How to Keep Raccoons out of a Fruit Tree

Raccoons weigh up to 35 pounds.

Raccoons are a common nuisance to homeowners, gardeners and even the beloved pets they terrorize. Though they look cute enough, raccoons spread disease, damage property and generally wreak havoc. Always in search of a meal, raccoons will snack on garbage, pet food and anything else they get their paws on, including fruit from trees. Though raccoons can't be kept away with sprays or similar deterrents, a few basic steps will help keep them at bay.

Things You'll Need

• Bungee cords
• Concrete block
• Quarter inch mesh screening
• Wire fencing
• Baling Wire
• Stakes

Instructions

1. Remove things that lure raccoons to the general vicinity. The wrong items, left accessible to raccoons, will bring them to an area where they eventually feed on fruit trees. Place dishes containing pet food indoors to prevent its smell from attracting hungry raccoons and secure trash can lids with bungee cords. If the raccoons are interested in fish in a pond, 247 Wildlife suggests placing something in the water for them to hide beneath, like a concrete block.

2. Eliminate raccoon hiding places to keep them from seeking shelter near a crop of fruit trees. Cover any gaps between your house and deck and the ground with quarter inch mesh screening to keep raccoons from slipping underneath and making a home. Cover vents and other ducts and lock pet doors at night. Trim tree branches to keep them from climbing onto roofs and into houses.

3. Harvest fruit quickly. Fruit left to sit on tree branches or fall to the ground will attract hungry raccoons looking for a snack. Pick fruit as soon as it's ready to keep it from attracting pests and never leave fallen fruit on the ground, instead, dispose of it quickly and in a closed container raccoons cannot break into.

4. Protect trees with fencing to keep raccoons from scampering up their trunks in search of fruit. Fence trees in clusters of three to four, as recommended by Dave Wilson Nursery and place several stakes in the ground surrounding the trees at a distance of 5 feet. Pound the stakes down until they're buried 2 feet deep and encircle them with wire fencing. Tie the stakes to the fencing using baling wire and make sure they are secure.

Tips & Warnings

• Never touch or approach a raccoon, as they can carry rabies.

References

• 247 Wildlife: How To Get Rid Of Raccoons
• University of Missouri: Managing Raccoon Problems in Missouri
• United State Dept. of Agriculture: Managing Raccoon Problems
• Dave Wilson Nursery: Fruit Trees — Problems and Solutions

Resources

• Humane Society: Solving Problems with Raccoons