Dealing with Animal Pests (Rabbits, Deer, Squirrels)
Larger animals can cause significant damage to backyard gardens overnight. Deer browse on a wide variety of plants, rabbits chew stems and tender shoots close to the ground, squirrels and chipmunks dig up bulbs and seeds or steal ripening fruit (like tomatoes), and groundhogs (woodchucks) can devour entire plants. Preventing access is often the most effective strategy.
- Install Fencing5
Solution: Erect appropriate fencing around the garden perimeter. Explanation: Fencing is the most reliable deterrent. For rabbits, use chicken wire or hardware cloth at least 2 feet high, buried 6 inches deep or bent outwards at ground level to prevent digging under. For deer, fences need to be 7-8…
📌 diy4/16/2025, 10:43:48 PM
🛠️ Fencing material (wire mesh, netting, electric), Posts, Gate, Post driver, Wire connectors
- Use Repellents3
Solution: Apply scent-based or taste-based animal repellents to plants or around the garden border. Explanation: Commercial repellents use ingredients like predator urine (coyote), rotten eggs, capsaicin (hot pepper), or essential oils that are unpleasant to animals. Homemade remedies like human…
📌 commercial4/16/2025, 10:43:48 PM
🛠️ Repellent spray or granules, Sprayer (if concentrate)
- Employ Scare Tactics2
Solution: Use devices that scare animals away, such as motion-activated sprinklers, reflective tape, or noisemakers. Explanation: Unexpected bursts of water, flashing lights, or noise can frighten animals like deer and rabbits. Move scare devices periodically so animals don't get used to them.…
📌 commercial4/16/2025, 10:43:48 PM
🛠️ Motion-activated sprinkler, Reflective tape, Pinwheels, Radios, etc.
- Protect Individual Plants or Beds4
Solution: Use row covers or individual plant cages/cloches. Explanation: Placing floating row covers (see pest section) or constructing small cages from chicken wire or hardware cloth around specific valuable plants or small beds can prevent access by rabbits and sometimes deer (if tall enough) or…
📌 diy4/16/2025, 10:43:48 PM
🛠️ Row cover fabric, Wire mesh, Stakes/hoops, Wire cutters
- Plant Resistant Varieties3
Solution: Choose plants that are less palatable to common animal pests. Explanation: While no plant is completely deer- or rabbit-proof if they are hungry enough, many plants are less preferred due to texture (fuzzy, prickly) or scent (aromatic herbs). Examples include daffodils (toxic), rhubarb,…
📌 diy4/16/2025, 10:43:48 PM
🛠️ Seeds/plants known for animal resistance
- Modify the Habitat2
Solution: Remove brush piles, tall grass, and other nearby cover that animals use for shelter. Explanation: Making the area around the garden less inviting can discourage animals like rabbits and groundhogs from taking up residence nearby. Keeping the lawn mowed and eliminating hiding spots reduces…
📌 diy4/16/2025, 10:43:48 PM
🛠️ Lawn mower, Pruning tools, General cleanup tools