10 Easy Pieces: Humane Ways to Outwit Varmints - Gardenista
Keeping varmints out of your garden is an ongoing challenge. •FENCING: Mr. McGregor didn’t do his research. That means a wire mesh fence that is 2- to 3-feet high (most rabbits cannot jump higher) and that is buried at least 6 inches deep to thwart diggers (recall Peter’s escape). Image via Skippy’s Vegetable Garden. The Raised Garden Bed Rabbit Fencing is $87.95 for the 4- by 8-foot by 21-inches-high size at Eartheasy. •PUT PLANTS TO WORK: Consider planting the perimeter of your garden with varieties that offer a strong odor and taste (even in the roots) that animals don’t like. Image by Gary Wood via Life in the Foothills. ELIMINATE OTHER NON GARDEN FOOD ENTICEMENTS They can climb over around and under nearly anything and are very adept at using their... ...hands to open lids and even turn on hose taps this is not urban legend I witnessed this in our San Francisco backyard Image via the Perfect Pantry. •OTHER NATURAL REPELLENTS: For all varmints who approach above ground or by tunneling, consider natural repellents placed on or around your plants and garden beds to discourage feeding. Image via Sudbury Valley Trustees. PROTECT THE ROOTS If burrowing animals such as gophers are your problem consider placing wire mesh under... ...and around the roots of your vegetables and other prized plants effectively creating cages or baskets underground Gophers and woodchucks like to attack tasty plants from the roots, eating them from below. •AND, MORE FENCING: As with rabbits, fencing is the most reliable deterrent to repel deer. Heavy Duty Deer Fencing made of heavy weight polypropylene mesh fences that can be attached to posts to create a fence. •LIGHT SHOW: Noise and motion detector lights also are said to work to deter deer and raccoons, but please be mindful of other creatures (I am talking about neighbors) who might also be disturbed. The Two Light Brushed Nickel Finish Motion Sensor Spotlight is available for $69.99 at Lamps Plus.