Having a garden is a wonderful way to connect with nature and create a beautiful outdoor space. However, it’s not just humans who appreciate a well-tended garden; wildlife often find gardens to be enticing places as well. While it’s great to have wildlife around, some animals can become pests and cause damage to your plants, flowers, and vegetables.
Types of Wildlife that can Enter Your Garden
Gardens can attract a variety of wildlife, some of which may be considered unwanted due to the potential damage they can cause. Common unwanted animals that enter gardens include:
- Deer: Deer are known for browsing on plants, flowers, and vegetables, causing significant damage to garden crops.
- Rabbits: Rabbits are notorious for nibbling on tender plants and can quickly decimate a garden if left unchecked.
- Squirrels: Squirrels are known to dig up and eat bulbs, raid bird feeders, and even chew on tree bark and garden structures.
- Raccoons: Raccoons can be a nuisance by rummaging through trash cans, digging up lawns in search of grubs, and raiding fruit trees and vegetable gardens.
- Skunks: Skunks may dig holes in search of insects, which can damage lawns and disrupt garden beds. They are also known for their odoriferous spray.
- Groundhogs (Woodchucks): Groundhogs can eat a wide range of plants, including vegetables and garden flowers. They are prolific diggers, creating burrows that can undermine the stability of garden structures.
There’s more…
- Moles and Voles: Moles tunnel underground, leaving unsightly ridges in lawns, while voles can damage the roots of plants by gnawing on them.
- Birds: Certain birds, such as crows, pigeons, and sparrows, can be garden pests by pecking at fruits, stealing seeds, or damaging crops.
- Insects and Pests: While not animals in the traditional sense, insects like aphids, caterpillars, and beetles can wreak havoc on plants and may require pest control measures.
- Opossums: Opossums are known to forage for food and may dig through garden beds in search of insects, fruits, and vegetables.
- Mice and Rats: These rodents can eat plants, seeds, and fruits, and may also burrow under garden structures.
- Snails and Slugs: These mollusks can damage plants by feeding on leaves and stems, leaving behind slime trails.
It’s important to note that not all wildlife in your garden may be unwanted. Some animals, like bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, play crucial roles in pollination and pest control. However, if you’re experiencing issues with any of the above-mentioned pests, it’s essential to take proactive measures to protect your garden and prevent damage. Implementing the DIY tips mentioned below can help keep unwanted wildlife at bay and ensure your garden thrives.
Tips for Preventing Wildlife from Entering Your Garden
If you want to enjoy your garden without the interference of unwanted wildlife, here are the top 10 DIY tips for preventing them from entering your garden.
1. Install a Fence
One of the most effective ways to keep wildlife out of your garden is by installing a fence. Choose a fence with small gaps or mesh that is difficult for animals to squeeze through. A tall fence, around 6 to 8 feet high, can deter deer, rabbits, and other larger animals from jumping or climbing over.
For smaller pests like raccoons and squirrels, a fence with an electric wire near the top can be a strong deterrent. Make sure the fence is securely anchored to the ground to prevent animals from digging underneath.
2. Use Natural Barriers
Natural barriers can also be a great way to keep wildlife out of your garden. Planting thorny bushes, such as rose bushes or blackberry brambles, along the perimeter of your garden can deter animals from entering.
Many animals dislike walking on certain textures, so placing materials like gravel or crushed eggshells on the ground can discourage them from venturing further into your garden.
3. Employ Motion-Activated Devices
Motion-activated devices can startle and deter wildlife when they approach your garden. Motion-activated sprinklers release a burst of water when triggered by movement, scaring away animals without harming them. Similarly, motion-activated lights can startle nocturnal pests like raccoons and skunks. These devices are not only effective but also environmentally friendly.
4. Create Noise and Disturbance
Some animals are sensitive to noise and disturbance. You can use this to your advantage by placing wind chimes, aluminum foil strips, or even radios near your garden.
The unexpected sounds and movements will make wildlife uncomfortable, causing them to seek quieter and more peaceful areas.
5. Secure Your Compost Bin
A compost bin can be an attractive spot for wildlife, especially rodents. To prevent animals from accessing your compost, use a bin with a tight-fitting lid.
Additionally, avoid putting meat scraps or dairy products in the compost, as these can attract scavengers. Regularly turn and aerate your compost to keep it unappealing to pests.
6. Choose Wildlife-Resistant Plants
Selecting plants that are less attractive to wildlife can significantly reduce the chances of your garden being invaded. Research and choose plant species that are known to be less appealing to local pests. Native plants are often a good choice, as local wildlife may not be as interested in them compared to exotic species.
7. Install Netting
Netting is an effective way to protect specific plants from being nibbled on by birds or insects. You can drape bird netting over fruit trees or berry bushes to keep birds away from your harvest.
Make sure the netting is securely anchored to the ground to prevent animals from getting underneath.
8. Use Repellents
Various repellents can deter wildlife from entering your garden. There are both natural and commercial options available. For example, garlic and hot pepper sprays can be used to deter rabbits and deer.
Commercial animal repellent sprays, containing ingredients like capsaicin or predator urine, can also be effective. Be sure to reapply these repellents as needed, especially after rain.
9. Keep Your Garden Clean
Maintaining a tidy garden can help reduce its appeal to wildlife. Fallen fruit, seeds, and unharvested vegetables can attract animals like raccoons and rodents. Regularly clean up your garden, remove debris, and harvest fruits and vegetables promptly. Use compost and trash bins with secure lids to prevent wildlife from accessing food scraps.
10. Encourage Natural Predators
Encouraging natural predators can be a sustainable and eco-friendly way to control wildlife in your garden. Birds of prey, such as owls and hawks, are excellent hunters and can help keep rodent populations in check. Consider installing owl or birdhouses to attract these natural hunters to your garden.
Ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantises are beneficial insects that can help control garden pests. Planting flowers and herbs that attract these insects can create a natural balance in your garden ecosystem.
Call a Wildlife Removal Service to Remove Wildlife From Your Garden
A wildlife removal service can certainly help remove wildlife from your garden. Wildlife removal services are specialized companies or professionals trained to safely and humanely remove wildlife that has invaded your property, including your garden.
They have the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to deal with a variety of wildlife species that may be causing problems in your garden.
Here’s how a wildlife removal service can assist with removing wildlife from your garden:
Identification and Assessment:
The first step is to identify the type of wildlife that is causing issues in your garden. Different animals may require different removal methods. The wildlife removal service will assess the situation to determine the best approach.
Humane Trapping and Removal:
Once they’ve identified the pest, they will use humane traps and removal techniques to safely capture the animal. It’s important to note that many wildlife removal services prioritize the safe and ethical treatment of animals, and they may release captured animals into more suitable habitats.
Repairs and Prevention:
To prevent future wildlife intrusions, the service may offer recommendations and even perform repairs. This can include sealing entry points, installing barriers, or making changes to your garden layout that discourage wildlife from returning.
Cleanup:
Depending on the extent of the wildlife infestation, a wildlife removal service may offer cleanup services to remove droppings, nests, and other debris left behind by the animals. This helps to mitigate health and sanitation risks.
Educational Guidance:
Many wildlife removal professionals also provide advice and guidance on how to make your garden less attractive to wildlife, such as securing food sources, properly storing garbage, and maintaining your garden in a way that discourages pests.
While a wildlife removal service can effectively remove wildlife from your garden, it’s essential to address the root causes of the problem. Identifying what is attracting wildlife to your garden, whether it’s a food source, shelter, or water, and taking steps to eliminate or secure these attractants will help prevent future issues.
Additionally, implementing some of the preventive measures mentioned earlier, such as fencing and repellents, can further protect your garden from wildlife intrusion.
Good Luck Preventing Wildlife from Entering Your Garden!
Maintaining a beautiful and productive garden doesn’t have to mean sharing it with unwanted wildlife. By implementing these DIY tips, you can create a garden that is less inviting to pests and more enjoyable for you.
Whether you choose to build a fence, use natural barriers, or employ motion-activated devices, there are plenty of effective ways to keep wildlife at bay without resorting to harmful methods. With a little effort and creativity, you can have a garden that thrives while keeping unwanted visitors out.
If you find yourself needing wildlife safely removed from your garden, give our team at Covenant Wildlife a call!
