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Wildlife in the Garden
 Animals
eating flowers or other garden plants are common
problems. There are several methods you can employ
to keep your garden safe from foraging animals.
The most effective,
long-term solution is to install fencing around
your garden. It should be at least 4 feet high and
be buried 12 inches below ground. This will discourage
digging animals such as woodchucks. An 18 inch high
fence should keep rabbits out. Remove any brush
piles that may be attracting wildlife.
- Place human
or dog hair around affected areas.
- Use an artificial
owl or fake snake to try to scare animals away.
This should be moved every few days so animals
do not get used to it.
- Sprinkle red
or black pepper or chili powder around your plants.
Place wire mesh
cages around vulnerable plants.
- Tabasco sauce
mixed with water can be sprayed on edible plants,
then washed off for human consumption.
- Two safe
animal repellents, Liquid Fence and Ropel, are
available at Wally's
Workbench online
and at the WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Several plants are
offensive to wildlife and serve to protect preferred
ones. These include marigolds, garlic, onions, iris,
peonies, daylilies, begonias, boxwood, witch hazel,
bayberry, willow, highbush, cranberry, daffodils,
snapdragons and silver mound.
Please remember, if you plant flowers or a garden,
you will attract wildlife. Trapping
and relocating an animal is merely a short term fix,
as more animals will take their place and you may
be taking a parent away from her young.
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