The animals that vinegar will keep away are foxes, squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, dogs and cats.
Foxes, squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, dogs and cats all hate the smell of vinegar, which is very strong and pungent to them and so they avoid areas where vinegar is placed or sprayed.
Even insects like mosquitoes, spiders and ants as well as slugs also hate the smell of vinegar and will avoid areas where they detect the smell of vinegar.
The sharp and acidic odor of the vinegar, irritates these animals sensitive noses and will temporarily block or mask their food sources or scent trails.
Although the scent of the vinegar also goes away or dissipates very quickly and so it's often an unreliable method but can be a sort term deterrent.
You can also soak some paper towels or cotton balls in some vinegar and place them in areas where these insects and animals hang around.
Or mix a spray of vinegar by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water into a spray bottle and apply the vinegar and water mixture around patios, around porch edges or even perimeters of trash cans or areas where the insects and animals are hanging around.
Just avoid spraying the vinegar directly on grass or plants as the acidity of the vinegar can and will easily burn or even damage vegetation.
Or you can also soak some cloth rags like you would with cotton balls in vinegar and place them near garden beds or other areas that are a problem.
Just be sure to refresh them with newly soaked cotton balls or cloth rags with vinegar every couple of days or after rain.
Many animals, especially mammals with highly sensitive noses, detest the sharp, acidic scent of vinegar. The intense odor acts as a natural irritant, causing them to steer clear of areas where the vinegar is applied.
Specific animals that hate the smell of vinegar include:
Dogs: Because of their superior sense of smell, the pungent scent of vinegar is highly unpleasant to dogs.
Cats: Cats detest the sharp odor and will avoid furniture or surfaces treated with it.
Rodents: Mice and rats have incredibly sensitive noses and avoid the sharp, sour smell.
Squirrels: The pungent aroma of vinegar acts as a deterrent to keep squirrels away from gardens and outdoor trash.
Rabbits: Vinegar can successfully be used to discourage rabbits from foraging in your yard.
Insects: Ants, weevils, and various other garden pests are repelled by vinegar’s acidic nature.
Just avoid spraying the vinegar directly on animals and never spray the vinegar, especially pure vinegar directly on plants as it can cause severe foliage damage.