10 Plants That Keep Raccoons Out of Your Yard

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Are raccoons turning your yard into their personal playground? Keeping raccoons out of your yard can be a significant challenge for homeowners.

These nocturnal creatures are known for creating havoc by digging through trash, raiding gardens, and even causing structural damage. Get ready to reclaim your outdoor space with a touch of greenery and charm.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

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The strong, pungent smell of garlic is highly offensive to raccoons, who have a far more sensitive sense of smell than humans. Raccoons detect odors 100 times better than humans.

Garlic contains sulfur compounds that are particularly distasteful to a variety of animals, including raccoons. To maximize its effectiveness, plant garlic cloves about two inches deep and four inches apart in well-drained soil.

Onions (Allium cepa)

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The strong smell of onions is the primary factor that makes them effective in deterring raccoons. The strong sulfur compounds in onions serve as a potent natural repellent. These plants thrive in well-drained soil and need plenty of sunlight, so pick a sunny spot for planting.

They can grow from seeds or bulbs, with bulbs being quicker. Don’t throw away those onion peels! Scatter them around your yard and garden, focusing on areas where raccoons are most active.

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

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These vibrant, perennial herbs are part of the onion family, and their pungent aroma is a natural deterrent for raccoons. The magic lies in the sulfur compounds within the chives, which give off a strong scent that raccoons find unbearable.

Chives are incredibly easy to grow, thriving in well-drained soil and full sun. Space chives about 12 inches apart to allow growth and airflow and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

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According to the USDA, marigolds are particularly effective due to the presence of thiophenes—compounds that emit a strong odor. While pleasant to humans, this scent acts as a natural deterrent for raccoons.

Janis Cox, author of “The All-Natural Gardener’s Guide,” states, “Marigolds are excellent for deterring a variety of pests, including raccoons, thanks to their unique chemical makeup.” And here’s a fun fact: marigolds can also repel mosquitoes and other insect pests, giving you double the benefits!

Mint (Mentha spp.)

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The star compound in mint is menthol, which gives it that unmistakable minty fresh scent. While we humans find it refreshing, raccoons are not fans at all. A study published in the 2016 Journal of Chemical Ecology notes that mint oil can disrupt the sensory reception in many small mammals, including raccoons, effectively driving them away.

Mint can be invasive, so consider planting it in pots or containers to prevent it from taking over your entire garden. Some gardeners even recommend using mint essential oil for a more potent effect.

Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

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Lavender contains a secret weapon – a compound called linalool. This naturally occurring substance, which gives lavender its distinctive aroma, is known to repel raccoons. The intense fragrance interferes with their keen sense of smell, pushing them to seek less pungent pastures.

Plus, lavender is hardy and drought-tolerant. It boasts lovely purple flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies while giving raccoons a strong “Keep Out” message.

Hot Peppers (Capsicum spp.)

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The secret weapon here is capsaicin, the compound responsible for the fiery heat in hot peppers. Capsaicin irritates the nerve endings in mammals, and raccoons are no exception. Capsaicin-based repellents reduce wildlife intrusion by as much as 70%.

Moreover, hot peppers are versatile and can be integrated into your garden, from fresh plants (consider planting varieties like cayenne, jalapeño, or habanero) to dried flakes sprinkled around the perimeter. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also lists capsaicin as a safe and environmentally friendly option for repelling wildlife without causing long-term harm.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

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The magic lies in its essential oil, particularly thymol. Thymol, a natural monoterpene phenol, is renowned for its strong antiseptic properties, but it does more than fight germs—it also has a pungent aroma that raccoons find highly unpleasant.

Plus, it’s a winner in the garden maintenance department—thyme is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and can thrive in poor soils. For the best results, consider pairing thyme with other aromatic plants like lavender or rosemary, further bolstering your garden’s defenses.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

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Bursting with aromatic compounds like anethole, fennel is not only a delightful herb for your kitchen but also a raccoon-repellent extraordinaire. Anethole is the same compound that gives fennel its distinctive licorice-like aroma—a scent that raccoons find utterly unappealing!

Studies have shown that the strong scent emitted by fennel can disrupt the keen sense of smell raccoons rely on for finding food (Wildlife Control, 2021). The U.S. Department of Agriculture highlights that fennel thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9, making it suitable for various climates.

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)

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This versatile veggie contains cucurbitacin, which emits a bitter taste and strong odor that raccoons can’t stand. Cucurbitacin is highly effective in repelling not just raccoons but various other pests.

Studies have shown that gardens incorporating cucumbers as a barrier witnessed a significant decrease in raccoon activity, with some reports noting a reduction of up to 46% in nighttime raids!

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