Raccoons are adaptable omnivores, but they generally avoid eating onions. Onions and other plants in the Allium family possess a strong, pungent flavor and odor that acts as a natural deterrent. This avoidance is beneficial because alliums contain compounds that can be harmful to them, making them unappealing as a food source. The raccoon’s preference leans heavily toward items that offer a high caloric reward with minimal effort, which onions do not provide.
Understanding Raccoon Dietary Preferences
Raccoons are omnivores whose generalized digestive system allows them to thrive in varied environments, from forests to urban neighborhoods. Their foraging behavior is primarily driven by the need to consume enough calories and fat, especially during warmer months, to build reserves for winter. This drive means they prioritize foods that are easily digestible and densely packed with energy, such as sugar and fat.
The strong, sulfurous compounds found in onions, garlic, and chives are chemically similar to those that cause toxicity in domestic animals like dogs and cats. Specifically, these alliums contain disulfides and sulfoxides, which can induce hemolytic anemia by damaging red blood cells. Although raccoons are unlikely to consume a fatal dose due to the immediate, aversive taste, the strong flavor signals a low-reward food that is best left untouched. They rely heavily on their keen sense of smell to identify potential food, and the intense odor of alliums is a powerful warning sign they heed.
Garden Produce Raccoons Actively Seek
When raiding a garden, raccoons focus their attention on produce that aligns with their high-calorie requirements. Sweet corn is a primary target, as raccoons systematically strip ears when they reach their milky, peak-sweetness stage. The high sugar content in sweet corn is an irresistible source of quick energy for them.
Raccoons also favor soft, ripe fruits and melons, which provide both sugar and hydration. This includes items like grapes, cherries, and various berries, which are easily plucked and consumed. They also target melons such as cantaloupe and watermelon, often tearing open the rind to access the sugary pulp inside. Gardeners should prioritize protecting these high-value targets, as they offer the energy density that onions lack.
Methods for Raccoon Deterrence
Since raccoons are motivated by accessible food, the most effective deterrence begins with sanitation and securing attractants.
- Remove all outdoor pet food and water bowls before nightfall, as pet kibble is a particularly high-value, high-fat food source.
- Secure trash cans by investing in models with locking lids or by securing existing lids with robust bungee cords stretched over the top and hooked to the handles.
- Store trash cans in an enclosed garage or shed until collection day to eliminate the primary urban food source.
Physical and Sensory Barriers
For protecting specific garden rows or high-value crops, practical physical barriers or sensory deterrents work best. A low-voltage electric fence, using two or three strands placed six and twelve inches above the ground, can deliver a harmless but startling shock. This teaches raccoons to avoid the area permanently. Motion-activated sprinklers are also highly effective, utilizing a sensor to detect the animal’s body heat and release a sudden, startling burst of water. The unexpected noise and spray teaches the nocturnal foragers that the area is not safe for prolonged feeding, offering a chemical-free, repositionable solution.