Many of us go to great lengths to attract wildlife to our backyards. Bird feeders and birdseeds alone account for many millions of retail dollars each year, all so we can enjoy the antics of a variety of colorful birds from our kitchen window, porch or patio. The squirrels that end up figuring out even the most squirrel-proof feeders amuse us with their antics, and, although we end up sharing much of our garden with rabbits and groundhogs, these, too, provide us with a sense of getting back to nature.
On the other hand, if you feel your property is absolutely overrun with wildlife—you’re fed up with losing valuable shrubs, flowers vegetables and have even suffered property damage because of the critters—there is help. The wildlife repellent industry has flourished catering to homeowners, farmers and gardeners who have finally had enough. Whether you live in a city, suburb or small town, you can be sure that there is wildlife nearby. Many species of wildlife are welcome visitors to our properties, but some individuals quickly wear out their welcome. Preventing problems with wildlife is much simpler and less aggravating than dealing with problems after they occur. Fortunately, knowing some basic facts about wildlife and taking a few simple steps can help you prevent many of the most common wildlife-related problems.
The first step is to properly identify the animal that is causing the damage. Many times, the animal in question will be nocturnal, like a skunk or raccoon, and will only leave tracks or scat as clues. If you are still unsure, having a wildlife control professional visit your property might be the answer. He will not only be able to identify the problem, but will tell you how to get rid of it.
Obviously, there is a big difference in how you deal with different animals. Burrowing moles, browsing whitetail deer and marauding black bears require specific tactics. Using the proper deterrent is key to solving the problem.
Perhaps your first tactic should be proper management of attractants in your environment. Bird feeders, for example, attract a lot more than birds. From squirrels, rabbits and groundhogs to deer and bears—few animals will pass up such a backyard smorgasbord. Birdbaths and water features, too, especially during hot, dry periods, will draw all kinds of wildlife.
Plants in your landscape can either attract or discourage wildlife as well. Herbivores like rabbits, groundhogs and deer regularly feed on home landscapes. You can still have lush and colorful gardens, however, by choosing resistant plants. Local garden shops and nurseries will have lists of plants that are unattractive to wildlife, from annuals to perennials to woody plants and trees. Remember, though, that in times of stress or when other food is not available, deer will eat just about anything.
Taste repellents usually cause pain or discomfort in the mouth or intestines and lead wildlife to develop a conditioned aversion to the product. They include products containing hot peppers or ammonia, or bad-tasting chemicals such as Thiram, an extremely bitter-tasting fungicide.
Some repellents use odors to repel wildlife. They produce sulfurous odors like putrefied eggs, blood meal, meat proteins, garlic and predator urine. Homeowners must decide if the foul odors of the repellents are worse than the marauding wildlife. These deterrents will be applied directly to the plants being ingested.
For whitetail deer, especially, you may have to cover a very large area. Repellents can be quite expensive and labor-intensive but can be effective if used properly and according to directions. They cannot be guaranteed due to the weather, time restraints and the application rate. They generally affect several senses—taste, smell and/or touch. Homeowners, orchard owners or commercial landscapers have several things to consider. How many trees or shrubs do I want to protect? Is cost a factor? Do I have the time to apply and re-apply properly? Will I be satisfied with mixed results?
Black bears are much more difficult to dissuade. Especially in the spring, when emerging from the den, they are hungry and will eat anything. Young bears, particularly young males, leave the mother and strike out on their own, often causing trouble with humans. They are looking for a place to live and hunt and, when they find a ready food source, they stick around—whether it’s a farmer’s cornfield, beehives, an orchard or a backyard in a development. Birdfeeders are bear magnets, as are dog or cat food dishes or charcoal or gas grills with a build-up of grease. Keeping food sources out of sight or reach, placing garbage out only on the day of pick-up and keeping dumpsters closed will lessen bear problems.
For any problems, see your local garden shop, Agway or farm center for help. Most have shelves full of deterrents to keep your property free of hungry wildlife, generally without harming or killing them. Follow directions for best results and be sure to reapply when necessary.
