How To Keep Raccoons Away From Bird Feeders

Making the bird feeder difficult to reach might solve the problem. Purchasing protective barriers and attachments may repel or frustrate hungry raccoons.

Making the Bird Feeder Less Accessible

A bird feeder may attract raccoons since the food in the feeder may appeal to the furry mammal, too. Besides cheating birds out of a meal, raccoons may hang around and destroy gardens or cause damage to homes. Raising the bird feeders high off the ground and wrapping metal flashing around a pole could make climbing much harder for the raccoons.

An attachment known as a "baffle" could frustrate raccoons. The attachment looks like a pot lid and connects to a pole. Baffles create a barrier for raccoons and other pests. The combination of a baffle and smooth metal wrappings might make bird feeders off-limits.

Other Ways to Deal with Raccoons

Chasing raccoons away with motion-detecting lights might help. Raccoons hunt for food at night, and the creatures don't want to deal with bright lights. If the motion detectors go off and shine a light on the raccoons, they may leave the area.

And maybe it is best only to feed the birds during the day. Removing the bird feeder before sunset takes food off the raccoon's menus. With no food available, the raccoons might move onto another property.

Exploring Options with Traps

Raccoon infestations could alarm homeowners since raccoons might cause unwanted damage. Perhaps trapping the raccoons and relocating them is an option. Raccoons caught in professional-grade traps and moved many miles away certainly won't be a threat to bird feeders, either.

Local regulations and laws apply to any plans to trap and release raccoons. Requesting a wildlife removal service handle the job might be the better plan than a DIY one.