7 Surprising Foods Raccoons Crave In Your Backyard

Are you surprised to find raccoons scurrying around your backyard? Known for their dexterity and curiosity, raccoons are omnivorous creatures with a penchant for exploring and tasting a variety of foods. Here’s an in-depth look into the 7 Surprising Foods Raccoons Crave in your backyard, helping you understand their dietary preferences and how you can manage their presence effectively.

1. Birdseed

Raccoons are notorious for their ability to raid bird feeders. They crave the fatty content and nutrients in birdseed, which is easy to eat and highly palatable.

How to Attract Less Raccoons:

• Protect Your Feeders: Use feeders that are raccoon-proof or install baffles to make access difficult.
• Use Less Seed: Limiting the amount of birdseed might reduce the allure, but remember to balance this with your birds' needs.

<p class="pro-note">🌿 Pro Tip: Make sure to clean up any seed droppings underneath the feeders to avoid encouraging raccoons with a 'food trail'.</p>

2. Fruits

Raccoons have a sweet tooth for fruits like apples, berries, grapes, and citrus.

Encouraging Natural Alternatives:

• Plant Native Fruit Trees: Instead of leaving fruit lying around, consider planting trees that are native to your area, which not only feed raccoons but also other local wildlife.

<p class="pro-note">🌳 Pro Tip: Planting native fruits can diversify the diet of raccoons and support local ecosystems.</p>

3. Vegetables

A diverse vegetable garden can attract raccoons looking for carrots, corn, peas, beans, potatoes, and squash.

Safeguarding Your Veggies:

• Install Fencing: A sturdy fence can deter raccoons from entering your garden. Make sure it's buried underground to prevent digging.
• Scare Tactics: Employ motion-activated sprinklers or lights to scare away these nocturnal visitors.

<p class="pro-note">🥕 Pro Tip: Consider companion planting to confuse pests with intermingled smells, like marigolds with vegetables.</p>

4. Pet Food

Leaving pet food outside overnight is a sure way to invite raccoons to your yard. They find cat or dog food irresistible.

Keeping Pet Food Secured:

• Indoor Feeding: Feed your pets indoors or clean up any remaining food immediately.
• Secure Storage: Store pet food in sealed containers away from where raccoons might reach.

<p class="pro-note">🐶 Pro Tip: Using an automatic feeder set to dispense food when raccoons are less active can help prevent these encounters.</p>

5. Grill Drippings and Grease

Raccoons love the leftover grease and food particles from your summer BBQs.

BBQ Clean-Up Tips:

• Thorough Cleaning: Clean your grill after every use, including the grease trap, to remove potential food sources.
• Avoid Open Containers: Do not leave garbage or grill parts exposed, especially overnight.

<p class="pro-note">🔥 Pro Tip: Raccoons also like the smells associated with cooking, so minimize strong odors when possible.</p>

6. Food Scraps in Compost

If you compost, raccoons will be drawn to the organic matter, especially fruit and vegetable remnants.

Composting Wisely:

• Bury or Cover: Turn your compost frequently, and if you add food scraps, bury or cover them with soil or leaves.
• Use Compost Bins: Invest in a secure compost bin to reduce raccoon access.

<p class="pro-note">🍌 Pro Tip: Adding layers of 'green' materials like grass clippings can mask the scent of kitchen waste.</p>

7. Fish Food

Raccoons are adept swimmers, and if you have a pond or fish tank, they’ll try for a midnight snack.

Protecting Your Pond:

• Electric Fencing: This can be an effective but humane deterrent, especially when raccoons are getting too close to your fish.
• Secure Food: Use floating feeders that are difficult for raccoons to access.

<p class="pro-note">🐟 Pro Tip: Pond netting can also keep raccoons from reaching your fish or pond flora.</p>

Wrapping Up

Having raccoons in your backyard can be both a delight and a nuisance. Understanding what foods attract them can help you manage their presence more effectively. Use the strategies mentioned to protect your garden, bird feeders, and pet food. Instead of seeing raccoons as pests, consider coexisting harmoniously by making your backyard less appealing to them while supporting their natural diet with native plants.

Remember, it’s not just about deterring raccoons; it's also about understanding their dietary needs and providing alternatives that support local wildlife and ecosystems. Explore related articles on wildlife-friendly gardening and humane wildlife management to learn more about coexisting with nature.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: Always remember that raccoons are intelligent and adaptable creatures; a little planning and preventive measures can go a long way in managing their visits.</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What time of day are raccoons most active?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Raccoons are nocturnal animals, which means they are most active during the night. However, they can also become active during twilight or early morning hours.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can raccoons climb fences?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, raccoons are skilled climbers. They can climb most types of fences unless they are designed with smooth, high surfaces that offer no grip.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I make my compost less attractive to raccoons?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Bury or cover food scraps with a layer of soil or leaves, turn the compost frequently, and use secure bins to make your compost less accessible to raccoons.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What should I do if raccoons become too aggressive or numerous?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>If raccoons are causing too many issues, it might be time to seek professional wildlife removal services. Always consider humane methods first.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are there any foods that are harmful to raccoons?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While raccoons have a varied diet, foods high in sugar, fats, and salt, like junk food or sweets, can be harmful to their health over time.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>