Nick Federoff's Blog

Natural Critter Control

Lions, tigers and bears (plus squirrels, dogs, cats, gophers, pterodactyl, wasckly wabbits and other pests).

If it’s just one critter or a bunch of them it’s not a pleasant experience to see them in your yard.  Oh, sure they look great in the wild or in your neighbor’s garden.  But, short of chasing down that crazy rabbit like Mr. Fudd it’s always a constant battle.

Natural ways of controlling critters is an ever changing program.  Use one method today, then in a few weeks change it up to something else.

Here are some of the things you can do that will work on a menagerie of critters.

1.  Vegetarians, like deer and rabbits, do not like blood and bone meal.  The smell makes them think something has been killed (ie. Thumper) and they don’t want to end up like that.

2. Chili Pepper.  The hotter the pepper the better!  Ground chili pepper can be sprinkled all around.  When a critter gets a whiff they get their nose cleaned out.

3. Perfumed Soap.  The stronger the perfume in the soap, the better.  You can grate the soap or put it in a sock, like a sachet, and hang on plants.

4. Soak clothes pins in garlic.  Grind up some garlic and put in a quart of water.  Soak WOOD clothes pins for 24 hours then clip on plants.

5. Dryer sheets tucked behind branches and leaves will give the impression someone is hiding in the bushes.  The scent will ward off them off for a period of time.

6. Golf course language.  This is the cheapest way of keeping them out of the yard.  The second you see a rabbit or deer munching on those roses run outside waiving your hands using colorful language along the way.

7. Tall fences.  For those with large property use a double fence method.  The first fence is about 8 feet tall.  Another fence is installed 6’ away.  If a deer hops the first one they can’t get enough inertia to hop the second.  Make sure you have a gate let the poor fella out.

8. Underground fences.  For precious plants install chicken wire, hardware cloth or chain link material in the hole when planting.  It takes years to rust – just remember it’s there! 

There are commercially available products on the market as well.  One manufacturer combines herbs to simulate the smell of coyote, lion and other animals of prey.  You sprinkle it around the garden ‘marking’ they area as if it’s their territory.

I’ve seen studies from a product called Bobbex that has legs to ward off legs. It’s a ready-to-use spray containing natural stuff that makes the product stick to the plant for a longer period of time. It basically will breakdown with sunlight, heat and moisture offer longer staying power. Plus, their web site says it’s safe around humans and pets.

If you  want to talk about pests in your garden (except for ex-boyfriends/girlfriends) then give me a call 24/7, toll free at 1-800-405-NICK(6425).

If you are ever in the La Canada/Flintridge area (near Los Angeles) feel free to visit Descanso Gardens.  The place where we filmed several garden segmens.