In the year 2023, the furry, mischievous raccoons are still making their presence known in cities throughout the world. It can be difficult to keep them away from your garden and yard, but it's not impossible. One way to deter raccoons from visiting your property is to make sure they don't find anything to eat when they come around. Water lettuce, or Pistia stratiotes, is a floating aquatic plant which can be found in many ponds and lakes around the world. But is it something that raccoons would be interested in eating?
What Is Water Lettuce?
Water lettuce is a floating aquatic plant that is part of the Araceae family. It has thick, dark green leaves that are somewhat wavy in shape, and a rosette of fuzzy white flowers that appear during the summer. The plant is native to tropical Africa and is considered an invasive species in many parts of the world, including the United States. It is often found in warmer climates, and is an attractive addition to many ponds and lakes.
Do Raccoons Eat Water Lettuce?
Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they will eat both plants and animals. They are opportunistic feeders and will generally eat whatever is available. Given the opportunity, raccoons will eat water lettuce. In many cases, they are attracted to the leaves and flowers, and will pull the plant up out of the water to access the food. They may also eat the roots and stems of the plant.
Raccoons and Water Lettuce: Pros and Cons
There are both pros and cons to raccoons eating water lettuce. On the one hand, it can be beneficial to the environment since the plant is an invasive species and the raccoons will help keep it in check. On the other hand, it can be a nuisance if the raccoons are eating all the water lettuce in your pond or lake. In some cases, the raccoons may also damage the pond's ecosystem if they are consuming too much of the plant.
Pros
- Keeps water lettuce in check
- Provides raccoons with a food source
- Increases biodiversity in the area
Cons
- Can be a nuisance if raccoons eat all the water lettuce
- May damage pond's ecosystem if the raccoons consume too much of the plant
How to Prevent Raccoons from Eating Water Lettuce
If you want to keep raccoons from eating your water lettuce, there are a few things you can do. The first is to make sure that the raccoons don't have access to the plant. If the water lettuce is growing in a pond or lake, you can fence it off to keep the raccoons away. You can also try stringing up a net above the water lettuce to make it harder for the raccoons to reach the plant. Another option is to use a water pump or fountain to keep the water moving, as this can make it more difficult for the raccoons to access the plant.
Conclusion
Raccoons will eat water lettuce if they are given the opportunity. While this can be beneficial to the environment in some ways, it can also be a nuisance if the raccoons are eating all the water lettuce in your pond or lake. To prevent raccoons from eating your water lettuce, you can fence off the area, string up a net, or use a water pump or fountain to keep the water moving.