Something's in the sweet corn...

[DarinO]

Well, I was just a couple of days from my early variety sweet corn being ready for me to try, and something beat me to the chance on Sunday night. It appears to be typical coon damage, but it's wet enough, that the tracks aren't real defined. This variety is so short, though, that it could be almost anything that will eat corn. Over the years, we've seen coon, deer, fox, cats, skunks, coyotes, etc. in the sweet corn. I'd like to see what you have done in other areas to repel similar pests. We've tried several different things, with varying success depending on the year, etc. Has anyone used diluted bleach or ammonia solution sprayed around the perimeter of the patch right before dark?

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

electric fencer works good for me, put one strand 6 inches above ground, and another 6 to 8 inches above that. My corn had several ears that were not worth picking, and the night after I turned the fencer off the coons destroyed what was left.

[v w]

My first guess would be coon. They tend to shred the husk somewhat and eat the corn just before it is ripe enough to suit me. I also use an electric fence quite sucessfully. Doesn't have to be a big unit. My first was meant as a pet fence. Have a bigger garden now and use a regular farm fence charger unit. I have also used the permanent solution. Around here coons are a large carrier of rabies so I handle with care if I do trap them for raiding the bird feeders and tipping the bird bath. Vern

[DarinO]

It ended up being skunks in my corn. Once it dried a little, I could see their tracks where they stood on hind legs to get to the ears and break the stalks off. If the coons get in it, I'll have to try the charger. Thanks.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

Was looking garden over today, and noticed a couple ears down. ground is to dry and hard to see tracks, so i just put the electric fence up. One strand 6 inches above ground, and another 6 inches above that. I figure anything small will get into it, whether it be coon or skunk. Big problem is that ground is so dry it may not hit very hard.

[SONNY]

Super bright light shining over the patch,--PLUS some loud obnoxious radio on only at night so that they dont get used to hearing it in daylight hours, worked for us last year,---ele. fence didnt!! they went right thru it!!!---light, and radio seem to put a stop to it! thanks; sonny

[BigBill]

The deer and our little four legged furry friends take about 60 to 75% of my corn anyhoo. So i plant more so we get some too. We still have enough corn for all winter(frozen). But now we also have a blackbear and possibly a family of bruins to feed too. He's been spotted at 4pm making his rounds already again. I have bear droppings in my yard again. Anyway i figure its fresh meat on the hoof or paw if need be and its local and i know were its a been a eatin too.

[Barnyard]

My Border Collies do a fine job for me. They run anything off. We haven't had one crop damaged since we got them. They serve another great service by keeping unwanted folks out of the barnyard also.

[Mr E]

My Border Collies do a fine job for me. They run anything off. We haven't had one crop damaged since we got them. They serve another great service by keeping unwanted folks out of the barnyard also.

Oh, I wouldn't count on that. When you were in Texas they seemed to be really fond of Alpo.

[dirtyred]

My Border Collies do a fine job for me. They run anything off. We haven't had one crop damaged since we got them. They serve another great service by keeping unwanted folks out of the barnyard also.

Oh, I wouldn't count on that. When you were in Texas they seemed to be really fond of Alpo.

you used alpo? dang i fed then ribeyes medium well when i stopped by

[Barnyard]

Well, I'm glad to know you fellas never really showed up. The dogs don't eat canned food or table scraps. As for the real protection, this is what you gotta watch out for.



You won't get a chance to see the muzzle flash. She can run a backhoe too.

[Mr E]

[Barnyard]

Aha! Now I know why my security camera had these pics on it!







Darin, Sorry we hijacked you post. I hope you get the corn situation taken care of. I had the same problem several years ago and I know how you feel.

[Don McCombs]

Something's been in my corn, too. Fortunately, it was ME. First corn of the season for dinner tonight.

As far as the intended topic, we use Liquid Fence. It's not cheap, but it does the job.

[ScottyD'sdad]

Something's been in my corn, too. Fortunately, it was ME. First corn of the season for dinner tonight.

As far as the intended topic, we use Liquid Fence. It's not cheap, but it does the job.

Just getting your first corn, now? I had my first, just before leaving, for the Tug! (wasn't the good stuff, that started last week) Ed