Have you ever had the misfortune of finding your deer feeder demolished and all the food gone?
More likely than not, the culprit was a raccoon.
These pests are notorious for raiding bird feeders, so it’s no surprise they would also go after a deer feeder.
A deer feeder can be a great way to attract deer to your property so you can enjoy watching them.
However, raccoons are also attracted to deer feeders and can cause much damage. Raccoons keep coming back because they know there is food there.
So, how do you keep raccoons away from deer feeders? There are a few different ways that you can try.
Put the deer feeder on a platform.
Raccoons are good climbers, so they will have no trouble scaling a tree to get to your deer feeder.
To make it more difficult for them, put the feeder on a platform at least four feet off the ground.
Use a baffle
A baffle is a circular piece of metal or plastic that attaches to the pole of the deer feeder and prevents animals from climbing up.
You can find baffles at most hardware stores.
Hang the deer feeder from a wire
Another option is to hang the deer feeder from a wire between two trees.
This will make it impossible for raccoons (or any other animal) to climb up to the feeder.
Use an ultrasonic deterrent.
Ultrasonic deterrents emit high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to humans but very bothersome to animals like raccoons.
You can find these devices at most home improvement stores.
Bring the deer feeder in at night.
Raccoons are primarily active at night, so one way to deter them is to bring the deer feeder inside each evening and put it back out in the morning.
However, this won’t work if you live in an area with bears, as they are also attracted to deer feeders!
Put capsaicin on the deer feeder.
Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chilli peppers that makes them hot.
You can sprinkle it on your deer feeder (or anywhere else you don’t want raccoons to go), and they will stay away because they don’t like the taste or smell.
Use motion-activated sprinklers
Motion-activated sprinklers are an effective way to deter all sorts of animals, including raccoons.
The sudden blast of water will startle them and discourage them from returning.
You can find these devices at most hardware stores or online.
Apply predator urine around the area
Another way to deter raccoons is by applying predator urine around your property.
You can purchase this product at most hunting supply stores or online retailers specializing in outdoor gear.
Set traps
If you have persistent problems with raccoons raiding your deer feeder, you may need to resort to trapping and relocating them.
However, this should be done as a last resort, as traps can be dangerous for animals and humans if not used properly.
Poison the Raccoon
You should not use poison to kill a raccoon as it is inhumane, and it might die in your attic or walls, creating another problem.
The best way to keep raccoons away from deer feeders is to use a combination of the above-discussed methods. You will discourage them from raiding your deer feeder by making it more difficult for them to get to the food.
Call wildlife control
If you have tried all these methods and still can’t get rid of those pesky raccoons, your best bet is to call wildlife control. They will be able to remove the animals safely and effectively.
Raccoons can be a real nuisance if they keep raiding your deer feeder! But don’t worry—you can do plenty of things to deter them.
By following some (or all!) of the tips listed above, you’ll be sure to keep those pesky critters away for good!
