Raccoons also feed on the eggs of birds such as ducks and chickens. In an urban setting, damage caused by raccoons can be annoying. For example, raccoons occasionally damage newly laid lawns by pushing back sod in search of earthworms, white grubs, and other soil dwelling insects. Raccoons are especially fond of sweet corn, often breaking off stalks as they climb up to reach the ears. Most often they partially eat each ear, leaving wasted corn behind.
Raccoons also pay nighttime visits to berry patches, and vegetable gardens.
The most serious problem occurs when raccoons establish dens in chimneys or forage in garbage cans for food. There are several methods of control for raccoons. Exclusion with barriers can be effective. Gardens can be protected by an electric fence but the cost and safety factors with children may make this approach impractical. A heavy wire mesh cap effectively excludes raccoons from chimneys.