How to discourage garden rodents and pests away from your garden is something all gardeners ask. There are many ways to do this with store-bought chemicals specially made for the certain rodent or pest you want to discourage. There are also many homemade remedies that can help too. Whether you have trouble in your flower beds or vegetable garden, these remedies can help you learn How to Keep Rodents & Pests our of Your Garden this season.
I dabble from year to year on my flower beds between planting or just hanging some flowers on the porch. Either way, we are loaded with squirrels and chip monks over here that like to do some damage.
Sometimes I see the squirrels jump from basket to basket, swinging and leaving a trail of dirt all over our porch! The chip monks are great at squeezing between the fencing of our vegetable garden and snatching tomatoes and other smaller vegetables. Last season I wrote on How to Plant A More Plentiful Vegetable Garden and so I wanted to talk a little more about controlling rodents and pests.
Common Rodents and Pests in the Garden
Common garden pests would include aphids, slugs, and spiders. Other Common rodents that like gardens are gophers, moles, and rabbits. These are just a very few of the types of problems that gardeners deal with. There are many different rodents and pests in certain parts of the country. As a gardener, you are sure to run into at least one rodent or pest no matter where you are from.
Pesticide Options
You can buy pesticides and other rodent or pest control products at your local greenhouse, home improvement stores, and most superstores. These products will tell you on the package what pests they help manage.Â
Some pesticides can not be used around house pets, so it is a good idea to read them carefully. The directions will also tell you how to use the product safely and accurately. Some of these products need to be used in the morning or on dry gardens. Following the manufacturer’s directions will help ensure that you rid your garden of the rodents or pests you may have plagued your garden.
Natural Rodent & Pest Control Options
For a more natural approach to keeping rodents or pests away from your garden, you may need to know which plants are best for your area and climate. Planting flowers or other plants too early will make them prone to rodents or pests. Do a local search for what times are best to plant annuals. If you are still unsure, ask a local home gardening club or greenhouse. Sometimes a plant just will not do well in the area because of soil or climate. You can also put them in your garden but be aware that it may take more care to keep them pest-free.
Cleaning up your garden areas is also a good and natural way to keep rodents or pests away from your gardens. Remove and throw away already dead plants or plants that look like they aren’t doing so well. They may already have pests, and it is best not to keep them in your gardens.Â
These dead plants can also become food for the rodents or pests to feed on, making them come back for more. Dead or infected plants will also attract more pests, making them harder to control later on. Make sure to clean gardening tools every few weeks with warm soapy water to help prevent the spread of the smaller pests.
Homemade Spray for Plants
You can also try different mixtures at home to put in spray bottles to spray your leaves of the plants with. I have done dish soap and water. I know you can also do different combinations such as baking soda, essential oils, and even some juices from hot peppers.
Fencing and Barriers
For some of the bigger rodents like rabbits, moles, or gophers, you may need to plant fences in the ground around your gardens. You will want to plant the fence in the ground far enough to prevent any of the rodents from tunneling under. Cats and Owls are thought to protect the gardens from rodents like gophers or rabbits.
Planting Herbs
Herbs and malodorous flower bulbs can also be a way for you to keep rodents or pests away from your garden. When herbs are added to your garden as companion plants, they can be beneficial to both plants. Many rodents or pests don’t like certain herbs or flower bulbs. If planted next to the plants they are occupying, then they will stay away from that plant when trying this method, look at which plants will look nice together and not detract from nutrients. Some plants may make good companions, but both require a lot of water. This would cause them to dehydrate and become prone to pests.
To discourage garden rodents and pests, you will need to make the plants less appetizing to them. You can do this by store-bought pesticides or a more organic way with special plantings. You can also try to use an owl barn, cats, or fences.
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