If you’re looking for ways to get rid of your raccoon problem, or at least repel raccoons, then the internet is likely the first place you’d look for answers.

The web is filled with suggestions on how to get rid of and repel raccoons. But are raccoons repelled by ammonia-soaked tennis balls? This article looks into it 

Raccoons don’t particularly like the smell of ammonia-soaked tennis balls but they will tolerate them. This trick will not get rid of raccoons, the raccoons will simply choose to ignore the smell. 

Can You Repel Raccoons Using Ammonia-Soaked Tennis Balls?

Raccoons have a keen sense of smell. It is true that some substances will repel raccoons, but other substances, that are said to be able to repel these pests, simply cannot. 

The thinking behind the ammonia-soaked tennis ball idea is that anything soaked in ammonia will get rid of these pesky critters.

Contrary to popular belief, raccoons are quite clean animals. It is said that because ammonia smells like urine, and because raccoons hate the smell of urine, then the ammonia will drive raccoons away. 

According to this method, anything can be soaked in ammonia and placed in raccoon dens to get raccoons to leave.

The truth: 

As wonderfully easy as this method may seem, raccoons will not be repelled by ammonia-soaked tennis balls. 

It is true that this product gives off a strong urine smell, but raccoons will not be deterred by this smell, especially if the animal was drawn to your property because your home offers food, shelter, or water. Raccoons will simply tough it out. 

The most these animals will do is nest as far from the smell as they can, however, this does not mean that they will flee from your property altogether.

Some raccoons may even move the ammonia-soaked tennis balls and place them far away so that the smell isn’t as strong anymore. Other raccoons will simply ignore the smell and they will eventually get used to the smell and go on with their lives. 

Is ammonia harmful to raccoons? 

Not only does this method not work, but ammonia can also be harmful to raccoons and other pets as well.

Ammonia is gas, what you find in stores is the gas dissolved in water. When this product hits the air it evaporates. It isn’t meant to be used as a wildlife deterrent, it is rather used in household cleaning products as well as industrial and window cleaning products. 

An animal does not have to lick the ammonia-soaked tennis ball to become exposed to the ammonia, the animal can simply breathe the gas in.

Exposure to ammonia gas can damage the cells in the raccoon’s body. This gas is very corrosive and can even cause burning of the eyes, throat, and nose, it can also result in lung damage and a long-drawn-out death. 

If a raccoon licks the ammonia-soaked tennis ball then the animal can suffer burns to its mouth, throat, and stomach. Contact between the ammonia-soaked tennis ball and this animal’s skin can cause irritation of the skin and eyes. 

What scent repels raccoons? 

Onion: As much as humans like onions in our food, the smell of onion isn’t the best, raccoons don’t like this smell either. This vegetable irritates the animal’s sense of smell and they will steer clear of it. 

Garlic juice: If you can stand the smell of garlic juice all throughout your property, then you can use it to get rid of raccoons. This juice is very strong smelling to raccoons 

Hot pepper: Raccoons don’t like the smell or taste of anything spicy like hot pepper, they also don’t like cayenne pepper, this food is too hot for them. These spices irritate their sense of smell and can be used to repel raccoons. 

Peppermint oil: This oil may be loved by humans and used worldwide, but raccoons aren’t fans, using this essential oil on your property will be helpful in deterring raccoons.

Epsom salts: If raccoons are digging in your garden and eating your plants you may want to sprinkle some Epsom salts around the plants. Not only are Epsom salts a great fertilizer but they deter raccoons as well 

How to actually keep raccoons away? 

The most effective way to keep raccoons away is to ensure that your home is not raccoon-friendly.

Raccoons are drawn to your home because your home offers either food, shelter, water, or a combination of the three. Removing these will ensure that raccoons stay away and don’t come back

Food: These animals have a strong sense of smell, they can sniff out pet food, bird feed, and food from your trash. To combat this, put pet food away at night when raccoons come out, hang your bird feeders where raccoons can’t reach, and secure your trash can lids. Doing all this will keep raccoons out 

Water: Raccoons need water just as anyone else does. If your property has a water body, like a pond, or if there is a dripping tap on your property, then raccoons will be drawn to it. 

Shelter: Raccoons can nest in a variety of places, read more about where raccoons sleep during the day here. These animals will sleep in your attics, under decks, and in sheds if they have to. You can combat this by closing off any entrances that raccoons can get into.   

Conclusion 

In conclusion, no, raccoons are not deterred by ammonia-soaked tennis balls, these ammonia-soaked tennis balls may smell like urine, but raccoons will simply nest far away from the tennis balls, they will not be deterred by them.

If a raccoon, or another animal, inhales the ammonia gas, or tastes the ammonia-soaked tennis balls, then this can cause serious health issues in the animal. 

Scents that will actually deter raccoons include garlic juice, hot spices, peppermint essential oil, onions, and Epsom salts. 

You can keep raccoons away by removing any food and water that the animal has access to and by closing up areas where raccoons can create nests in. If you do this, these animals won’t be attracted to your home, will flee, and won’t come back.

If you enjoyed this article then you may also be interested in other raccoon related articles. Here are some articles that you may be interested in: Can You Make Raccoon Poison With Coke?, Are Raccoons Afraid Of Dogs?