A big raccoon tried and failed to break through the netting on top. We chased it away and then, inspired, came up with a recipe on the spot. We have no idea if it will work as a deterrent. Only time will tell, but if Mr. Raccoon and/or his friends want to come back and scale the coop again, they’ll have to wade through a blended cocktail of:

• Cayenne pepper (maybe half a cup)
• Red hot chile peppers (about a cup)
• Sesame oil (about a cup)
• Tea tree oil (quarter ounce)
• Water to dilute to the consistency of paint

You can imagine how bad it smells. Maybe the odor alone will keep them away.