Although several techniques have been used to frighten away raccoons, particularly in sweet corn patches, none has been proven to be effective over a long period of time. These techniques have included the use of lights, radios, dogs, scarecrows, plastic or cloth streamers, aluminum pie pans, tin can lids, infrared garden sprinklers, and plastic windmills. All of these may have some temporary effectiveness in deterring raccoons, but none will provide adequate long-term protection in most situations.
There is no evidence that ultrasonics work to repel raccoons.
There are no repellents, toxicants, or fumigants currently registered for raccoon control. Mothballs should not be used as a deterrent because they are not registered or labeled for use on raccoons by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Also, mothballs contain paradichlorobenzene and/or naphthalene that may pose certain risks to humans, pets, and other nontarget animals.
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Ultrasonic and Subsonic Devices for Pest Control
