Raccoons are a big threat to your sweet corn harvest. But, there are ways to keep them at bay. Many think raccoons are hard to stop from eating sweet corn, but that's not true. Let's learn the secrets gardeners use to protect their sweet corn. You can outsmart these sneaky animals.
First, plant tall sweet corn varieties. Silver Queen, Kandy Korn, and Platinum Lady grows up to 8 feet high. This makes it hard for raccoons to get at your corn. You can also plant squash as a barrier.
Plants like cucumbers, summer squash, and winter squash have a smell and spikes that keep raccoons away. By planting squash around your corn, you create a shield against raccoons.
Physical barriers also work well. Electric fences with wires at different heights stop raccoons from climbing. They give raccoons a harmless shock. A floppy fence is another smart choice.
A floppy fence hangs from a sturdy fence. When a raccoon tries to climb, it falls over. The raccoon can't reach the sweet corn. It's a smart trick that helps keep your corn safe.
Wrapping the corn ears with duct tape can also protect them. This hack, used by many gardeners, makes raccoons look elsewhere for food.
For even better defense, try Nite Guard Solar lights. They flash red light that scares raccoons. Let these lights guard your corn around the clock.
With these strategies, you can protect your sweet corn. But raccoons like other foods, too. Peas, melons, berries, apples, pears, and plums are also at risk. So, keep watch and use multiple techniques to protect your whole garden.
Keep reading to find more ways to keep raccoons away and have a great harvest.
Plant Tall Varieties of Sweet Corn
Tall sweet corn varieties are great for keeping raccoons away from your crop. Raccoons love sweet corn but have a hard time reaching it if it's tall. Varieties like Silver Queen and Platinum Lady can grow over 8 feet high.
By planting these tall kinds, you naturally stop raccoons from getting your corn. This method cuts the chance of raccoon damage, saving your harvest.
Not only that, but tall corn means more corn for you. These varieties often have bigger ears and more kernels, giving you a better harvest.
| Tall Varieties | Height | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Queen | 8 feet or more | Larger ears and kernels |
| Kandy Korn | 8-9 feet | High yields and excellent flavor |
| Platinum Lady | 8-10 feet | Tender kernels and reliable growth |
Create a Barrier with Squash Plants
Raccoons don't like squash plants because they smell bad and have sharp thorns. By planting a barrier of cucumbers, summer squash, and winter squash around your corn, you can keep raccoons at bay.
Making a barrier two or three plants deep with squash, or mixing squash with your corn, is a strategy that works. The unique smell and scratchy texture of squash scare raccoons off. This keeps them away from your sweet corn.
- Benefits of using squash plants:
| Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| Prickly vines and leaves | The prickly spikes on squash vines and leaves act as a natural deterrent, making raccoons think twice before attempting to enter your sweet corn patch. |
| Strong smell | The distinct odor of squash plants can help keep raccoons away from your cornfield. Raccoons find the scent unappealing and are less likely to venture near. |
| Natural barrier | By surrounding your sweet corn with squash plants, you're creating a physical barrier that raccoons are inclined to avoid. They prefer easier access to food sources and will be deterred by the presence of the squash plants. |
Planting squash in your garden serves two purposes: it keeps raccoons away from your corn and makes your garden more colorful. Use different types of squash for the best effect.
Use Fences as a Physical Barrier
Fences are great for keeping raccoons away from sweet corn. They make a barrier that stops raccoons from getting to your corn. Electric and floppy fences are top choices for keeping your harvest safe.
Electric Fences
Electric fences keep raccoons out well. They have wires that give raccoons a shock if they try to climb over. This shock teaches raccoons to stay away.
It's key to set up electric fences right. Premier brand's fences, for instance, have 4 wires that are 18" high and posts every 12.5 feet. This setup stops raccoons from slipping under or over the fence.
These fences also use a special wire that shocks raccoons better. This special wire makes the fence work better at keeping raccoons out. Testing the fence often is important to ensure it's working right.
For your electric fence, check the voltage regularly. This means it can still scare raccoons away as needed. Use good energizers for long-lasting results.
| Energizer Type | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Solar Energizer | - Costly
- Portable - Suitable for areas without access to electricity |
| Plug-in & Battery Energizer | - Less expensive
- Not as portable - Effective for fences exposed to heavy vegetation - Less effective in cold temperatures |
Floppy Fences
Floppy fences are a cool way to keep raccoons off your corn. They have a flexible part that stops raccoons from climbing. When they try, it falls and they can't get up.
These fences work well but make sure the flexible part is strong. If it's not, raccoons might still get through. Using electric and floppy together is the best way to protect your corn.
Start protecting your corn a week before it's ready to eat. This early action makes sure you have a successful harvest. Preparing ahead of time is the best strategy.
Wrap the Ears of Sweet Corn
Keeping your sweet corn safe from raccoons is key for a good harvest. Wrapping the ears with a barrier works well to keep raccoons away. Experienced gardeners use filament tape or plastic bags to protect their corn.
This method acts as a strong raccoon deterrent for corn. It makes it hard for raccoons to reach the kernels. With the right wrap, you can keep raccoons from opening the husks.
Use filament tape by wrapping it tightly, covering the husk fully. Its strong adhesive stops raccoons from removing the husks. Plastic bags can also work; just be sure to seal them tightly around the ears.
Check your wrapped ears often and update them as needed. Bad weather can damage the wraps, letting raccoons in. Keeping the barrier secure is vital for protecting your corn.
Wrapping the ears really helps in keeping raccoons away from your corn. It's a simple way to make sure your harvest stays safe. Combined with other methods like planting taller corn, physical barriers, and repellents, this technique adds extra protection.
| Raccoon Damage Prevention Techniques | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Planting tall varieties of sweet corn | Medium |
| Creating a barrier with squash plants | High |
| Using fences as a physical barrier | High |
| Wrapping the ears of sweet corn | High |
| Installing Nite Guard Solar lights | Medium |
Use Nite Guard Solar Lights as a Raccoon Deterrent
Raccoons love sweet corn, making it hard to keep them off the fields. However, with the right approach, you can protect your crops. A top choice for many is using Nite Guard Solar lights.
These solar lights are great at keeping raccoons away. They have been tested and praised by many. Their effect on scaring predators is clear.
The lights flash a strong red LED light that looks like glowing eyes. This scares away raccoons and other animals. It tricks the pests into thinking a bigger predator is near, making them run off.
People who have used Nite Guard Solar lights share positive feedback. They talk about losing less to predators, whether it’s livestock, poultry, plants, or fish. Others tell of guarding large areas successfully, like a 4-acre sweet corn field.
Setting up these lights is easy. Place them at the animal's eye level and about 25-50 feet apart. Do this all around the area you’re protecting for the best effect.
These lights are made to last for about 3 years of nightly use. They're great for other outdoor tasks too, like camping or hunting. Their small, sturdy build is perfect for any outdoor space.
The red flash from the lights can be seen from up to ½ mile away. It warns raccoons and other threats to stay out, protecting your crops well.
Remember that shipping can be an issue for these lights, with only UPS Ground delivery available.
To sum up, Nite Guard Solar lights are a trusted method for keeping raccoons away from sweet corn. They stand out for how well they work, how easy they are to use, and their durability. They are your allies in guarding your sweet corn from raccoons.
Seek Professional Wildlife Control
If raccoons keep causing trouble despite your best efforts, consider getting professional help. Humane wildlife experts know how to safely get rid of raccoons. They also help protect your crops from harm.
Companies like Critter Control are skilled in managing raccoon issues. They employ experts who are trained to deal with raccoons. This means they can find the right solutions for you.
No matter how big your raccoon problem is, these experts can help. They have what they need to remove raccoons safely. And, they can do it in a way that won't harm the animals.
These professionals care about being kind to animals too. They want to protect both the raccoons and your crops. So, they use ethical methods to control the raccoons.
With experts on your side, your crops will be well looked after. They'll take out the raccoons and make sure they don't come back. This way, your farm will be safe from harm.
Don't take chances with your sweet corn. Let the pros handle any raccoon problems. This keeps your farm and crops safe and running smoothly.
Massachusetts Farm Bureau Assistance
Don't know where to find help? The Massachusetts Farm Bureau can link you with local experts. They can also connect you with state fish and game officials. This is a great resource for advice on raccoon control.
Install Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Use motion-activated sprinklers to keep raccoons away from your corn. These gadgets sense movement and then spray water. This startles raccoons and makes them leave your corn alone.
Adding these sprinklers is a safe way to protect your corn. Raccoons don’t like water or sudden surprises. So, when they see the sprinkler, they learn to stay away.
Put the sprinklers all around your cornfield. This makes a barrier that raccoons don’t want to cross. The water surprises them, making them avoid your corn.
These sprinklers work all the time, not just when you're there. They catch raccoons and spray water right away. This keeps your corn safe from raccoons.
Place the sprinklers where raccoons usually go. This could be near your corn or where they’ve been before. The right placement makes them a strong defense.
Sometimes, raccoons might try to get used to the sprinklers. To stop this, move the sprinklers or change their height. This keeps raccoons on their toes.
With motion-activated sprinklers, you're using a smart way to protect your corn. The water, sound, and movement surprise raccoons. It’s a way to keep your corn safe without hurting them.
Next, let's look at other ways to keep raccoons away. This will make your corn even safer from these sneaky animals.
Remove Potential Food Sources
Raccoons love food, so it's best to get rid of what attracts them. If you take away these foods, raccoons will be less likely to come to your corn crops.
First off, make sure your trash cans are tightly shut. Raccoons look for food in the garbage. Use cans that they can't get into easily to keep them out of your trash.
Also, pick up any fruit or nuts that fall in your yard. Raccoons enjoy these as snacks. Pick up things like apples, peaches, and nuts as soon as they fall.
It's also important to keep pet food inside. Outdoor pet food can lure raccoons looking for an easy meal. Place your pet's dishes where raccoons can't get to them, such as in a room you can close.
Getting rid of these food options helps keep raccoons away from your corn crops. Remember, the best defense is to prevent raccoons from finding anything to eat.
Keep Your Garden Clean and Tidy
Keeping your garden neat is vital to stop raccoons from snacking on your sweet corn. These critters love messy places that offer food and hiding. With simple steps, you can avoid raccoons and keep your sweet corn safe.
- Remove debris: Clear away piles of wood, brush, or any other clutter that raccoons could use as hiding places. By eliminating these potential hiding spots, you make your garden less inviting to raccoons.
- Trim vegetation: Overgrown plants make it easy for raccoons to get to your corn. By cutting back these plants, you remove their hiding spots and routes to your crops.
- Clean up fallen fruit: Ripe fruit that falls is a big draw for raccoons. Pick up any fruit that drops from your trees quickly to turn away these pests.
- Secure trash cans: Raccoons love trash with meat and fish. Make sure your trash cans are closed tight to keep them out.
- Store pet food indoors: Raccoons also can't resist pet kibble. Keep your pets' food inside to not attract raccoons to your yard.
Follow these tips to keep a tidy garden and protect your sweet corn from raccoon harm. Remember, it's all about stopping raccoons from coming around with a few easy actions. Keeping your garden tidy is also a great way to make sure you get a good harvest.
Utilize Scare Tactics and Repellents
To keep raccoons away from your sweet corn, using scare tactics and repellents is smart. There are different methods you can use for a good harvest.
Motion-Activated Devices
Motion-activated devices can scare raccoons. Put up owl decoys or hang wind chimes in your corn area. These will move and make noises, frightening raccoons and keeping them away from your crops.
Natural Repellents
Using natural repellents is another choice. You can sprinkle predator urine like coyote or fox around your garden. The smell of these animals can scare raccoons. Hot pepper spray is also effective. Its strong scent and taste will drive raccoons away from your sweet corn.
Proper Application
When using scare tactics and repellents, always read the instructions. Apply them as advised and after it rains. Raccoons are smart, so changing up your methods is key. This stops them from getting used to one method.
| Scare Tactics and Repellents | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Motion-Activated Devices | High |
| Natural Repellents | Moderate |
Combining these techniques can protect your sweet corn. Whether it's scaring them with motion or using the smell of predators, these methods work. They help you save your crops and have a good harvest.
Conclusion
Keeping raccoons away from your sweet corn harvest is key to a successful garden. The damage they cause near harvest time is devastating. Imagine waking up to find all your corn destroyed just when it was ready to pick.
To stop raccoons, you need a mix of tactics. Growing taller corn varieties, like Silver Queen, can help. Placing physical barriers around the corn, for example, squash plants, might also keep raccoons out. Fences with multiple wires and electric shocks can be effective too.
Adding deterrent lights or using motion-activated sprinklers could scare off raccoons. However, if your corn is still at risk, it might be time to call in the experts. Wildlife professionals know how to safely remove raccoons and stop them from coming back.
Following these steps can safeguard your sweet corn from raccoons. This means a plentiful, tasty harvest for you to enjoy.
