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How to Keep Raccoons Away From Birdfeeders

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By Richard Thomas
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.

About The Author

Richard Thomas has been writing since earning his M.A. in international affairs in 1997, frequently writes about hiking and scuba diving for Trails.com, and also works as the Budget Travel topic manager for eHow and the senior travel editor for Associated Content. His 2009 work on Portuguese hiking and artisanal cheeses has also appeared in print.
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