Raccoons are highly adaptable omnivores that readily consume mealworms when presented with the opportunity. As opportunistic foragers found across diverse environments, raccoons have a broad diet that includes both plant matter and animal protein. Mealworms are a concentrated source of nutrition, representing a desirable meal for these resourceful mammals. This natural inclination to eat insects explains why raccoons frequently target supplies of mealworms intended for wild birds or domestic poultry.
The Raccoon Diet and Insect Consumption
The raccoon’s diet is fundamentally varied, allowing it to thrive in numerous habitats by eating whatever is most available. Their menu shifts seasonally, encompassing fruits, nuts, grains, small vertebrates, and invertebrates. Insects, including larvae, beetles, crickets, and grubs, represent a consistent portion of their natural foraging behavior.
During warmer months, raccoons prioritize protein-rich foods, making invertebrates a staple. They use their sensitive forepaws to actively search and dig for these protein sources, such as earthworms and beetle larvae, in soil and leaf litter. This innate behavior of seeking out concentrated insect sources explains their attraction to domestic mealworm supplies.
Why Mealworms Are an Attractive Food Source
Mealworms, the larval form of the darkling beetle (Tenebrio molitor), offer a highly concentrated source of energy that is biologically appealing to raccoons. Dried mealworms contain a high percentage of crude protein (often around 50% by weight) and substantial fat content (up to 27% in dried forms). This dense nutritional profile provides a significant caloric boost, valuable for a mammal preparing for winter or a female feeding her young.
This high-calorie density makes accessible mealworms far more efficient than hunting scattered prey. Finding a bird feeder or a secured container filled with these nutrient-packed larvae is a major foraging win for an opportunistic feeder. The protein and fat content support the high metabolic needs of a nocturnal mammal. The ease of access and immediate nutritional reward combine to make mealworms an irresistible target.
Preventing Raccoon Raids on Mealworm Supplies
The most effective method for preventing raccoons from raiding mealworm supplies is to eliminate nighttime access to the food source. Since raccoons are primarily nocturnal, bringing bird feeders, chicken feed, or open containers indoors before dusk stops the problem immediately. For supplies that cannot be moved, such as large chicken coops, containers should be secured with locking mechanisms that raccoons cannot manipulate.
When using feeders, especially for wild birds, consider replacing standard models with weight-activated feeders. These feeders are designed to close the feeding ports under the weight of a raccoon or squirrel. Feeders should be mounted on poles at least four feet away from any structure, tree, or fence a raccoon could climb or jump from. Attaching a large, smooth baffle, such as a stovepipe or torpedo design, to the pole prevents raccoons from climbing up from the ground.