How To Deter Animals From Destroying Your Lawn

Install Fences

The most effective and long-term solution is exclusion. A fence can be strictly a seasonal or a permanent solution that you can put up and take down when necessary.

At present, there are different fences you can take into consideration. If you’re confused with the options, you can check out deerfencing.com for professional help.

Mesh fences can be cut to your desired size and tied or stapled to a fence post. On the other hand, electric fences can be great for deer, rabbits, and woodchucks. Even if it requires an investment of money and time, it’s a great way to provide complete protection to your lawn, while letting animals go about their own business.

Consider Cleaning Up

One of the first lines of defense to deter animals from destroying your lawn is getting rid of their hiding places, such as overgrown shrubbery, brush, and woodpiles. Neatly trimmed beds and open spaces work well to help discourage groundhogs and rabbits.

Use Repellents

Scent repellents, such as predator urine, garlic clips, and castor oil, can be effective solutions, but they should be reapplied and monitored properly to remain effective. Products that are made with hot peppers may deter nibbling rabbits.

Several kinds of plants, like fritillaria and castor bean, may be effective in discouraging rodents and keeping your garden pest-free. Sometimes, mothballs are used as a scent deterrent, but should be used with caution as they’re poisonous to children and pets.

Try Using Live Traps

Usually, these live traps can be made of galvanized steel mesh, which is available in different sizes. Crackers, vegetables, or some foods are used for luring the animal inside, and a spring-loaded door closes to lock them in.

With a live trap, it’s easy to catch chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, or woodchuck. What’s trickier is determining what you should do next when you catch them. The reason behind it is that several states prohibit wildlife relocation. If it’s permitted, it may still be cruel to the animals.

Plant Strong-Scented Plants

Particular kinds of plants can be used around your lawn’s border as an animal repellant. However, you have to take note that no plant can deter all animals, so it’s best to know what type of problem or wildlife animals are within your area, and use the right plant to suit your environment.

Planting garlic and onion are also essential in keeping chipmunks out of your lawn, while marigolds and mint can do a good job in keeping the rodents away. For keeping annoying stray cats away from your lawn, your best plant choice is Coleus canina because it smells like skunks and has the scent of dog’s urine.

Rue is another plant that you can use for keeping the dogs, Japanese beetles, and cats out of your garden. However, because of its toxicity, it’s not recommended in the gardens used by kids as it may cause skin rashes and must not be ingested. If you’re planning to grow rue, you can handle them with gloves. Don’t let the leaves on such plants rub against your bare skin as it may cause burns because of the chemicals that the plants produce. You may even prune them into small hedges, but planting sparingly around your beautiful garden can keep animals away because of the plant’s pungent aroma.