By Blake Jackson
Gardeners invest significant time, effort, and resources into creating beautiful outdoor spaces. However, the enjoyment of a lush garden can be quickly diminished by the destructive behavior of wildlife. Deer, groundhogs, and squirrels, in particular, can wreak havoc on even the most well-tended landscapes.
"Hunger is a tremendous incitement," said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. "When food in the wild is sparse, wildlife will feed on garden plants. Additionally, once wildlife become used to feeding in the garden, it becomes difficult to prevent future depredation. Early intervention is important.”
Plant selection is a crucial first step. Many plants have natural defenses against wildlife, such as tough leaves, pungent odors, or bitter tastes. Deer, for example, tend to avoid plants like ageratum, asclepius, and columbine.
Deterrents such as noise-making devices, visual distractions, and chemical repellents can be used, but their effectiveness is often limited. These methods often require consistent application and may not deter persistent animals.
"Chemical repellents can be effective, but their success depends on various factors, including the animal's motivation, weather conditions, and the plant being protected," Trinklein said. Homemade repellents, such as egg and water mixtures or those containing capsaicin, can be a more affordable option.
Fencing is generally the most reliable method for excluding wildlife from gardens. Chicken wire can deter smaller animals, while taller fences are necessary to keep out deer and other larger creatures. Electric fences can be effective but require careful installation and maintenance.
“Electric fences represent somewhat of a compromise between initial expense and effectiveness in wildlife control,” Trinklein said. The number and spacing of fence wires depends on the species of wildlife to be controlled. For small animals such as rabbits, electrified wires located 2 and 4 inches above the soil surface should be sufficient.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-joshua-resnick
Categories: Missouri, General