Many people are re-discovering the joys of gardening to raise food and beautify their surroundings; this has been a way of life for many people around the country. Many gardeners have visitors to their yards, looking to enjoy the produce. Deer and rabbits are common problems around the country. Here are some safe methods to deter those visitors.
Preventing Wildlife Damage to Landscape Plantings
Deer and rabbits browse on foliage and branches. Male deer may rub antlers against the stems of trees or stage mock battles with shrubbery. Repellents are not effective against antler rubbing.
- Surround individual plants and shrubs with mesh cylinders sized for each plant.
- Wrap the base of young trees with hardware cloth to a height of 2 feet to stop the rabbits from feeding on the tender bark. This is important before winter arrives; rabbits will burrow and deer will dig under snow to eat the bark.
- Odor and taste repellents such as human hair, deodorant soap, garlic oil and hot sauce may be applied to branches and foliage to discourage browsing.
- Experiment with plants not appealing to them.
Fencing Deer, Rabbits, Woodchucks, Chipmunks Out of the Garden
These animals want to share the fine vegetables and flowers growing in the garden. The best method that involves no chemicals is exclusion – fencing critters out of the garden.
For deer, the fence must be 6 feet high. For diggers such as rabbits and woodchucks, the fence needs to extend below ground. For rabbits, use chicken wire fence. Electric fencing at appropriate heights is effective for deer, bear, rabbits and other garden invaders.
Natural, Safe Repellant Methods to Keep Wildlife Pests Out of the Garden
- Plant clover and other plants that rabbits readily feed upon; hopefully they will chose this over the gardens and shrubs.
- Move bird seed and feeders away from gardens, especially in the winter, when plants and leaves are more scarce. The fallen seeds are a delicacy to rabbits and may attract more than birds to your garden.
- Try motion detector sprinklers. They turn on when a critter approaches, sprinkling them with water and scaring them away. Use a timer so this is only activated at night or when away from home. Look for ones that emit a quick blast of water, using very small amounts.
- Noise devices, motion lights, and reflective materials can be tried. They must be moved and changed frequently to be effective. Aesthetically, many of these options may be undesirable. Occasionally playing a radio, or having one on a timer to suddenly come on at random times can help.
- Plant a double-row of onions around the perimeter. Rabbits don’t like onions and will find another area to forage.
- Dilute hot pepper sauce with water and sprinkle on plants. Reapply after heavy watering or rain.
- Sprinkle chili powder around the base of plants, reapplied following rainfall.
- Other food extractions that have proven effective include meat meal, fish oil, putrescent (rotten) eggs, garlic, castor oil, pepper & garlic oils.
- Hang bags with peeled garlic bulbs.
- Try small scented hotel soaps drilled and hung on shrubs and trees.
- Hang fabric softener strips from branches, fence posts, row markers.
- Sprinkle fox or coyote urine around the garden. Animal urines are available at many garden or farm supply stores. The animals will smell this; people generally do not.
- Sprinkle human hair around the garden.
- Use blood meal around plants. It does not have an unpleasant smell to humans, but animals will steer clear of the scent of blood. However, dogs and other animals that enjoy carrion will be attracted to blood meal. This is available in garden centers.
- Try naphthalene (moth balls). Put a few in a mesh bag, place at the edges of the garden.
- Properly applied products with egg solids appear to be most effective according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Damage Management Program Nuisance Wildlife Repellent Handbook.
Tips for Using Pest Repellants
- Repellents should be applied before the plants are up. Deer are creatures of habit, so once a feeding pattern is established, damage becomes more difficult to control.
- Apply frequently, reapplication is usually necessary after rain or watering.
- Switch repellent type periodically. The critters become accustomed to the odor or noise, and will learn to ignore.
- Hungry animals may accept the consequences of eating repellent treated plants, especially when their normal foods are not available. A period of drought may be one reason.
Removing Unwanted Wildlife
The most common methods of wildlife removal are relocation and termination. First contact local animal agencies such as a department of natural resources to determine what is permissible, the requirements and procedures. Live traps are available at garden and farm supply stores. Animals will need to be released several miles from home, or they will find the way back.
Living with Wildlife
With a little thought and some effort, gardeners can still harvest a good crop, enjoy seeing wildlife and not share the crops with them!