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HomeTopics...Gardening TipsRodent Control
Rodent Control SecretsRodents and other small animals can be a serious problem for gardeners. Some, such as rabbits and field mice, are known to eat the vegetation in the gardens while others, like groundhogs and moles, can cause damage by digging. You're not likely to ever see these garden pests as they tend to come out only when no one's around.
The easy answer to rodent control might be extermination, but the consequences of following this course may be prohibitive. You'll have dead animals in your yard—some you won't be able to easily remove. This might attract other unsavory wildlife. Also, exterminating the pests may provide only a temporary solution as other pests move into the area. And you'll have to be careful of the poisons you use, as they may poison pets and small children. Fortunately, humane alternatives exist. With these methods, you'll be able to enjoy a pest-free garden, while the gophers, squirrels and rabbits in the area won't have to die—they can go eat the plants in your neighbor's garden.
Humane Ways to Control Garden PestsA variety of ways to control garden pests exists, but each method is not equally effective against every pest.
Mesh is a Gardener's Best FriendOne of the most effective ways to keep out unwanted animals is to use a mesh fence. Mesh fencing that goes into the ground can effectively keep out many different animals.
If you want to protect specific plants in your garden, cover the plants in netting, and bury mesh fencing a few feet under the dirt around the plants to prevent animals from digging under. Of course, with naturally burrowing animals such as moles and voles, mesh fencing is not the most effective means of pest control.
RepellentsRepellents are an effective, albeit temporary means of pest control. A variety of repellents are available to keep away almost any type of pest. Some are meant to create smells unpleasant to the animal while others make the plants taste unpleasant.
Keep in mind, though, that repellents should not be used on plants meant for human consumption. Also, the repellent will probably have to be used continuously, or else the pests may return when it wears off. An alternative way of repelling animals may be to coat the plants with peppers as the spiciness may deter some animals.
Eliminating Room and BoardIf you have an idea where the pest is living and what the pest is eating, eliminating these things can force the pest to move away. For example, if your garden pest likes to hide in dense growth and raids the bird feeder for food, clear out the area by mowing the grass, removing any mulch and moving the bird feeder to an open area.
Movement MattersMany garden pests are timid creatures and will run back to safety at the slightest bit of sound or movement. Install wind chimes, pinwheels or anything else that moves or creates sound to prevent them from coming out.
Live TrapsLive traps may also be used for pest control. Place the trap—baited with peanut butter or some other food the animal is fond of—somewhere the animal frequents, and then just wait. Once it's trapped, transport it at least five miles away and release it. Be aware of local laws, as the transportation of certain animals may be prohibited.
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