What to Do With Rodent Pests Eating Garden Plants
Rodents, like other wildlife, are opportunistic. If they find a good source of food, they will seize upon it. It's nature. Unfortunately, sometimes that food source includes your garden plants. Several options exist for getting rid of these pests. However, bear in mind that as long as your garden plants are easy to get to, you will have a reoccurring issue with rodents. Therefore, your best course of action is to deter the rodents or somehow make your garden less attractive as a food source.
Identify the Problem
Verify that you have a rodent problem. Look for evidence of rodent damage such as gnawed stems and leaves. Droppings or shredded nesting material may also be present within the garden or in nearby structures. Rodents may also build nests in cars or near other sources of warmth. It's important to identify the pest in your garden so that you know the best way to handle the problem.
Rodent-Proof Your Garden
Prevent further damage by making your garden rodent-proof. Fences or barriers around your garden may prevent access to the plants. However, rodents can easily gnaw through wood or burrow underneath fencing. Choose materials such as hard plastic or metal that the pests are less likely to damage. Place copper wool along the base of your fencing or barrier to prevent rodents from digging underneath.
Clean the area around the garden, removing other food and water sources. Doing so will make the garden less attractive to the rodents.
Repellents and Other Deterrents
Use a repellent. Repellents include ingredients that mimic the scent of predators. Rodents are less likely to enter areas where predators may be active. Bottled predator urine is another option. Repeated applications may be necessary. These products are available at home improvement centers and stores which sell hunting supplies.
Plant bulbs in a bulb cage. A bulb cage is a wire box that you can purchase at a garden center or make yourself with galvanized steel wiring. Dig a hole where you want to plant your flowers. Place the bulbs inside the cage. Fill with soil and close the lid. The cage provides a metal barrier to prevent rodent damage.
Scatter crushed oyster shells or gravel around new plantings. These materials will discourage rodent pests from nibbling on your garden plants.
Removal Methods
Set rodent traps if other methods are unsuccessful. Bait traps and place them at areas where rodents are entering the garden. Look for tracks and droppings to help you locate these areas.
Place rodent poison along the garden edge. Only use this option only as a last resort to prevent other animals from accidentally taking the poison. Place the poison in a shallow container or keep it within its box. Remove poison before rain events to prevent contamination of other areas.
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