Keeping raccoons out of the corn

The corn that survived the crows in our small field has grown quite well. It started to tassel a couple of weeks ago. I know that the raccoons would want to eat the corn (they always do), but I didn’t expect them so soon. They were in the field a few nights ago checking it out and tearing down plants. They don’t seem to realize that I’m not growing the corn for them to eat.

So, yesterday, the boys and I put up an electric fence to keep the raccoons out. My grandpa used to use an electric fence about 5 or 6 inches off the ground to keep raccoons out of his corn. I’ve used this method successfully in the past.

We set posts around the field and ran two strands of electric wire. The lower wire is just above ground level and the second one is about 6 inches above the first one. I’ll have to keep the grass and weeds out of the fence so it doesn’t short out and lose it’s ability to work.

The idea is that the varmints will put their noses on the fence trying to get to the corn. The shock they receive will be enough to deter them. I’m sure they’ll look all the way around the field for an entry point, but as long as the fence is charged, they won’t gain access. They do have an uncanny knack for determining when/if the fence is not one or working properly.

Hopefully, we’ll keep the rascals out of the corn!