PROTECT YOUR WINTER LANDSCAPE FROM HUNGRY WILDLIFE

October 25, 2013February 4, 2017 Melinda Myers

There’s no doubt that managing critters in the landscape can be a challenge especially as food supplies start to dwindle. If you are battling with rabbits, deer, groundhogs or other wildlife, don’t let down your guard as the growing season begins to wind down.

Be proactive. Start before they get into the habit of dining on your landscape. It is easier to keep them away than break the dining habit.

Fence them out. Fencing is the best defense against most wildlife. A four feet tall fence around a small garden will keep out rabbits. Secure the bottom tight to the ground or bury it several inches to prevent rabbits and voles from crawling underneath. Or fold the bottom of the fence outward, making sure it’s tight to the ground. Animals tend not to crawl under when the bottom skirt faces away from the garden. Go deeper, at least 12 to 18 inches, if you are trying to discourage woodchucks. And make sure the gate is secure. Many hungry animals have found their way into the garden through openings around and under the gate. A five-foot fence around small garden areas can help safeguard your plantings against hungry deer.

Break out the repellents. Homemade and commercial repellents can be used. Apply before the animals start feeding and reapply as directed.

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Scare ’em away. Blow up owls, clanging pans, rubber snakes, slivers of deodorant soap, handfuls of human hair and noisemakers are scare tactics that have been used by gardeners for years. Alternate scare tactics for more effective control.  The animals won’t be afraid of a snake that hasn’t moved in weeks.

Don’t forget about nature. Welcome hawks and fox into your landscape. Using less pesticides and tolerating some critters, their food source, will encourage them to visit your yard. These natural pest controllers help keep the garden-munching critters under control.

And most importantly, don’t give up. A bit of persistence, variety and adaptability is the key to success. Investing some time now will not only deter existing critters from dining in your landscape, but will also reduce the risk of animals moving in next season.

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Melinda Myers

For her work, community service and media presence, Melinda has received recognition and numerous awards, including the national American Horticultural Society’s B.Y. Morrison Communication Award. She's also the recipient of the Garden Globe Award for radio talent and the Quill and Trowel Award for her television work, both from the Garden Writers Association.

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