Coating the outside of garbage cans with a weak solution of cayenne pepper and water may discourage raccoons from approaching for one to two days. Cut back any tree limbs that hang over the house to keep raccoons from climbing onto the roof. Seal up potential entry holes around foundations, dryer vents, attics, garages, and chimney caps. If a raccoon sets up housekeeping in your house, try evicting it with noise, combined with bright lights. A pan of ammonia or mothballs sealed in the fireplace may be all that's needed to chase away a chimney dweller.
Trapping can be an effective way to deal with pesky wild animals.
Live traps, which catch the animal unharmed, are commonly used. However, a new regulation in Ohio requires that all live-caught nuisance raccoons, opossums, and skunks be euthanized rather than relocated to prevent the spread of rabies. When working with nuisance animals that have been trapped, use disposable rubber gloves and thoroughly clean items that have come into contact with the animal with a 10 percent bleach solution in water. Carcasses should be either incinerated or buried at least three feet underground to prevent the spread of any diseases to other animals. The Division of Wildlife is working with the Ohio Department of Health to monitor the spread of rabies into Ohio from Pennsylvania and West Virginia, where cases of rabies-infected raccoons have been on the rise in recent years.