Raccoons
Nocturnal, clever mammals that raid sweetcorn, melons, grapes and fruit at night and dig lawns for grubs.
Also known as: Common raccoon
Symptoms and identification
Corn stalks are bent and cobs are stripped with the husks torn open. Melons and pumpkins have holes and are scooped out, and grapes and fruit trees are stripped overnight. Lawns have patches of rolled-back turf where grubs have been dug out, and compost bins are tipped.
Causes
Raccoons are drawn by ripening crops, pet food, bins, ponds and compost, and they are good at climbing, opening latches and moving between gardens at night.
Organic treatment
Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers, and cover small beds with netting held down firmly. Treat lawn grubs to make it less attractive for digging.
Prevention
Pick crops as they ripen, store pet food and rubbish securely, and use lockable bins. A two-wire electric fence around a sweetcorn or melon patch is the most effective method.
Chemical treatment (use with care)
No chemical is recommended. Poisons are dangerous to pets and wildlife, and trapping or relocating raccoons is regulated in many areas, so check local rules first.