GardenFoundation LLC
Pesty Animals
Judy J. Crawford

"Darn That Dog!
Scat, Cat!
Getouttahere, Deer!
Buzz Off, Bunny!"

Do you find yourself talking to the animals, but in a distinctly NON Dr. Doolittle tone? You're not alone! Garden pests often have no wings or antennae, just four legs, and may be very cute, furry, and friendly.

Your lawn- Does it look like some small landmines have been set off thanks to gophers? Are you afraid you're going to fall into one of the tunnels left by moles?

Your flower bed- Did the "Queen of Hearts" deer herd come through & chop off all the flower heads? Have some plants mysteriously disappeared altogether?

Your doorstep- Do you find "presents" from cats left at your doorstep consisting of dead, dying, or mutilated wild song birds or other wild creatures? (Worse yet, do you find a different kind of "cat present" in the fluffy soil of your flower beds?)

Be Smarter Than The Animals!

It's understandable if your first reaction to garden damage is to reach for a device to kill the offending animal. But before you resort to knee-jerk violence, see if you can figure out a way to either eliminate why the animal is in your garden in the first place, or figure out a way to peacefully co-exist. Things to consider are:

Eliminating/Reducing the preferred food source .

Using "scare" devices.

Planting some parts of your garden just for the animals to enjoy.

Can't We All Just Get Along?

Okay, maybe not! Especially if you are growing crops for food or flowers for show & competitions. But hopefully the information shared in this section will help you find a way to garden around the four-legged creatures that share the world we live on. We truly do all share the same backyard!

If you have questions about the advice offered here, don't hesitate to drop me a line. No question is too simple or too "dumb."

Birds

Deer

Moles & Gophers

Rabbits

Dogs & Cats have special status in the world of pesty animals because we so often have them as beloved family members. They have their own section here at GardenFoundation's website. Please see the appropriate "Pets In The Garden" section for specific advice pertaining to dogs & cats.