Learn how to identify raccoons and how to get rid of raccoons in your garden with these helpful tips.
What Are Raccoons?
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) have masks over their eyes because they could rob even a bank vault. These resourceful animals are second in persistence and imagination to no other animal (unless it’s a squirrel at a bird feeder).
Raccoons are great climbers, swimmers, jumpers, and runners. Their five-toed paws make them very dexterous, and their agility can allow them to outsmart every human concoction used to deter them. If they aren’t breaking into your garden, they might try to climb into your chimney to use it as a den.
Raccoons do not hibernate during the winter, but they will live in dens for periods of severe weather, causing them to lose a lot of their body fat in northern areas. They often live in hollow trees during the warm part of the year. Populations of raccoons often include many youngsters, and families will stay together for about a year.
What Do Raccoons Eat?
Raccoons are nocturnal and omnivorous, meaning they eat anything from grubs to crayfish, as well as all the plants and vegetables that you have in your garden, too. Especially in the fall, they develop a taste for fruits like apples, peaches, and pears, but they also enjoy a variety of vegetables, like sweet corn, potatoes, and peas.
Even though wild raccoons prefer areas with trees and a source of water, more and more of them are raiding gardens because gardens are an easy source of food. They’ll be even happier if you have a source of water and some forest near your garden.
Reader Comments
Leave a Comment
Raccoons
Several years ago we were having problems with raccoons - they were killing & eating my son's 4-H rabbits. We live trapped several & disposed of them. We even trapped some that had no bait in them. Someone told us about Nite Guard lights or Predator Eye - we bought about 8 of them and haven't had a problem with raccoons since. You can find the light on Amazon.
Raccoons
A neighbor has allowed his beautiful Tudor style home to go to rack and ruin. He moved out, tried to sell the house, but wanted far too much, so no one would buy it. The house has been empty for over 5 years, and is now the dwelling place of many raccoons. Since he pays someone to cut the grass every few weeks, there is almost nothing to be done about the situation although many n our neighborhood have complained by phone and in writing to the Town Government and tot he County Board of Health. A few m onths ago, it seemed a repairman was at the house so I went over to ask if it had been bought, and if new owners were beginning restorations. The man replied the owner had wanted him to fix a gutter that is hanging off and to do something inside, but had placed the keys with our police department. When the repairman went to the police, they refused to give him he keys because of all the raccoons living there. They are afraid some may be rabid. Several of us called the Board of Health again, but nothing was done. I think this owner must be paying off someone with influence. Because we're in suburban Long Island, there are lots of laws, but the owner seems to be above them. We are grateful that his home is surrounded by large thuja trees and therefore we don't have to see the condition the house is in!
Raccoons
We have a cabin in a remote area of the mountains of NE Georgia and feed the birds.. We have trail cameras out and see the raccoons destroying ornamental plants and even scaling a squirrel proof bird feeder. As they dug up the feeder's pole; they are quite ingenious..
Originally, it was a family of 3 raccoons; now, it is down to one raccoon.. Although GA DNR will claim there aren't any cougars, period. As I have a picture of a 75-80# one, my trail cams disagree.. I have a picture of a large footprint also which implies an even bigger cougar...
As I can't expect the cougars to protect our container plants; I take the dogs out to urinate by the containers which has proven to be effective.
Raccoons
Trap and release is only giving someone else your problem. Trap with live trap using marshmallows and shoot them. Dispose of properly. Put them in a thick trash bag and roll up tightly and tape securely. Put in deep freeze until trash day and they will be gone.
Raccoons in the attic
I've lived in this house about 15 years now, and although we live in a small city, there's a ton of wildlife in my neighborhood. My neighbors and I joke about our "pet coons and groundhogs" and find the squirrels entertaining, as well as the rest of the wild life. It wasn't a problem until last year, when my next door neighbor took a fancy to a family of feral cats and started feeding them on his porch day and night. The coons love cat food, and started coming around and eating with the cats, scaling the houses, and playing on the roofs - keeping us up all night long. We trapped a few and relocated them, but I finally begged my neighbor to please only feed the cats in the morning, and not both morning and night. He did, for a while, then started to sneak & feed them late at night (I would hear him - our houses are very close). Long story short, one of the coons got pregnant and ripped a hole in my roof to get in and have her babies in the attic. The noise was deafening!! First, the sound of roofing and wood being torn apart, then the birthing, then the babies and the mewling and skittering and scratching, all night long. We couldn't figure out exactly where they were, because the noise seemed to be everywhere, until I was talking to another neighbor one day and looked up to see a large hole in my roof, surrounded by debris. Since then, we've had two "critter guys" and three roofers out here to get rid of the problem. It took about three months, but the coons are finally gone, but the three roofers have all refused to climb my steep roof to fix the hole (I live in a 100 year old faux-Victorian farmhouse), so there is always the possibility of another coon family moving in, not to mention the possible further damage from inclement weather. Anybody have any suggestions. Still looking for roofers, too...
raccoons
I have twice had raccoons as pets and consider myself as partial to them. But, now consider them an overpopulated nuisance. I can't keep chickens anymore because they kill every bird. Yes, they do occasionally kill cats, especially kittens. They will usually just eat all your cat's food.My cat hides from them. They will steal from your garden too. When something is in season that they like such as sweet corn, watermelons, canteloupe, tomatoes, etc; they can come in your garden several families together and wipe you out in a couple of nights. I have trapped alive many coons but finally gave up and kill them when I can.The best way to keep them at bay is an outside free roaming dog. Which can cause other problems...
Raccoons in my yard
I have raccoons that visit frequently, usually in the wee hours. They get up on my shed and cruise my yard. I do not have a veg garden. I do not keep pet food or bird feed out. Tonight I tried spraying with water to scare them off. It looks to be a family. I think the parents are out and about looking for food and the kids are holed up under my shed, then come out to play. When they see me, they go back under the shed, but keep coming back out. They’ve been at it for 3 hours tonight.
Something leaving deep holes in my yard and muddy footprints
I see muddy footprints on my pool deck (look like 3-4 toes) in the a.m. here in Florida not sure if it's going in the pool too, some mud in the pool but for sure deep holes in the dirt part of the back yard. How about moth balls? Does anyone know if that works? Ty
raccoon repellent
Although some older sources mention mothballs as a raccoon repellent, it is no longer recommended, now that we know more about pesticides. Unless the label says otherwise, mothballs are meant for indoor use only (as a pesticide, it is regulated by the EPA). One concern is that placing them outside can leach toxic pesticide chemicals into the environment (soil, water, plants). The mothballs can also be poisonous to children, pets, and all wildlife. In addition, even for adults, prolonged exposure to mothballs can be hazardous, and can cause mild to serious health issues. As an alternative, you might try mustard oil, which is said to deter raccoons in certain cases.
Raccoons Endangered ??
I was told (here in CA) that raccoons were an endangered species. Can anyone tell me why??????? They have already killed 6 feral cats in my backyard. How can I tell you ask - because they rip them apart. Hate these critters.
raccoons
No, raccoons are not classified as rare or endangered. That said, you’ll see need to check with your local laws which may have other legal restrictions.
Are the racoons eating the
Are the racoons eating the Cats or killing them only? Have you solved them killing them yet?
Cats
I am so sorry to hear about your cats. I worry about one I am feeding. They scale my 4ft fence around my garden. I did’t plant corn last year. I know they are God’s creatures, but whew, infuriating.,
raccoon killing cats
I fear this is what may have happened to my feral cats that I trapped ,fixed and released a coon family has moved in and one by one the cats are disappearing. I know they are eating the food I put out for the cats I did not know until today they will kill a cat. I am so upset about this.
Fish Pond
My poor little fish pond has been hit twice now. I really just wanted it for the sound of running water and a couple of water plants. But I started getting mosquito larvae so I got some feeder gold fish from the pet store and no more larvae. Well, I guess the racoon likes fish even tho they are very small. He has torn up my plants and the pond and has eaten all the fish, twice now. I really don't know what to do about this. Animal Control seems to not care even tho I live in town. I do have an outside cat and a small inside dog, after reading some of the other comments I am now worried for their safety. I have set a trap but have not caught it, I also have several wind chimes in the area, he seems to not be afraid of anything. If anyone has better suggestions, I am willing to try anything at this point.
Pond Netting
For the disappearing fish problem, you may want to look into pond netting. It could prove to be just enough of an obstacle to deter the raccoon(s). Also try placing strong-scented substances in dishes around your pond, such as garlic and chili powder or Irish Spring soap. Make sure that any run-off produced by these substances doesn’t enter your pond and that a curious dog doesn’t sniff the wrong thing!
coon eating fish
suggest a dish of cat food mixed with broken razor blades bits.
Fish pond option
We had the same problem only we lost the expensive plants and pond filter. Bizarre, they would rip up the filter and plants. We called the pond our 'raccoon spa'. We ended up turning it into a pondless waterfall feature. That's another story.
Raccoons like shallow water to wade in, etc. so if possible, make the pond deeper 1'+ and sharp drop edges into the pond; they're not into swimming if possible and if they can't walk directly in, they will likely look elsewhere.
Another hint for deterring raccoons
I've had to place a raccoon baffle around the pole on which multiple bird feeders are attached. This has worked. Prior to installing the raccoon baffle, they were constantly knocking the feeders off and carting them away. A good raccoon baffle can be purchased at Wild Birds Unllimited or some garden centers.
Raccoon killings
The raccoons this year, one in particular, has about wiped out all my ducks and chickens. I have never had this much trouble before. I moved all my birds to my side deck and covered them as one would do cage birds making my deck look like a refugee camp. Finally, I take the last pair into the house at night.
A sure fire bait for trapping is raisins ... they love them and will follow a trail anywhere. Also, when setting live traps, make sure the only way they can get the bait is from the front. Keep the sids and back covered with non moveable items. Wood propted with a heavy rock will do the trick.
The down side to all of this is the predator is a female she could have little ones stashed somewhere leaving them to starve if she is trapped. Talk about decisions.
pesky racoon
I have a yard pole with 3 birdfeeders, 1 sugar water for hummers, 1 suet for woodpeckers, 1 sunflower for others. EVERY night, a raccoon comes and cleans out my feeders. One day, he actually came into my house (thru the doggy door, I think). County Animal Control removed him from my house, but let him go in the yard. Any ideas on how to get rid of him?
Raccoon
Hi Elizabeth,
Raccoons are just looking for food, so the best way to stop them from coming around is to take away their food source. Also, bird feeders (not including hummingbird feeders) should be taken down around April to prevent wild animals from becoming domesticated to human food, particularly bears.
hummingbird feeders
my mother raccoon is a sugar junkie and empties the hummingbird feeder too... I have to bring them in as well as suet cages at night... she has even carried one of them off. if I forget to bring them in or wait too long, she hits the nectar first...
Keeping raccoons from feeders
I live in the country and these raccoons are the worst, dirty, filthy animals ever. I feed the birds but I went to a hardware store and purchased the heavy pvc pipe, 8’, with a toilet flange. I mounted a square piece of 3/4 inch plywood to the toilet flange. I anchored the pipe into the ground and put the flange on top. I use heavy duty hooks and I am able to hang 4 bird feeders from it. BUT, I also have to grease the bottom of the pvc with petroleum jelly or something slippery because the raccoons can climb up the pipe. Do not put the pole near a fence or tree. You will have to grease the pole at least once a week. It works for me and they can’t get to my feeders. But they do like to dig up my freshly annual flowers I plant. I have to replant several times if I want flowers.
Deterring raccoon from bird feeding poles.
As per my comment above, if you will install a raccoon baffle around your bird feeding pole, that will keep them off. You have to put it up high enough so they can't climb up the pole over the top of the baffle. Wild Birds Unlimited is a good source for purchasing a raccoon baffle. For those with squirrel problems, squirrel baffles are also effective. They must be installed properly, however. Be sure to follow the instructions to the letter.
Out smarting raccoons.
Try to put marine grease on pole about three (3) feet off the ground and upwards. When the squirrels and raccoons get their feet slippery, their attempts to reach the feeders are futile. Marine grease isn't washed away by rain. It can be bought at WalMart and most auto parts stores. Works here. Good luck!
Raccoons killing cats
I live in a rural area and care for a colony of feral cats. I've read horror stories about raccoons killing cats, including some of the previous comments, so I'm always frightened that the same may happen to one of mine. I've had cats just disappear and wondered if it's due to a raccoon getting it. One that has come around is huge and has to weigh at least 30 pounds or more.
Raccoons are very cute and I even had one as a pet growing up, but they scare the hell out of me now. My company gets calls frequently for raccoon removal because they've either gotten into the house, are destroying the garden, killing chickens, or being a nuisance in other ways. It's illegal in many areas for people to trap raccoons themselves and then release them somewhere else. I don't recommend shooting them unless you are a crack shot and won't leave them wounded.
About the last suggestion to
About the last suggestion to plant squash. The trouble we are having is raccoons (or maybe something else?) eating our squash. We are currently trying dog hair and blood meal along with a simple fence and netting. We need to wait a few more days for more squash flowers to grow before we know if this works at all. I suspect we will end up needing to apply the garlic/spice mix every couple of days until we decide on something more permanent.
Raccoon
I have 3 that comes around my house and even on top of my house,they are now digging up my rose bushes
Digging up Roses
GUN
Pages