How To Keep Animals And Rodents Out Of Your Garden

Pest Control Tips:

• The first step to deterring animals and critters away from your garden is to identify what kind of animal is invading your space. From deer to moles to squirrels, there are identifiers that can help you identify the type of animal. Check for tunnels or mounds of dirt to help identify the creature.
• Make note of which plant/vegetable is being impacted. For example, critters like chipmunks and squirrels are drawn to vegetables and you will see be able to see their nibble marks. Insects and birds create more structural damage.
• Try organic taste and/or odor repellent. Taste repellent contains capsaicin and will require the animal to take a bite out of the designated vegetable. Odor repellent is sulfur-based and smells like rotten eggs. Reapply repellent every 5 to 7 days; it is best to reapply after rain. Using several different products or applying two at a time will yield the best results. Ensuring the formula of your repellent(s) is organic will prevent damage to your plants and soil.
• Using raised beds or pots can limit animal interference depending on the animal size. The taller the pot or bed, the more protection your vegetables will have. Another option is draping bird netting over your plants (using poles to keep it in place and keep the netting tight) – this will deter birds from flying into your plants and damaging them. If the mesh of the netting is small enough, it will also deter certain insects from reaching your plants.
• Adding certain plants/herbs like garlic and/or oregano to your garden can deter small animals and deer as well.  Critters do not like the pungent smell and taste,  and will shy away from eating them.
• Lastly, it is best to be realistic! While there are many tips and hacks to prevent animals and insects from damaging your plants and vegetables, animal interference is to be expected in most gardens. Animals and insects will inevitably find their way into your garden and this is okay! It is their natural habitat. Adding safe precautions will go a long way!