Raccoons are intelligent, inquisitive, and excellent climbers and will adapt and take advantage of their surroundings. They will seek out the easiest meal which could be your garden or pets food dish. Raccoons eat fish, insects, small mammals, fruit, berries and corn. They will also eat eggs and birds.

Raccoons are most active at night. You may not see them but you can identify raccoon activity by their distinctive footprint. The track may be identified in damp ground in the garden. On hard or dry surfaces sprinkle some flour over the area to verify the footprint.

Raccoons may leave evidence of invading your garden such as partially eaten fruit under or hanging from the tree. Corn stalks may be pulled over and the ears partially husked. They will dig small holes in melons and scrap out the fruit.

Raccoons will make a meal of your pets food if given the opportunity. Feed your pets indoors or bring their food and water dishes inside at night. Raccoons may try to get into garbage. Secure trash cans so they cant be tipped over and lids cant be removed.

Raccoons can remove shingles and fascia boards to take up residence in the attic and wall space. They like to build nests in chimneys where they can raise their young. You can eliminate access to your roof by cutting back tree branches. Another way to prevent access is to nail 3-foot square sheets of slick metal around the corners of buildings. Raccoons are unable to get a toehold and cant climb to the roof. This option is good to use on outbuildings but may be too unsightly for homes. Chimneys should be covered with a heavy metal screen or a sheet metal chimney cap, which can be purchased at your local hardware store.