Based on the amount of questions on how to get rid of pests in the yard, I think its time to share with you all of my tried and true recipes and techniques for defending your garden against the four-legged invaders that come out this time of year!1. Dogs. Male dogs (and some females) are notorious for marking anything in the front yard. They use their urine to let other dogs know that they were there. To stop the cycle, use citrus! Most dogs don’t like the smell of orange, grapefruit or lemon peels.
Here is my recipe:
- the peels from a few oranges, or anything citrus
- a 1-litre water bottle
- hot water
Steep the peels in the hot water and let the mix sit for a few days. Once the smell is strong, spray it where the dogs are urinating. Keep doing it until the dogs find a new location to mark.
2. Cats. Spring signals the start of the outdoor litter box for most housecats. If your neighbour’s cat has decided your garden is best, I have some help. Cats don’t like the smell of strong herbs and spices. I add rosemary plants into my garden each spring, treating them like annuals. Also consider putting cinnamon sticks right into the soil where the cats like to go. When it rains, the sticks get saturated, emitting a great smell into your garden…which cats absolutely detest.
3. Rabbits. Rabbits love fresh plant shoots. Unfortunately, they seem to have expensive tastes, going after the tender perennials instead of the free dandelions. I learned a simple recipe from a local Haligonian that works great for non-edible plants. Use the leaves from you rhubarb plant to make a strong tea. (Caution: Rhubarb leaves are poisonous to humans so this is not good for lettuces or tomatoes.) Rabbits are smart enough to avoid rhubarb plants…and anything that smell like them! Repeat after heavy rainstorms
4. Deer. There are a few plants that deer don’t really like and every year a see a list from several different experts. Truth is, I’ve seen a hungry deer eat just about anything. The only solution that has been somewhat effective is coyote urine. The deer are terrified of the scent and avoid areas where it is spread. If only the same would work with the dog pee! I ordered this online if you are looking for a supply of your own. www.Basspro.com
5. Raccoons. It seems like most of my solutions come down to urine…and raccoons are no different. If you have a local raccoon using your deck or the roof of your shed as a bathroom then the solution is human urine. It may sound less than appealing but nothing works better. I think raccoons maybe smarter then some humans. Trying to remove them, trap them or chase them away never works. Instead, mark your territory. Its something they understand.
Critters are part of our outdoor spaces. Learning how to deter them without causing harm is the best way for all of us to live together.