Keeping Raccoons out of your garden
This time of year raccoons are running rampant. Raccoons raid your yard and garden from dusk till dawn looking for anything edible! Raccoons are omnivores. They will eat whatever they can find. Their favorite foods can be found in your trash cans and at your squirrel or birdfeeder. They scavenge for cat or dog food, suet, sunflower seeds, and they even venture into the vegetable garden looking for corn. They can also be fairly destructive and are strong enough to pull off siding and tear an opening to get into your home. If you are searching for ways to rid yourself of these pests. Here are a few alternatives since trapping and releasing seems to be futile. You can try starve them away and try to discourage them from making nightly visits to your yard. There is no sure fire way to keep Raccoons away once they begin their nightly visits but here are a few suggestions.
-Make sure no pet food or water bowls are left outside at twilight or at night.
Raccoons always wash whatever they are eating in water, be sure to eliminate any or all easy water sources.
-Use steel garbage cans with sturdy lids and tie downs.
Before closing your lid, add a small splash of ammonia. Raccoons HATE the smell.
-A good barking dog might work to scare them off. (Use caution with this idea- raccoons have very sharp claws and may harm your beloved pet)
-Try Installing motion activated lighting.
-Voices will discourage raccoons, try buying a cheap battery powered radio, turn it on a ‘talk station’ and leave it turned on by the trash cans at night.
-Place your bug zapper in the garden and leave it on all night.
-Place twinkling outside Christmas lights on a tree or two.
-Install an electric fence around your garden area.
Raccoons carry rabies and parasites and even though they appear cute and friendly, keep in mind they are a WILD animal. Adult raccoons are about 2 to 3 1/2 feet long, including their tail and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds. When nothing else works you may need to consider placing your trash cans in cages to totally prevent access.
© 2008 oOdles of infOrmation
