The likely culprits eating your corn are birds, deer, raccoons, squirrels, and even black bears.
These animals are notorious for raiding corn patches, especially right before harvest time when the corn is at its sweetest and most appealing. Each animal presents unique challenges and strategies for deterring them from your crop.
Common Corn-Eating Pests:
- Birds: Birds, especially crows and blackbirds, can peck at the kernels.
- Deer: Deer will eat the entire corn plant, including the stalks and ears.
- Raccoons: Raccoons are known for stripping the husks and eating the corn on the cob.
- Squirrels: Squirrels will gnaw on the ears of corn, often leaving behind partially eaten cobs.
- Black Bears: While less common in some areas, black bears can cause significant damage, flattening corn stalks and consuming large quantities of corn.
Identifying the Culprit:
Determining which animal is responsible for the damage can help you choose the most effective deterrents. Look for these signs:
- Bird damage: Small, pecked holes in the corn kernels.
- Deer damage: Broken or missing stalks, and cleanly eaten leaves and ears.
- Raccoon damage: Stripped husks, scattered corn silk, and partially eaten ears.
- Squirrel damage: Gnawed corn cobs with jagged edges.
- Bear damage: Flattened corn stalks, large amounts of corn missing, and possible tracks.
Deterrent Strategies:
Once you identify the culprit, you can implement appropriate deterrents:
- Fencing: A tall fence (8 feet high for deer) can protect your corn patch.
- Netting: Bird netting can prevent birds from reaching the corn.
- Motion-activated sprinklers: These can deter deer and raccoons.
- Scarecrows: While not always effective long-term, scarecrows can initially deter birds.
- Noise deterrents: Loud noises, such as radios or noisemakers, can scare away animals.
- Electric fences: Effective for deer and raccoons, but require careful installation and maintenance.
- Repellents: There are commercial repellents available that can deter animals from eating your corn.
Protecting your corn crop requires vigilance and a combination of deterrent strategies. By identifying the specific animals causing damage, you can implement targeted measures to safeguard your harvest.
