If your spring garden is falling victim to pests, there are many different things you can do to protect your plants and still enjoy a healthy crop over the season.
With spring showers come gorgeous flowers, a robust lawn, and some unfortunate spring garden pests! If your spring garden is falling victim to pests, there are many different things you can do to protect your plants and still enjoy a healthy crop over the season. Here are some of our best tips for protecting your spring garden from pests.
Figure Out Who It Is
Before you can properly get rid of the pest, you need to figure out what it is. Whether it’s a groundhog, squirrel, deer, or something else entirely, knowing which animal is giving you trouble can help develop the right solution. Learn about the habits of that animal, when it is active, what types of things deter them, and anything else you can find.
Tidy Up Your Spring Garden
Whether or not you realize it, your spring garden might look like a beautiful new home to outdoor pests! Get rid of any nesting areas or hiding areas like tall grasses or brush biles. If there are any crawl spaces beneath your deck or porch, seal them off so that pests can’t hide there after enjoying a meal from your spring garden. Never leave birdseed on the ground and cover your compost pile as well.
Get the Situation Under Control
After you have cleaned up your spring garden, it’s time to get creative. Consider using any of the following methods to keep pests away:
- Eradication (call a professional for this to ensure that you are using the proper bait)
- Repellents: Scent repellents designed to smell like garlic or the urine of a predator are highly effective if you only have one or two pests harming your hard work. If you have rabbits bothering you, things made from spicy peppers will deter them after they take their first bite.
- Pets: If you have a dog or a cat, you probably don’t want them traipsing through your spring garden either, but they can actually do a great job frightening any pests sticking around.
Spring Garden Pest Protection: FAQ
Spring Garden Pest Protection: FAQ
Q: Why are Animals More Likely to Invade My Garden in the Spring?
A: Spring brings new plant growth, making gardens a natural attraction for wildlife searching for food after winter. Warmer weather also means animals are more active and looking for nesting spots, which often leads them into residential areas.
Q: What are the Most Common Animals that Damage Gardens in the Spring?
A: Rabbits, groundhogs, deer, raccoons, and squirrels are among the most frequent visitors. They can dig up plants, eat seedlings, and cause structural damage to garden beds and fencing.
Q: How can I Humanely Keep Animals Out of my Garden?
A: Installing sturdy fencing, using natural repellents like garlic spray, and planting species that animals tend to avoid, such as lavender or marigolds, are all effective. Motion-activated sprinklers can also scare away unwanted visitors without harming them.
Q: Is Trapping and Relocating Animals a Good Solution?
A: It’s not recommended for homeowners to trap animals on their own. Improper trapping can harm the animal and is illegal in many areas without a permit. It’s best to contact a professional who specializes in humane removal methods.
Q: What Signs Should I Look For if I Suspect Animal Activity in My Garden?
A: Look for chewed leaves, toppled plants, small burrows, or tracks in the soil. You might also notice missing vegetables or fruits, especially overnight.
Q: When Should I Call an Animal Control Specialist?
A: If you notice repeated damage, see animals during the day, or find burrows near your home or garden, it’s time to seek help. A humane animal control service like Shumaker Animal Control can remove the animals safely and help you secure your property against future problems.
Have an Animal Outside of Your Home That Shouldn’t Be There? Give Us a Call!
Shumaker’s Animal Control has over 25 years of experience in the animal and pest control field. Whatever your problem, we can help remedy the situation and restore your home (or yard) back to normal. Give us a call at (443) 854-8072 or contact us online today to see how we can help you! For more information on household and neighborhood pests and how to protect your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.
