If you have a raccoon problem in your yard, you may have a variety of options for controlling the pest. While the raccoons’ main favorite is sweet corn, they will also eat fruit from trees. They can also destroy fruit-bearing bushes and eat grubs in your lawn. These creatures are also known to clean bird feeders.
Unlike foxes, raccoons aren’t choosy eaters. While a complete list of their favorite foods is impossible, they prefer fruits and vegetables that are high in protein. While raccoons tend to avoid prickly vines, they do love pumpkins that have fallen from their vines. You can also use repellents, which are listed in the section on protecting apple trees.
If you can’t keep raccoons out of your yard, you can use live traps, but make sure to release them at least three miles away. Raccoons will eat almost anything, including plants and flowers. Try using fish-flavored dry cat food, chicken necks, and ears of corn. You can also use blood meal, wood ashes, or garlic or chili powder around your garden. Apply these regularly.
Some repellents may work. A band of hot sauce around the garden perimeter and pumpkin vines are effective. In addition, sprinklers and lights can be left on, which confuses raccoons and scares them away. In the meantime, don’t forget to pick up the fallen fruit and vegetables from your trees. Also, place your bird feeders in an area that is out of reach of raccoons.
In addition to the above solutions, you can try putting up rock radios at the perimeter of your garden. It can be set up for the entire night, which is a good deterrent. Another way to scare raccoons away is by storing pet food or bird seed in metal bins. Spreading out newspapers in areas that are not accessible to raccoons may work too.
Keep in mind that raccoons are omnivores, and their preferred diets are animal and plant-based. They enjoy eating fish, reptiles, birds, and even human garbage. These animals can also find and eat bird eggs. You should also secure your yard to discourage these pests from coming into your garden. If you do catch raccoons, don’t worry. If you don’t catch them immediately, they will leave no trace of their presence.
