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The Ultimate Guide: How To Keep Raccoons Out Of My Garden
You want to keep raccoons out of your garden. How do you do it? The best way is to make your garden less appealing to them. This means removing things that attract them, like food and water. You also need to use barriers and maybe things they don’t like the smell or taste of. Keeping raccoons out of your garden takes a few steps, but it can be done. We will show you how to protect your plants from raccoon garden damage.
Why Raccoons Like Your Garden
Raccoons are smart animals. They are always looking for food and a safe place. Your garden often has both.
Gardens are like a big buffet for raccoons.
They love fruits and vegetables. Corn, melons, berries, and tomatoes are big favorites.
They also eat insects, worms, and other small creatures found in garden soil.
A garden often has a water source, like a bird bath or sprinkler. Raccoons need water to drink and wash their food.
Gardens can also offer shelter among thick plants or under structures.
Knowing what they like helps you stop them. You need to take away these attractions.
Seeing the Signs of Raccoon Visits
How can you tell if raccoons are visiting your garden?
Look for these clues:
- Missing Produce: Fruit or vegetables are gone, or just partly eaten. Corn stalks are often pulled over.
- Overturned Pots: They might dig for grubs or look for scraps.
- Tracks: Raccoon tracks look like small human hands. They have five toes. Look for them in soft soil or mud.
- Digging: Raccoons dig small holes in the lawn or garden beds. They look for worms or insects.
- Droppings: Raccoon poop is often found near where they eat or climb. It can look different depending on what they ate. Be careful with raccoon droppings. They can have harmful germs.
- General Mess: Things are knocked over, plants are damaged. This is typical raccoon garden damage.
If you see these signs, raccoons are likely the problem. Now you can start protecting garden from raccoons.
Simple Steps to Start With
Before you build fences or buy sprays, do these simple things. They make your garden less inviting.
Secure Trash Cans
Trash cans are a prime raccoon target. They smell like food.
Use cans with tight-fitting lids.
You can use bungee cords or weights to keep lids on tight.
Keep trash cans in a shed or garage if possible.
Put trash out on the morning of pick-up day, not the night before.
Clean Up Fallen Food
Pick up any fallen fruit from trees.
Clean up spilled pet food or birdseed.
Don’t leave pet food bowls outside at night. Raccoons will eat it.
Clean grills after use. The leftover smells attract them.
Remove Water Sources
Empty pet water bowls at night.
Fix leaky hoses or sprinklers.
If you have a pond, make sure it’s not an easy place for them to get water.
These simple steps help a lot. They take away the easy food and water raccoons look for.
Putting Up Physical Walls
Physical barriers are often the most effective way to stop raccoons. They simply block them from getting in.
Building a Raccoon Fence
A regular garden fence might not be enough. Raccoons can climb well. They can also dig under fences.
A good raccoon fence garden needs to be designed specifically to keep them out.
- Height: Fences should be at least 3-4 feet tall. Raccoons can climb higher, but this height makes it harder.
- Material: Use strong mesh or wire fence. Chicken wire is too weak. Raccoons can tear it. Woven wire mesh is better.
- Overhang: Add an outward-angled section at the top. About 1 foot of wire mesh bent outward at a 45-degree angle makes climbing over very difficult. Raccoons climbing up will hit this barrier and fall off.
- Burying: Bury the bottom of the fence at least 6-12 inches deep. Bend the bottom edge outward in an ‘L’ shape underground. This stops raccoons from digging under the fence.
Building this type of fence takes work. But it is a long-term solution for raccoon proofing garden areas.
Using an Electric Fence
An electric fence for raccoons is a very good barrier. It doesn’t hurt them badly, but gives a surprising shock. This teaches them to stay away.
- How it Works: An electric fence uses a charger to send small pulses of electricity through wires. When an animal touches the wire and the ground at the same time, it gets a quick, harmless shock.
- Setup: You need fence posts, wire, insulators (to keep wire off posts), and a fence charger.
- Wire Placement: Place wires low to the ground. Raccoons are short. They often touch the wire with their sensitive nose or paws when trying to get through.
- A good setup is two or three wires.
- Put one wire 4 inches off the ground.
- Put the second wire 8 inches off the ground.
- Maybe add a third wire 12 inches up for extra security.
- Charger Type: Use a low-power charger meant for small animals. A battery-powered charger is good if you don’t have power nearby. Make sure it says it works for raccoons or similar small pests.
- Grounding: The fence must be properly grounded to work. Use a ground rod pushed into the earth.
An electric fence is very effective for keeping raccoons out of vegetable garden areas, especially where they target rows of crops like corn. The shock is memorable and keeps them away.
Netting and Covers
For specific plants or small garden beds, netting works well.
Use bird netting or garden mesh.
Drape it over plants or build a simple frame to support it.
Make sure the edges are secured tightly to the ground. Use stakes, bricks, or soil to hold them down. Raccoons will try to find gaps.
This method is good for protecting berry bushes or specific vegetable patches. It adds another layer to raccoon proofing garden efforts.
Using Things Raccoons Dislike
Raccoons have a good sense of smell and taste. Some things are natural repellents. These are part of using a natural raccoon repellent.
Smells They Hate
Raccoons do not like strong smells.
* Capsaicin (Hot Pepper): The stuff that makes peppers hot. You can buy sprays with capsaicin or make your own. Raccoons touch it, then touch their face, and it burns.
* Garlic: The strong smell of garlic can keep them away.
* Peppermint: Raccoons don’t like the smell of peppermint.
* Ammonia: The smell of ammonia is often linked to predator urine. This can scare raccoons. Soak rags in ammonia and place them around the garden. Put them in cans or jars tipped on their side so the rain doesn’t wash the ammonia away quickly. Be careful using ammonia near edible plants.
* Mothballs: Some people use mothballs, but they contain chemicals. Their use is often not advised in gardens, and they don’t always work.
Using smells can be hit or miss. They work best when used with other methods. Rain washes smells away, so you need to apply them often.
Tastes They Avoid
Raccoons also dislike certain tastes.
* Hot Pepper Sprays: These can make plants taste bad. Reapply after rain.
* Bitter Sprays: Some commercial repellents have bittering agents.
These taste repellents are applied directly to the plants you want to protect. This is part of protecting garden from raccoons by making the food unappealing.
Making Your Own Raccoon Deterrent
You can make a homemade raccoon deterrent using simple things you might have. This is a cost-effective way to use a natural raccoon repellent.
- Hot Pepper Mix: Mix hot pepper flakes or hot sauce with water. Add a little dish soap (this helps it stick to plants). Spray this mix on plant leaves. Remember to wash your produce well before eating!
- Garlic and Pepper Spray: Blend garlic cloves and hot peppers with water. Strain the liquid. Add soap and spray.
- Ammonia Rags: Soak rags in ammonia. Place them around the garden border or near entry points. Refresh the ammonia often.
- Castor Oil Mix: Mix castor oil with dish soap and water. Castor oil can make the ground smell bad for raccoons looking for grubs.
These homemade options can work for a while. But they need regular reapplication, especially after rain or watering.
Buying Raccoon Repellent Sprays
Many stores sell raccoon repellent spray. These often use ingredients like:
* Capsaicin (hot pepper)
* Predator urine (like fox or coyote urine, the smell scares raccoons)
* Essential oils (like peppermint or sometimes citrus)
* Bittering agents
When using a commercial spray:
* Read the label carefully. Make sure it’s safe to use around plants, especially food plants.
* Follow the instructions for how much to use and how often.
* Apply after rain or heavy dew.
Commercial sprays can be more effective than homemade ones sometimes. They are designed to stick to surfaces better and last longer. They are one answer to what keeps raccoons away.
Other Things That Might Scare Them
Besides barriers and smells, some other things might make raccoons uncomfortable in your garden.
Lights
Raccoons are nocturnal. They are most active at night. Bright lights can bother them.
Install motion-activated lights. When a raccoon enters the garden, the light turns on suddenly. This can scare them off. Place lights low to the ground where they enter.
Sounds
Loud, sudden noises can startle raccoons.
Motion-activated sprinklers are great because they combine water and noise. When a raccoon breaks the motion sensor beam, a burst of water shoots out with a sudden noise. This is often very effective. It’s also a humane way to deter them.
Some people try radios, but raccoons might get used to constant noise. Sudden noise is better.
Scare Devices
Shiny objects or scarecrows might work for a very short time. Raccoons are smart. They learn quickly that these things are not a real threat. They are usually not a good long-term solution for protecting garden from raccoons.
Specific Tips for Vegetable Gardens
Keeping raccoons out of vegetable garden areas needs extra care. This is where your most tempting food grows.
- Corn: Raccoons love corn. They often eat it when the kernels are soft and sweet (“milk stage”). An electric fence is one of the most effective ways to protect corn. Ring the corn patch with two or three electric wires.
- Melons: Melons on the ground are easy targets. Place them on raised platforms or use strong netting.
- Berries: Cover berry bushes with fine mesh netting before the fruit ripens. Secure the netting at the bottom.
- Tomatoes: Raccoons will steal ripe tomatoes. Cage plants and use netting. Consider using repellents around the base of the plants (but not on the fruit itself unless it’s a food-safe spray).
For vegetables, a combination of methods works best. Fencing or electric fences give a strong first line of defense. Repellents can make plants less appealing if they get past the fence. This is key for successful keeping raccoons out of vegetable garden.
Combining Different Methods
No single method works 100% of the time. Raccoons are adaptable. They might get used to one thing.
The best way to keep them out is to use several methods at once. This is called an integrated approach for raccoon proofing garden spaces.
Think of layers of defense:
1. Remove Attractants: First, make your garden less desirable (clean up food, secure trash).
2. Build Barriers: Use a fence or electric fence (raccoon fence garden, electric fence for raccoons). This is your main defense.
3. Add Repellents: Use smells or tastes they hate (natural raccoon repellent, homemade raccoon deterrent, raccoon repellent spray). Place these along the outside of the fence or near specific plants.
4. Use Scare Tactics: Add motion lights or sprinklers for sudden surprises (what keeps raccoons away at night).
By using several of these strategies together, you make your garden a very difficult and unpleasant place for raccoons. This greatly increases your chances of protecting garden from raccoons.
Humane Ways to Handle Raccoons
It’s important to try to keep raccoons out without harming them. They are wild animals looking for food.
The methods discussed – fences, repellents, scare tactics – are humane. They discourage raccoons without hurting them badly.
Avoid using poisons. Poisons cause suffering to the raccoon and can also harm pets or other wildlife that might find the poisoned animal.
Trapping can be complicated. Laws vary by location regarding trapping and releasing raccoons. Raccoons trapped and moved often don’t survive well in new places. Also, they can travel long distances and might just come back. It’s generally better to focus on making your garden unattractive to them in the first place.
Focus on deterring them and making your garden a place they don’t want to be.
What NOT To Do
- Do not use poisons: This is harmful and inhumane. It can also harm other animals.
- Do not feed raccoons: This makes them more dependent on humans and bolder. It also attracts more raccoons to your area.
- Do not try to pet or handle raccoons: They are wild animals and can bite or scratch. They can also carry diseases like rabies.
- Do not trap raccoons without knowing the local laws: Trapping and relocating might be illegal or ineffective.
Stick to safe, humane methods like barriers and repellents for keeping raccoons out of vegetable garden and other areas.
Choosing the Right Method for You
The best strategy depends on your situation:
- Small garden or a few plants: Netting or repellents might be enough.
- Large garden or recurring problem: A sturdy fence (raccoon fence garden) or electric fence (electric fence for raccoons) is likely needed.
- Want a quick fix: Repellent sprays (raccoon repellent spray) or motion sprinklers offer fast, temporary help.
- Want a long-term fix: Focus on fencing and removing attractants (raccoon proofing garden).
Think about the size of your garden, your budget, and how much time you have. Combining a few methods usually works best for protecting garden from raccoons long term.
Keeping It Up
Keeping raccoons away is often not a one-time fix. You need to keep up with your chosen methods.
Check fences for damage.
Reapply repellents after rain.
Adjust sprinklers or lights as needed.
Keep trash and food sources secured.
Being consistent is key to stopping raccoon garden damage over the whole growing season.
Wrapping Up the Strategy
Keeping raccoons out of your garden is possible. It takes effort and the right approach.
Start by cleaning up things that attract them. Secure food and water sources.
Then, build physical barriers like a strong fence or an electric fence. These are very effective.
Add repellents like sprays or homemade mixes to make the garden less appealing to their senses.
Use scare tactics like motion lights or sprinklers for extra defense at night.
Use several methods together for the best results.
Always use humane methods. Focus on deterring them, not harming them.
By using these steps, you can greatly reduce the chances of raccoons visiting your garden. You can protect your hard work and enjoy your plants and vegetables. This guide gives you the tools for successful keeping raccoons out of vegetable garden areas and your entire yard. Raccoon proofing garden spaces protects your plants from frustrating raccoon garden damage. Using a mix of barriers, natural raccoon repellent options, and maybe an electric fence for raccoons or a good raccoon fence garden setup, along with simple cleanup, is what keeps raccoons away. Whether you use a homemade raccoon deterrent or a store-bought raccoon repellent spray, the goal is to make your garden unfriendly to these clever visitors, ensuring protecting garden from raccoons is a success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Raccoons Out of Gardens
Q: Will mothballs keep raccoons away?
A: Mothballs are sometimes suggested, but they are not very effective. They contain chemicals that shouldn’t really be in a garden. There are better, safer ways to deter raccoons.
Q: Do coffee grounds work as a repellent?
A: Some people say coffee grounds or sprinkle cayenne pepper work. They rely on strong smells. These might work for a short time but usually don’t offer long-term protection, especially after rain.
Q: Are raccoons dangerous?
A: Raccoons are wild animals. They usually avoid people. But they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or if they are used to getting food from humans. They can carry diseases like rabies. It’s best to keep your distance and focus on deterring them humanely.
Q: How high can a raccoon climb?
A: Raccoons are excellent climbers. They can climb fences, trees, and walls. A fence needs features like an overhang or electric wires to stop them from climbing over.
Q: How deep do raccoons dig?
A: Raccoons usually don’t dig very deep. They might dig a few inches into the soil looking for grubs or roots. Burying a fence 6-12 inches with an L-shaped footings is usually enough to stop them from digging under.
Q: How often do I need to reapply repellent spray?
A: This depends on the product and the weather. Natural or homemade sprays often need to be reapplied every few days or after any rain. Commercial sprays might last longer. Check the product label for instructions.
Q: Can motion-activated sprinklers harm raccoons?
A: No, motion-activated sprinklers just spray water. This startles and annoys the raccoons, making them leave. It does not harm them.
Q: Is an electric fence safe for pets?
A: A low-power electric fence designed for pest control delivers a mild shock that is safe for most pets. However, it’s wise to let your pets learn about the fence while supervised. You can even buy small testers to show the fence is working. Place warning signs on the fence.
Q: When are raccoons most active in gardens?
A: Raccoons are mostly nocturnal. This means they are most active at night, from dusk to dawn. This is when they will likely visit your garden.
Q: Will trapping and moving a raccoon solve the problem?
A: Often, no. Raccoons are territorial and can travel far. A moved raccoon may struggle to survive in a new area. Also, another raccoon may just move into the empty territory your garden provides. Focusing on making your garden unattractive is a better long-term solution. Check your local laws before considering trapping.