How to keep raccoons from damaging my garden in West Virginia | Raccoon

West Virginia > Animal is eating my garden plants and vegetables > Raccoon

How to keep raccoons from damaging my garden

Raccoons will eat a variety of garden vegetables, but they especially like sweet corn and watermelons. Keeping them out of the garden is the only sure-fire method for preventing damage. Because raccoons are agile climbers, an electric fence is the best way to keep them out. A two-wire arrangement is recommended, but a single wire placed about six inches above the ground might be sufficient. Solar and battery powered electric fence chargers are available from farm supply stores. The fence does not need to be powered at all times; turn it on just before dusk and turn it off after daybreak. Use an electric fence with care. You should post caution signs to warn people about the electric fence.

Assistance in West Virginia

Contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources for a list of licensed Animal Damage Control agents in your area who can assist with animal removal, damage, damage prevention, and clean up.  Be aware that they charge for their services.  Your local Division of Natural Resources office can provide guidance regarding nuisance wildlife.  They can also provide you with a permit to remove or destroy certain animals, and advice on how to do so, if it is necessary or desirable for you to trap or shoot animals yourself.  Federally protected species require additional permits as noted if necessary.

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources district offices:    

District 1       Farmington              304 825-6787

District 2       Romney                   304 822-3551                                                                                                                           

District 3       French Creek          304 924-6211

District 4       Beckely                   304 256-6947

District 5       Alum Creek             304 756-1023

District 6       Parkersburg            304 420-4550

Op Center    Elkins                      304 637-0245

Trapped animals must be humanely dispatched.  They may not be relocated without prior approval from West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

Laws and regulations to be aware of

While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

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