The nets let new growth through, so they must be lifted and reset every few days to maintain protection. Repellents containing the bittering agent thiram also work. A homemade recipe can be effective if sprayed directly on plants and reapplied weekly. Repellent should be applied in the fall, when plants first go dormant, and repeated per instructions. Rabbits don't like human hair or Ropel a commercial product.
Most animals are adaptable, so it is important to vary the methods.
Raccoons do carry rabies however there are no known cases west of Ontario at this time. Precautions against the rabies virus is presently being taken in the Ontario - New York areas. Positioning bird feeders more than 8 feet from a tree or building and on a pole with a squirrel baffle may save you money, and allow the birds to eat in peace. I say may, because nothing is ever 'for sure' when it comes to dealing with these furry-tailed rodents. Robbing bird feeders is nothing compared to the damage that squirrels can do to your attic once they have gained entrance.