Trails » Sports & Recreation » Birds & Bird Watching » Bird Feeders » How to Keep Raccoons Away From Birdfeeders

How to Keep Raccoons Away From Birdfeeders

How to Keep Raccoons Away From Birdfeeders

Wikimedia Commons

Raccoons may look cute, but they are clever and persistent pests. A bird lover doesn't install a bird feeder in his garden to attract a pack of hungry raccoons. If there are raccoons around, however, they inevitably will pay a visit. When this happens, there are a number of measures you can take.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Raccoon repellent Empty plastic soda bottles Clothesline Drill Baffle
  • Raccoon repellent
  • Empty plastic soda bottles
  • Clothesline
  • Drill
  • Baffle
Step 1
Spray the bird feeder area with raccoon repellent. It can be found at most shops that sell bird supplies, and won't harm either the birds or the raccoons.
Step 2
Hang the bird feeder from a clothesline. Drill holes into the necks of several empty plastic soda bottles and string them along the clothesline at intervals of about one per foot. When the raccoon climbs the line to get to the bird feeder, the line will bounce, cause the bottles to spin around and knock the raccoon off.
Step 3
Try hanging the bird feeder where there are no lines, tree branches or other objects a raccoon can climb and use as a platform for jumping to the feeder.
Step 4
Bring in the bird feeder at night. Raccoons are nocturnal, for the most part, but many birds are not. Bringing in the food after dark denies raccoons their best opportunity of getting to the feeder.
Step 5
Install a baffle around the bird feeder. A baffle can be decorative and add a nice touch to your yard or garden. However, remember that a raccoon is much bigger than a squirrel. A squirrel baffle may not help very much. Make sure your baffle is suitable for raccoons.
Step 6
Bring the bird feeder inside for a lengthy period of time--if all else fails. Without a tempting food supply for several weeks, raccoons will move on to another food source. Don't put the bird feeder out too soon; it will be as if you never tried discouraging the raccoons in the first place. Consider 2 to 3 months a minimum.

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

Write for Trails.com

  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...

  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...

  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword