Critter Control: Part 2

Squirrels and Chipmunks

Not only do squirrels and chipmunks raid ground feeders and, in the case of squirrels, pole and tree feeders, they also can cause considerable damage to plants and bulbs. There are a few deterrents and planting strategies that can be used to deter them and minimize the damage caused by these critters:

--Chipmunk & Squirrel Repellent: Mix 3 tablespoons of cayenne pepper into very hot water, about a quart. Strain into a spray bottle. Add a teaspoon of a mild soap to the spray, and spray plants. This will need to be reapplied after watering overhead or after a rain.

--Spread used kitty litter around ornamental plants only. This one might work at deterring squirrels and chipmunks, but might also attract any outdoor cats who might be lurking around. So, only use this on ornamentals and only if there are no cats in the area.

--Planting Potion: Take 1/3 ounce of hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap, 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper powder, 1 crushed garlic clove, and add to a pint of water. Allow this to brew for about a half hour, then strain into a spray bottle. You can spray plants, tree trunks, and also spray into planting holes when you plant new bulbs in the fall. If you apply this to above ground plants or trees, it will need to be reapplied after a rain.

--For Birdfeeders: Mix in crushed, not ground, fresh cayenne pepper with the seed mix.

--Place chicken wire over bulbs when planting, about an inch or so above the bulbs and before backfilling with soil.

--Plant daffodils if you have a terrible problem with squirrels and chipmunks. They will not eat daffodil bulbs.

--Plant crown imperials in your bulb plantings. These bulbs reputedly repel rodents and other small digging animals.

--Apply squirrel baffles to feeders.

--Try to use a good quality squirrel-proof feeder that will tip the squirrel out of the feeder when they attempt to raid it.

Rabbits and Mice

Rabbits can quickly destroy a vegetable garden or prized tulip bed. They love plants nearly as much as we do! Mice can also be a problem, especially in the winter. If you do not have a cat or dog patrolling your yard, you might wish to try a few of these remedies:

--Rabbit and Mouse Scatter Spray:

1 small bottle of hot pepper sauce or 5 tablespoons of fresh ground cayenne pepper.
1 gallon water
1 teaspoon mild liquid detergent such as dishwashing detergent

Spray plants liberally. Reapply after rain or overhead watering.

--Moth Balls, the safe way: Place moth balls in a plastic container, such as a margarine tub. Cover it, poke holes in the container and lid, and tuck under plants. The smell will last a long time, and acts as a deterrent to rabbits, mice, and other four-legged creatures while being unavailable to pets. You can also sink these into the ground just to the rims, and punch holes only in the top, then barely cover with just enough mulch to hide them. This will prevent over-curious kids or pets from investigating the contents of the containers.

--Blood Meal: Sprinkle blood meal liberally around planting areas. Reapply after rain or overhead watering.

--Chicken Wire: Extend chicken wire fencing from about 12 inches below a garden area to about 2 feet above the area. Be sure it is a fine-mesh so small mice cannot get in.

--Tree Wrap: Wrap trunks of young trees in the late fall before the snow falls to keep mice and rabbits from stripping the bark from young trees. You can also spray trees with planting potion that is listed above for squirrels.

Birds

While birds are among our most welcome visitors to the garden, and are usually more friend than foe, at times even these beneficial animals can be a bother. Here are some ideas:

--To deter larger birds from raiding bird feeders, buy feeders that will only allow small birds to feed.

--Apply bird netting over cherry and other fruit trees. This works when the trees are smaller. This will also work in berry patches and with blueberries.

--Place metal strips in trees to twirl and reflect light. It won't deter all of the feeding on fruit trees, but it will minimize the amount of crop losses.

--Just before fruit ripens, place an artificial owl or eye scarecrow or two in your trees. If placed too early, the birds will get used to it. The idea is to simulate a predator.

--If you have the room for it, plant a self-fruitful variety of mulberry tree on the back side of your property, away from seating areas. Mulberries are messy, but birds prefer to eat mulberries over cherries. Both ripen at about the same time.

Cats 'N' Dogs

I have owned both cats and dogs. Or, dogs and cats, if you prefer. They are wonderful companions to have around, but make lousy visitors to gardens. I actually had a watermelon-eating dog once, so not only does Man's Best Friend leave calling cards and holes all over the place, he can develop a liking for some produce, it would seem! As for cats, the surprises often come when someone goes out to plant a few new prized flowers or whatever in the garden. Some cats feel that gardens are giant litterboxes, and this can be a most unpleasant experience, believe me! Here are a few ideas to keep Fido and Fluffy at bay:

Keep Diggin' Dogs at bay:

If your dog is digging, he is usually following his natural instincts or is bored. Keep in mind that a dog parked out in the backyard all day is going to have to entertain himself in some way, so provide him with other diversions as well!

Spray the holes and other areas of the yard with the following:

--Cayenne Pepper Spray:

one whole garlic, crushed
1 hot onion, chopped
1 quart of hot water
2 teaspoons of crushed cayenne pepper (fresh)
2 tablespoons of hot sauce

Mix, allow to steep for about four or five hours. Spread on areas where dogs trample down plants when they lie down, compost heaps, ornamental plants, or where dogs like to dig or plants they use as urinals.

No Cats or Dogs Allowed!

--Place brambles or other clippings of roses and other thorny plants down around flower beds to deter them from resting in your flower beds, or to keep them from digging.

--Cats detest the smell of citrus. Place orange or other citrus peels around flower beds to deter cats from resting in plantings or digging.

These are a few ideas for critter control. There will always be visitors, welcome and unwelcome, to the garden. The trick is to prevent as much damage as possible while living in peaceful co-existence with these animals.