Raccoons are well known for their dumpster diving. They are willing and able to eat most foods that humans can eat. They are omnivorous and can scavenge for carrion when needed. This makes them uniquely suited to thrive in both forested and urban environments. Because of this, the New York metro area is a hotbed of raccoon activity. Below, we will discuss raccoon eating habits, and what you can do to limit their presence on your property.
Eating Habits: Garbage Grub
Raccoons can eat most organic material they find in the garbage. Their preferred items include fish, fruit, eggs, and vegetables. However, they will eat whatever is available and abundant.
Reducing Dumpster Diving
The best way to limit raccoon activity in your trash is to invest in sturdy, animal-proof garbage bins with locking lids. This will help reduce their access to food. Additionally, secure these cans in an upright position to prevent them from being knocked over. Further deterrents may include sprinkling cayenne pepper around the cans, as raccoons do not like the smell of the pungent spice.
Eating Habits: In the Wild
Raccoons can forage, hunt, and scavenge for a meal in the wild. They are known to hunt insects, catch fish, and even attack small animals like birds or frogs. Additionally, they can eat from a number of different plants. Their wide assortment of potential food sources gives them a lot of options for survivability. It also means that they can probably find something to eat on or near your property.
Protecting the “Wilds” of Your Backyard
Raccoons will look for familiar sources of food in your backyard. This may include your garden, flowering plants, or even a fish pond. Raccoons love to hunt for a meal in a koi pond. Protect your outdoor fish with a weighted metal mesh covering.
They also love to raid vegetable gardens. Sweet corn, fruits, peas, and other high-sugar-content plants are their favorite. There are a number of home remedies for keeping raccoons out of gardens. Growing mint is an effective deterrent. Investing in sturdy mesh fencing around the garden can also be important. Blood meal, an effective fertilization agent, can also limit raccoon activity. Dusting your garden with blood meal can be beneficial to the plants while keeping raccoons away. They do not like the feeling of fine powders on their hands.
NY/NJ Wildlife Removal Inc. specializes in the humane removal and exclusion of wild animals such as raccoons. or licensed and trained specialists safely handle the capture and relocation of wild animals that are invading your property. We also handle sanitization and repair of affected areas.