Controlling Animal Pests in the Flower Garden

09.02.2024 - 18:19 / backyardgardener.com

Although insect pests and plant diseases are generally easy to control in the flower garden, animal pests are not. For one, much of our wildlife is protected by law and can’t be indiscriminately eliminated. You may have variable success with repellents, depending on your location or timing. If the animals are not very hungry or population pressures are not too great, repellents may be enough to discourage invaders. But then again, there’s no guarantee that they’ll work.

Animals are intelligent and will learn from experience. If stopped by an electric deer fence or a bulb cage (chicken wire around tulips and other tasty bulbs), they may remember this experience and not try again. Or they may find a new way to get to your flowers or decide to feast on an entirely different variety.

Live traps with release a distance away is another option. However, this may not be the best alternative. For example, you may catch domestic cats. And who wants to deal with an angry skunk? Your community also may have regulations against relocating wild animals. Be sure to know the law before you act.

If trapping large live animals, use caution to prevent being bitten as many carry communicable diseases such as rabies. In Vermont fox and raccoon rabies are both on the rise.

Snap or leg hold traps are banned in most areas, though even if permitted, it is not a good choice as it is a cruel and inhumane way for any animal to die. There’s also a good chance that you could catch a pet or worse, injure a child. Shooting is usually not permitted, and especially not in populated areas.

Poison bait is commonly used for mice and voles. However, before you set a trap, be aware that cats and other animals may be attracted to the trap to feed on the poisoned