8 easy tips to prevent rodents from eating your plants
These simple solutions will keep your garden brilliant, say the pest experts.
If your garden is finally Complete flipper for spring , The next step is to protect all the hard work you install there. Unfortunately, rodents are more than happy to nibble on the fruits of your work, leaving your plants less dazzling than they deserve it. But do not yet throw the sponge - there are several ways to prevent pests from eating your plants, and many of them are simple. According to pest experts and the garden, these are the eight best tips to prevent rodents from eating your plants.
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1 Eliminate food sources.
When rodents and other pests are well fed, it is almost impossible to get rid of them. To this end, the first thing you will have to do to manage a population of pests is to cut their food supply. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
"Keep your courtyard without sources of food accessible such as pet food, bird seeds and fallen fruits is crucial," said Gene Caballero , co-founder of Greenpal and a experienced professional in the landscaping industry. "Rodents are attracted to easy meals, so maintaining a clean outdoor space minimizes their attraction."
2 Strategically plant.
Meg Pearson , director of training at Bestiole control , says that another current tactic is to plant another vegetation nearby that rodents find unfavorable. This includes "the forsythias, the lilac bushes, the worries, the zinnias, the daffodils, the lavender and the snapdragons, which can dissuade them from approaching your plants".
Pearson notes that even if it can offer a temporary solution, it is unlikely that it lasts in the long term. "Because rodents are generally in a constant state of food research, these types of preventive measures probably dissuade them that for a short time; they will probably discern that there is no threat and will continue to eat your plants , as they did before, "she says Better life.
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3 Seal the entry points.
It is not only your garden that you should consider - Raddens can also damage interior plants. This is why Caballero regularly recommends inspecting and sealing the openings around the outside of your home, which could grant them entry.
"Use materials such as steel wool and caulking for smaller gaps and metal grids for larger spaces. This is essential because rodents can enter through tiny openings, and seal prevents them from accessing your House, "he said.
4 Put a fence around your plants.
Adding a physical barrier between parasites and your plants can also prevent rodents from snacking.
"One of the most effective methods to keep rodents, such as mice, rats and squirrels, to eat your plants is to protect them by building a small fence around your plants or garden," explains Pearson.
She adds that you should make sure that it increases about three feet high and digs at least 12 to 18 inches in the ground, noting that this prevents pests that climb and dig into your plants.
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5 Consider the traps.
If your pest problem is out of control, Caballero suggests placing traps around your home or garden: "Place traps along the walls and known rodent paths can effectively reduce their figures. - Approach to reality .
6 Try natural repellents.
Rodent's natural repellents can also prevent pests from eating your plants.
"The application of natural repellents such as peppermint oil, cayenne pepper or ammonia around your property can dissuade rodents," explains Caballero. "They are rejected by these strong perfumes, which makes the areas treated less attractive. This approach is human and not toxic, offering a sure way to keep rodents away."
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7 Hold your lawn and trees.
Pearson says that maintaining a well -maintained lawn All around your garden and your house will also help prevent rodents from eating your plants.
“The pests thrive in grassy areas of weeds, neglected and invaded. Make sure you regularly mow your lawn, remove bird feeders or pet food that can attract pests and keep it free from sticks, wood, brush, waste and other debris than pests refute in and around, "says the pest expert.
"You should also cut the tree branches hanging on all the areas that you don't want the hungry squirrels accessing by climbing a tree nearby and descending into your garden," she adds.
8 Hire a professional.
Finally, if everything else fails, it may be time to hire a professional. "The owners may want to turn to a professional as soon as possible, because the mice reproduce very quickly," explains Pearson.
"What starts as a handful of mice one day can very quickly become an overwhelming number in a short period of time, aggravating the problem and risking them to find their way in your home for more food," she warns.