Raccoons are adaptable omnivores known for their intelligence and dexterity. These common mammals, found in wild and urban environments, possess a varied diet. Raccoons consume corn, especially garden produce.
Raccoons and Corn
Raccoons are highly attracted to corn, particularly sweet corn, due to its high sugar content and abundant carbohydrates. Corn is a favored food source, especially as it ripens. While their diet includes fruits, nuts, insects, and small animals, corn is a significant draw when accessible in gardens and agricultural fields. As opportunistic feeders, raccoons readily consume whatever food is easiest to obtain. They detect when corn kernels reach their sweet, milky stage, making a corn patch an inviting target.
Signs of Raccoon Damage
Observing specific patterns of damage helps identify raccoons. Raccoons pull down corn stalks in various directions, leaving a haphazard scene. They strip husks from the cob and gnaw kernels, frequently starting from the top. A muddy appearance on eaten cobs indicates dirt transfer from their paws. Claw marks are also visible on stalks and leaves.
Damage occurs when corn is in its milk stage, as kernels are sweetest and most moist. Unlike deer, which leave clean-bitten cobs, raccoons are messier, often eating only a portion of an ear before moving on. Birds peck kernels, creating a “firecracker” look without knocking down stalks. Squirrels target the heart of the kernel or dig up seedlings.
Protecting Your Corn
Protecting corn from raccoons requires proactive strategies. Physical barriers are often the most effective deterrents. A low-lying electric fence with two or more strands provides a humane, effective shock. One wire placed about five inches from the ground and another about four inches higher, powered by a battery-operated charger, creates a barrier. Clearing the area around the fence of weeds helps maintain the electrical current.
Enclosing the corn patch with sturdy kennel fencing is another option; ensure panels are tightly secured. Planting prickly squash or gourd varieties around corn can deter them, as raccoons dislike walking on their rough texture. Taller corn varieties may offer some protection, as their ears are higher.
Scare tactics, such as motion-activated lights or noisemakers, can temporarily deter raccoons. However, these intelligent animals quickly become accustomed to such devices, reducing their long-term effectiveness. Repellents like cayenne pepper spray or wood ashes can be applied around plants. Implement protective measures before corn ripens, as raccoons are difficult to deter once they have tasted the crop.