My grapevines have started producing grapes 2 years ago. I have been watching the grapes ripen with great anticipation in the fall, only to have raccoons eat them all a 2-4 weeks before they should be picked. The grapes are somewhat sour when picked this early. I tried sprinkling huge amounts of pepper around the vines this past fall, although it only seemed to have slowed them down slightly. I did notice however that the raccoons did not seem to have any appetite for another vine whose grapes have seeds. I’m thinking about installing low voltage wiring to prevent raccoons from eating my grapes. Do you have any other suggestions? Am I suffering from a case of sour grapes? Thanks
"Low voltage" doesn't work. Use a proper fence energizer. I have several: a small "portable" unit that produces about 3-4000 volts, and 2 larger units running at 10Kv and 14Kv. An accidental encounter with the 14Kv fence left me sitting down for a few minutes and a mark on my arm lasting over a month. Believe it or not, these are not fatal to the small animals, but definitely a potent discouragement. Prices range from ~$80 to ~$500, and depending on the target species (deer and sheep apparently take a higher voltage because of the insulating value of the hair and wool) and the total length of powered fence wire. Racoons can be excluded with a relatively low fence of 3 or 4 wires at 5", 10", 15" etc., all wires "hot". There are also electric mesh fences available. Try http://www.ferrisfencing.com/ for advice and products. Ralph
