Raccoons are highly intelligent, opportunistic omnivores that have successfully adapted to residential environments by exploiting human-provided food sources. Their exceptional sense of smell allows them to detect even faint food odors from a distance. This keen ability, combined with their dexterity, makes them persistent foragers drawn to specific types of calorie-dense meals. Understanding the foods that attract these nocturnal visitors is the first step in deterring them from your home.
Primary Attractants in Household Waste
Unsecured garbage cans represent the most frequent source of conflict, offering discarded human food. Raccoons prioritize items high in fat, sugar, and protein, as these offer the most efficient energy return. Strong, lingering odors act as a beacon, guiding them to the container itself.
Leftover cooked meat, particularly fatty scraps like chicken bones, pork ribs, and beef trimmings, are irresistible due to their pungent aroma. This high-protein, high-fat content signals a substantial meal. Sweets, desserts, and baked goods also attract attention because of their concentrated sugar content.
Even seemingly empty items like discarded fast-food containers or greasy pizza boxes can lure raccoons. The residual grease and oil absorbed into the cardboard or paper emits a strong, fatty scent that triggers foraging behavior. Overly ripe produce, such as bananas or citrus fruits, releases fermented compounds that are highly attractive. Once a raccoon successfully raids a bin, it will remember that location as a reliable food source and return nightly.
Readily Accessible Outdoor Meals
Foods intentionally placed outdoors for pets or wildlife are easy targets for a hungry raccoon. Pet food, whether dry kibble or wet canned food, is formulated to be nutrient-dense and high in protein and fat. The scent of wet pet food is particularly strong and can draw an animal from a distance.
Bird feeders are another common source, providing a concentrated supply of high-calorie seeds and grains. Raccoons are attracted to sunflower seeds and cracked corn mixes, which they consume from the ground or by climbing the feeder. Suet cakes, which are almost pure fat, also represent a dense energy source.
Unsecured compost piles are a significant draw, especially when they contain kitchen scraps like fruit peels, eggshells, or vegetable trimmings. They view decomposing organic matter as an opportunity for a meal. Adding meat or dairy to compost is problematic, as the strong odors from these items guarantee a nightly visit.
Garden and Natural Food Sources
Raccoons readily forage for natural food items found directly in the landscape, including cultivated crops and natural prey. Ripening fruits are a primary target, with soft, sweet varieties like berries, grapes, and plums being vulnerable.
They also show a preference for soft, pulpy vegetables, such as melons and squash. Corn is the most notorious garden attractant, as raccoons strip the kernels directly from the stalk once the ears mature. These foods offer the high sugar and carbohydrate content needed to build up fat reserves.
Raccoons spend time foraging for natural prey items hidden beneath the soil. They tear up lawns and turf while hunting for earthworms, beetle larvae, and grubs. This search for protein-rich sustenance often results in noticeable damage to residential yards. A comprehensive removal of all potential attractants is necessary to discourage their presence.