Raccoon

Raccoon   Raccoons are one of the most detested gardens critters; and for all the right reasons. These annoying pests can defoliate entire shrubs and rob off all the fruits and corn cobs in a single sitting. You cannot even chase them away, since they usually make their moves during the night when it is dark everywhere. What is left in the morning are the signs of their raid and your lifeless plants. You are likely to see bare spots on the ground, with small holes that are 2 inches deep. Raccoons also try climbing smaller branches, resulting in broken branches. The fact that they do not eat anything entirely, and just nibble for the sake of destruction is even more frustrating. The most common species, likely to cause destruction in your yard, is the North American raccoon. It has a characteristic black mask across its eyes and five to ten black bands imprinted around its tail. With coarse, rugged fur, these wild animals are easily distinguished in the gardens. Due to their intelligence, it can be challenging to keep them away from your garden. However, understanding their psychology and what attracts them can give you an upper hand in deterring them. Let’s take a look at common reasons why raccoons may be attracted to your garden and how to keep them away. What attracts them to the garden? If you want to get rid of these mischievous critters, it is important you know what attracts them to your garden in the first place. You may be unintentionally alluring them to your outdoor space. By understanding their psychology, you can devise effective strategies to deter these visitors. Water sources Raccoons prefer gardens with accessible water sources. This includes watering troughs, bird baths, fountains, and ponds. An interesting fact about raccoons is that they like washing their food in water before having it. It is not exactly for cleaning purposes, rather for enhancing the sensory experience associated with eating. Moreover, these masked critters are excellent swimmers. If you have a pool in your garden, you are likely to find raccoon poop in the shallow areas of the water body. This is why gardens with water bodies are more prone to raccoon invasion than those without a pond or a pool. Food sources Open bins, unattended pet food, bird feeders, and accessible plants, especially corn are a major source of attraction for raccoons. These opportunistic feeders leave no chance of feasting on whatever your garden has to offer. No other garden critter knocks off the trash cans and rummages for food as passionately as raccoons. Shelter Raccoons prefer dark, cozy spaces; thus, a dense, overgrown garden with a shed or garage provides an ideal space for resting. For the same reason, compost piles are also a common hideout spot for raccoons. Tall, branching trees are also a major attractant since Raccoons love climbing and nesting on trees. How to deter them away? No deterrent guarantees 100% results. However, by trying out different methods and switching between them, you can find what works for you. Let’s take a look at some proactive measures to keep the raccoons away from your sanctuary. Natural deterrents to keep them away: Fencing The most efficient way of keeping the raccoons away from your precious plants is to stop their entry into your gardens altogether. And what better way than installing a fence around your garden and crops? Unfortunately, regular chicken wire will not be of any help since raccoons are incredibly intelligent and agile.   They can climb as well as cut into chicken wire, making it useless. The only way to stop them is to install an electric fence that is at least 4 feet tall and cover your plants with a hardware cloth. Make sure you bury the fence at least a foot deep in the ground since raccoons can pull out fences by burrowing the ground. Keeping a dog The presence of predators, such as dogs is effective in keeping the raccoons at bay. Let your dogs out during the day so they can chase, or even kill the annoying ones. Even the sight and growls of a big dog are enough to deter the raccoons. Trapping If you are not comfortable with your dogs killing the raccoons, you can set up live traps around your garden and release the critters, once they are trapped.   Although this is a humane way of deterring the raccoons, it requires comparatively more effort. You will have to carry the trapped raccoon and release it at least 3 miles away from your garden so it does not come back. Premise of other deterrents Olfactory repellants Applying cayenne pepper, peppermint oil, Epsom salt, and crushed soap bars on your plants has shown great progress in keeping the raccoons away. The strong scent and taste both contribute towards making your garden unappealing to these masked critters.   You can also grow raccoon-resistant plant species, particularly those with a strong smell or rough, thorny texture. This includes garlic, squash, cucumbers, oriental poppies, mint, and globe thistle. Make sure you plant these species strategically; forming a protective barrier around your crops. Cleaning your yard Keeping your yard clean greatly contributes to a peaceful green space, free of feral invaders. Clean your yards regularly by picking up fallen fruits and sweeping the leaves. Make sure you transfer your pet food and bird feeders indoors at night.   raccoons usually go for the trash cans first. Hence, securing the lids properly and tying a bungee cord on the trashbags prevents any mess. Do not leave compost or wood piles outdoors, since raccoons may perceive it as a natural den. Lastly, always keep an eye on your crops and harvest them immediately, without waiting for the raccoons to make a move. Decoy food Leaving leftovers and decoy food outside the fence, away from your crops minimizes the chances of raccoons wrecking your yard. You can divert their attention from your plants by intentionally placing food scraps and growing low-maintenance plants on the outskirts. By providing alternative food sources and decoy feeding stations, you can reduce unsolicited visits by these pesky critters.