Quick Answer
Mint might smell fresh to us, but what about raccoons? Honestly, mint is only a minor inconvenience for these little guys as they hurdle towards your trash can. Raccoons might wrinkle their nose at the fresh scent of peppermint or spearmint, but that’s about it. Hungry raccoons will ignore it if there’s food nearby. The Verdict — mint alone is not a powerful enough deterrent to keep raccoons away for good.
Why People Think Mint Works
Since raccoons have a super-charged sense of smell, it’s easy to see why people believe the strong aroma of mint might deter these critters from stealing your food or breaking into your home. I mean the mint smell is strong enough to overwhelm some animals, so raccoons would be impacted too, right?
Unfortunately, raccoons are like that one friend that doesn’t play by the 5-second rule with food or doesn’t wash their hands before a meal. These critters are true survivors— if there’s food on the other side of that mint patch, they’re going for it!
The Verdict on Mint as a Raccoon Repellent
The powerful scent of mint—see what I did there—might make a raccoon hesitate, but it will not stop them from completing their mission. Unless mint plants are utilized with other repellents, these critters will still show up at your spearmint smelling home.
Natural Raccoon Repellents That Actually Work
We are all about humane and safe ways to protect your home from unwelcome wildlife. If you want to tell raccoons to take a hike without harming them, here are some safe and humane deterrents you can try:
- Ammonia or Vinegar
I truly can’t stand the smell of ammonia or vinegar—good news is raccoons can’t either! Try soaking a few rags in either liquid and place them near trash cans, gardens, or crawl space entrances. Make sure you keep these away from pets and kids.
- Motion-Activated Lights
These nocturnal critters thrive in the dark. Like a criminal trying to make a jail break, surprise them with a sudden blast of light and they’ll think twice about returning.
- Capsaicin-Based Sprays
Many people say, “the spicier, the better!” Well, raccoons don’t feel the same way. Capsaicin (the compound that makes chili peppers hot) is something these animals absolutely hate. Spray it around garbage cans, decks, or entry points to keep these guys away.
- Secure All Food Sources
This one is major. Similar to all of my friends in high school, if there’s no food around, raccoons won’t show up. Take the following precautions to limit the aroma of food outside your home:
- Secure your trash cans with tight lids
- Bring in pet food and bird feeders at night
- Closed open compost bins
- Block Access to Your Home
Raccoons are like your friendly neighborhood Spiderman. These furry fellas are agile climbers and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. To keep them out, make sure you seal all vents and crawl space openings.
When Mint Just Won’t Cut It
Now, natural repellents can help, but they won’t do much good if a raccoon has already moved into your home. In these cases, you’ll need a long-term solution that includes removal, exclusion, and prevention.
At Alpha Wildlife, our NWCOA-certified team uses humane removal methods to safely remove raccoons and seal off every possible re-entry point. We are BBB Accredited and have hundreds of 5-Star Google Reviews from verified customers. With our services, you can kiss goodbye those late-night raids on your garbage can and get these trash pandas out for good.
Final Takeaway
Mint is great for a mojito, but only a minor inconvenience for raccoons. If you really want to keep these clever critters away, combine deterrents, lock down your food sources, and seal up your home like Fort Knox.
And if they’re already inside causing trouble? Call Alpha Wildlife — we’ll make sure the only thing minty fresh at your house is your toothpaste.
FAQs About Raccoon Repellents
Q: Does peppermint repel raccoons?
Peppermint oil may be an annoyance to raccoons, but it’s not a long-term fix. They’ll just ignore it if food is nearby.
Q: What smell do raccoons hate the most?
Strong odors like ammonia, vinegar, and capsaicin are more effective than mint in deterring raccoons.
Q: Do home remedies work for raccoon control?
Some might, like motion lights and spicy spray. But for persistent raccoons, professional removal is the safest bet.
Q: Can mint hurt raccoons?
No — mint is not harmful. It’s simply not strong enough to keep them away for good.
Quick Recap
- Mint Alone? Not effective long-term.
- Best Results: Combine multiple deterrents.
- Prevention: Remove food sources & block entry points.
- Pro Help: Alpha Wildlife offers humane removal & exclusion.
