough. They can climb wood, wire mesh, and chain link. A tall, smooth fence with an outward-leaning top section works better. Electric fences are also effective barriers.

h5 What if I find a raccoon during the day?

Raccoons are mostly active at night. Seeing one during the day doesn’t always mean it’s sick. It might be a mother looking for food, or just found a good spot to rest. However, if it looks sick (stumbling, acting strangely), keep your distance and call animal control or a wildlife professional. Do not approach it.

h5 Is it legal to trap raccoons?

Laws vary greatly by state and city. In many places, you need a permit to trap wildlife. Relocating trapped animals is often illegal or restricted due to disease concerns and stress on the animal. It is crucial to check your local wildlife laws or call animal control before attempting to trap a raccoon. Professionals are usually aware of local regulations.

h5 How deep should I bury my fence to stop digging?

Bury the fence at least 6 inches deep, but 12 inches is better. You can also lay a section of wire mesh flat on the ground for 1-2 feet outward from the bottom of the fence line. Bury this mesh too. This creates a barrier underground that stops them when they try to dig under the fence.

Conclusion

Keeping raccoons out of your garden is a challenge. But it is possible. It takes time and effort. Start with the basics of raccoon prevention. Remove food, water, and shelter. Use physical barriers like a strong wildlife proof fence. Add deterrents like natural raccoon repellent or a motion activated sprinkler. Focus efforts on keeping raccoons away at night. If raccoons are already denning, consider humane raccoon removal methods, often best done by professionals. By using several techniques together, you can protect your vegetable garden and enjoy your outdoor space without unwanted furry visitors. Consistency is the key to success in garden pest control against these clever animals.