How to Keep Racoons From Eating My Bird Seed

Raccoons are scavengers and eat what is readily available.

The antics of raccoons may seem amusing, but the fact is they are pests that cause property damage and spread disease. Raccoons will knock over trash cans, dig in the yard to feed on grubs and dangle from bird feeders just to eat the seed. Keep raccoons from eating your bird seed by taking measures to pest-proof the seed.

Things You'll Need

• Metal storage container
• Hardware cloth
• Wire cutters
• Thin gauge wire
• 6-foot metal pole
• Various metal hardware

Instructions

1. Store bird seed in a metal container like a trash can or popcorn tin. A tight fitting lid weighed down with a heavy block keeps the raccoon from pulling off the lid and eating the bird seed. Secure the container to a wall, if necessary, to keep raccoons from knocking the can over.

2. 

   Garden hooks keep feeders off the ground and out of trees.

   Remove hanging bird feeders from trees and shrubs and suspend them from tall garden planter hooks. Don't locate the hook under a tree in case a raccoon jumps down from above and destroys the bird feeder.

3. Measure the width of the bird feeders you are using. Cut a circular shape from a piece of wire cloth 6 to 8 inches larger than the feeder. Use a thin piece of wire or zip ties to fasten the circle 2 to 3 inches from the top of the feeder so there is a 3 to 4 inch overhang on all sides. As the raccoon steps onto the wire, it will shift and unbalance the pest.

4. 

   You also can use a narrow piece of wood to keep feeders suspended off the ground.

   Attach a 6-foot metal pole to the base of your bird feeder. Make certain the pole can withstand the weight of a full bird feeder. Bury the base of the pole 2 feet into the ground to help stabilize the feeder.

5. Clean the area where the bird feeders hang to attract fewer raccoons. The less accessible the food supply, the less the raccoons will frequent the area.

References

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: For the Birds
• Conservation Library: Backyard Bird Feeding
• Cornell University: Safe Feeding Environment