We Tested 5 Popular Ways to Get Rid of Raccoons (And Found One That Actually Works)

by Emily Park April 27, 2025 Home & Garden

If you’ve ever dealt with raccoons on your property, you know how frustrating and relentless they can be. One night, everything is fine—by morning, trash is scattered everywhere, garden beds are destroyed, and strange noises are coming from the attic.

Like many homeowners, we wanted to find out what actually works to keep raccoons away, so we put five of the most popular methods to the test.

Some methods worked temporarily. Others… not at all.

If you’re tired of raccoons returning night after night, here’s what we found.

Method #1: Scent-Based Raccoon Repellents

How it works: Scent-based repellents use strong odors—like ammonia, mothballs, predator urine, or essential oils—to make an area unpleasant for raccoons. The idea is that if the smell is offensive enough, raccoons will stay away.

Our experience: At first, these repellents seemed promising. We placed ammonia-soaked rags near garbage cans and sprinkled cayenne pepper around known entry points. For a couple of nights, the raccoons stayed away. But once the rain hit, everything washed away, and the raccoons were back as if nothing had changed. We also noticed they seemed to adapt over time—what worked the first few nights became ineffective within a week.

Final verdict: Works temporarily but requires constant reapplication. Not a long-term solution.

Method #2: Motion-Activated Sprinklers

How it works: These sprinklers detect movement and blast water when an animal gets too close, scaring them away.

Our experience: The first night, we saw the sprinklers in action—every time a raccoon approached, it got blasted with water and ran off. But after a few nights, something surprising happened. The raccoons got smarter. Some simply dodged the sprinkler’s spray, while others waited until it was off before creeping back in. We also had issues with false triggers—wind, falling leaves, and even our pets kept setting it off.

Final verdict: Works at first, but raccoons quickly learn to avoid or outsmart it.

Method #3: Leaving Outdoor Lights On

How it works: Raccoons are nocturnal, so the theory is that bright lights will make them uncomfortable and discourage them from hanging around.

Our experience: We installed floodlights around the yard and attic entrances, hoping the sudden brightness would scare them off. It seemed to work the first couple of nights, but soon enough, the raccoons returned—completely unfazed. After doing some research, we found that while raccoons prefer the dark, they can easily adapt to artificial lighting if they know food is nearby.

Final verdict: Not effective. Raccoons quickly adjust to lights if they feel safe.

Method #4: Trapping and Relocating

How it works: This method involves setting up humane traps, catching raccoons, and releasing them far from your home.

Our experience: While trapping did remove a few raccoons, it didn’t solve the root problem. Within a week, new raccoons moved in to replace the ones we removed. Additionally, relocating wildlife isn’t always legal in some areas, and it doesn’t guarantee the raccoon won’t just return.

Final verdict: Ineffective long-term. New raccoons will take the place of the ones removed.

Method #5: Ultrasonic + Light-Based Deterrents

How it works: These devices use a combination of ultrasonic sound waves and flashing LED lights to create an environment that raccoons find highly uncomfortable. The ultrasonic frequencies are silent to humans but irritating to raccoons, while the motion-activated lights add a visual deterrent.

Our experience: This method turned out to be the most effective long-term solution. Unlike sprays or sprinklers, we didn’t have to keep reapplying or resetting anything. The combination of unpredictable sound and flashing lights made our yard and attic entrances feel unsafe for raccoons—without harming them.

Final verdict: The best all-around solution for keeping raccoons away. Works automatically, requires no upkeep, and is completely humane.

Our #1 Pick for Keeping Raccoons Away for Good

After testing five of the most popular raccoon deterrents, we found that most solutions either require constant upkeep, lose effectiveness over time, or simply don’t work well enough to stop raccoons for good.

That’s why our top pick is Raccoon Fortress Pro—a smart, science-backed solution that combines ultrasonic sound and flashing lights to make your yard and attic entrances completely unwelcoming to raccoons.

Unlike scent-based repellents that wash away, traps that only remove one raccoon at a time, or motion sprinklers that raccoons quickly outsmart, Raccoon Fortress Pro is a set-it-and-forget-it solution that actually works.

Why Raccoon Fortress Pro Works When Other Methods Fail

Through our testing, we learned that raccoons are highly intelligent and adaptable. They quickly learn to ignore repetitive deterrents like lights, smells, and noise that doesn’t pose a real threat. That’s why most solutions work for a few nights, then stop being effective.

Raccoon Fortress Pro breaks that cycle by using a multi-layered approach that raccoons can’t adapt to.

Here’s why Raccoon Fortress Pro is the most effective raccoon deterrent we tested:

• It Uses Sound That Raccoons Can’t Tolerate – Unlike generic ultrasonic devices that emit a single, predictable tone, Raccoon Fortress Pro cycles through multiple ultrasonic frequencies that are highly irritating to raccoons but completely silent to humans and pets. Since the sound pattern constantly changes, raccoons can’t get used to it.
• Motion Activation Prevents Raccoons from Learning to Ignore It – The built-in motion sensor detects raccoons in real-time, activating the ultrasonic sound and flashing lights only when needed. This prevents raccoons from becoming accustomed to a constant sound while also conserving energy for long-term use.
• Flashing LED Lights Create an Unpredictable Environment – Raccoons are highly visual animals, and sudden bright lights mimic the experience of a predator watching them. The randomized flashing pattern of Raccoon Fortress Pro keeps raccoons on edge and trains them to avoid the area permanently.
• It’s Completely Hands-Off – No refilling, no reapplying, no resetting. Once installed, it works 24/7, rain or shine. It’s also solar-powered, meaning there’s no need for batteries or wiring.
• It’s a Smarter, More Affordable Alternative to Trapping or Extermination – Hiring a wildlife removal service can cost hundreds of dollars per visit, only for new raccoons to move in days later. Raccoon Fortress Pro stops the problem at the source by making your property an undesirable place for raccoons in the first place.

The Science Behind Raccoon Fortress Pro

The reason Raccoon Fortress Pro is so effective comes down to how raccoons process threats:

1. Raccoons rely on their hearing – Their sense of hearing is extremely sharp, far beyond human capability. High-frequency ultrasonic waves target their sensitive ears, making them feel highly uncomfortable and forcing them to leave the area.
2. They use their vision to assess danger – Raccoons are nocturnal and prefer the cover of darkness. The flashing LED deterrent simulates sudden, unpredictable movement, making them feel like they’re being watched.
3. They learn from experience – Raccoons are problem solvers and quickly figure out when something isn’t a real threat. Because Raccoon Fortress Pro only activates when raccoons are nearby and constantly changes its deterrent pattern, raccoons never learn to ignore it.

Final Verdict: The Best Way to Keep Raccoons Away for Good

If you’re tired of raccoons knocking over your garbage cans, damaging your property, or nesting in your attic, Raccoon Fortress Pro is the smartest, easiest, and most effective way to stop them—without chemicals, traps, or ineffective deterrents.

1. 100% humane – keeps raccoons away without harming them
2. No maintenance required – set it up once and let it work automatically
3. Works in all weather conditions – rain, snow, and extreme temperatures won’t stop it
4. Backed by science – uses sound, motion, and light to create an environment raccoons instinctively avoid

If you’re serious about keeping raccoons away for good, don’t waste another dollar on temporary solutions.