The raccoons (Procyon lotor) are a popular species in the United States. They are smart and agile creatures that quickly learn and can eat nearly everything. They are highly adaptable animals and are able to make a home in sewers or trees and are equally at home in urban or rural areas. They can end up being among the most difficult of garden pests. They are extremely difficult to get out of the garden, however there are certain plants they do not like and are avoided. Raccoons are extremely sensitive to their feet. This is why they do not walk on prickly plants. They are averse to squashes such as the pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 3-9). 

Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Aro... Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Around

Make sure to soak a few rags into peppermint oils or ammonia, then spread the rags on your property. Possums as well as Raccoons do not enjoy the strong scent of peppermint oil or ammonia and will be cautious about the area of concern.

The raccoon is a creature of habit, but it also has a delicate palate, so plant chilies of the type known as “Habanero” (Capsicum chinense, USDA zones 10 to 11) to tempt the raccoon. While they are also hesitant to approach Nightshade plants (Lycopersicon esculentum, USDA zones 2 to 10), they will not bully plants in the Nightshade family.There are plants that raccoons simply do not like the scent of. Many members of the mint family belong to this category, particularly the peppermint (Mentha which is x piperita “Citrata,” USDA zones 3a-9a). The more strong the scent is, the more effective the deterrent and peppermint essential oils added to plants will enhance the smell. Also, they don’t like garlic (Allium indica, USDA zones 3-8) therefore the planting of garlic bulbs in the garden beds and spraying the garlic juice all over will keep them out.

There are plants that raccoons simply do not like the scent of. Many members of the mint family belong to this category, particularly the peppermint (Mentha which is x piperita “Citrata,” USDA zones 3a-9a). The more strong the scent is, the more effective the deterrent and peppermint essential oils added to plants will enhance the smell. Also, they don’t like garlic (Allium indica, USDA zones 3-8) therefore the planting of garlic bulbs in the garden beds and spraying the garlic juice all over will keep them out.

A cup of apple cider vinegar is powerful when used against raccoons. You only need to mix it with water and spray it around the area where you suspect the infection has taken place. If they detect it, raccoons will definitely vacate the area.

Corn (Zea mays, USDA zones 4 to 8) is a significant food source for raccoons, especially because it is a nutritious food source that provides a good amount of calories. The Native American method of planting corn includes corn set out in an area where prickly pole beans grow around it and pumpkin vines sprout from the stalk of the corn. By so doing, they will inevitably have to rethink their decision.

Vinifera (USDA zones 2–10) species are also sought after by gardeners, so spraying these vines with pepper spray will aid in keeping them on the vine and making them more productive.