Passive outdoor pest control for sneaky critters

Wildlife often can be an annoying (and sometimes dangerous) presence in your yard

By Observer Staff
| 1:23 p.m. July 9, 2014

Winter Park - Maitland Observer
Neighborhood

Q: Some kind of animal — I’m not sure if it’s a deer or a rabbit or what — is nibbling away the leaves on many of my plants in the yard and garden. What’s the best way to keep these critters out of my yard? — A reader, via email

A: Wildlife often can be an annoying (and sometimes dangerous) presence in your yard, and it can be quite difficult to keep them out. Deer, for example, can hop fences, and rabbits, moles and other mammals can tunnel underneath or squeeze between damaged or misaligned boards. Squirrels routinely raid bird feeders, and in some places, bears just meander through, searching for their favorite snack buffet — the trash barrel. Here are some tips:

• To prevent bears and raccoons, keep household trash in tightly covered containers, ideally inside the garage or a shed.

• Turn your compost frequently and cover with dirt to minimize odors, so that rodents don’t start tunneling in.

• Deer sometimes can be dismayed by the smell of soap — some homeowners recommend putting bars of soap into old pantyhose, and then tying the hose around tree branches near the areas you want deer to avoid.

• Set up bird feeders at least 5 feet away from trees and walls so it’s harder for squirrels to reach them.

• Raised garden beds can discourage rabbits and make it harder for moles to tunnel directly to vegetable roots. Also, intersperse naturally repellent vegetables such as onion, garlic and chives throughout the garden, or edge it with flowers such as lavender or marigold.

• Place firewood stacks or building materials several feet away from your house or shed, and make sure they’re stacked so that air and light can get through them. This will discourage rodents and insects from taking up residence.