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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.
📅 Created: 4/16/2025, 10:43:48 PM
- 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 feet tall, or shorter fences angled outwards or doubled. Electric fencing can also be effective if local ordinances allow.
- Notes: Most effective long-term solution but involves cost and labor. Fence type must match the target pest.
📌 diy 🛠️ Fencing material (wire mesh, netting, electric), Posts, Gate, Post driver, Wire connectors4/16/2025, 10:43:48 PM
solution - 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 hair, soap shavings, or hot pepper spray are sometimes used. Reapplication is necessary, especially after rain.
- Notes: Effectiveness varies greatly and animals may become accustomed to them. Requires frequent reapplication.
📌 commercial 🛠️ Repellent spray or granules, Sprayer (if concentrate)4/16/2025, 10:43:48 PM
solution - 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.
- Notes: Can be effective temporarily, but animals often adapt. Motion-activated sprinklers can be quite effective but require a water source.
📌 commercial 🛠️ Motion-activated sprinkler, Reflective tape, Pinwheels, Radios, etc.4/16/2025, 10:43:48 PM
solution - 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 squirrels.
- Notes: Good for protecting specific high-value plants or seedlings. Less practical for large gardens.
📌 diy 🛠️ Row cover fabric, Wire mesh, Stakes/hoops, Wire cutters4/16/2025, 10:43:48 PM
solution - 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, squash vines (prickly), lavender, mint, and onions. Interplant these among more desirable crops.
- Notes: Reduces Browse pressure but doesn't guarantee protection. Lists of resistant plants are available online or from local resources.
📌 diy 🛠️ Seeds/plants known for animal resistance4/16/2025, 10:43:48 PM
solution - 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 their comfort level.
- Notes: Part of an integrated pest management approach. May not be feasible or desirable depending on yard aesthetics.
📌 diy 🛠️ Lawn mower, Pruning tools, General cleanup tools4/16/2025, 10:43:48 PM
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