A gardener’s battle in the garden often seems to be with insects; however, rodents can wreak some serious havoc to plants as well. In addition to nibbling on your produce and tunneling through your garden, rodents like gophers, mice, and rats can eventually move on to your home. To avoid damage and further infestation, it’s important to remove any unwanted critters. Here are a few tips on how to get rid of rodents from your garden.
1. Adopt a Cat
Cats have long been known for their ability to hunt mice and other rodents. A great way to remove and deter these pests from your garden is to adopt a cat. While cats can catch and kill rodents when they’re outside, they also act as a deterrent by marking their territory. When a cat rubs up against things, it leaves a scent behind that sends mice running the other way. If you go this route, make sure your new pet is spayed or neutered and has food, water, and indoor shelter.
2. Avoid Using Mulch
Many homeowners love using mulch for its organic nutrients and weed control. Unfortunately, rodents also enjoy mulch because it makes the perfect place for them to build nests and settle in. If you feel that the use of mulch is non-negotiable, try using a wood chip mulch, which is harder for critters to burrow into.
3. Border Your Garden With Herbs
Strong herbal smells such as mint, garlic, basil, thyme, and echinacea act as repellents to many rodents. The use of these herbs can provide a natural way to keep rodents from entering your garden. Plant a border of herbs around your garden to fool unwanted pests into thinking no vegetation of interest is nearby.
4. Keep Your Garden Area Tidy
Rodents, especially rats, hate a clean, open space. A great way to get them out and keep them out is to take away their ideal living environment. Steps for cleaning out your yard and garden include:
- Keep the grass cut short.
- Eliminate any piles of wood, boxes, or other items that might create a dwelling space in your yard.
- Secure and seal any garages or sheds.
- Remove any accessible food supplies, such as pet food or fallen fruit and vegetables.
- Clean out nearby garbage and recycling bins regularly.
5. Use Fencing
A fence will help keep rodents such as gophers and rabbits out of your garden. In addition to a secure fence, you should also use a quarter-inch grid hardware cloth. This cloth should be buried roughly 18 inches below the soil and then angled outward away from the garden. If any gopher friends decide to try to dig under your fence, they’ll hit the cloth and turn around.
If you find yourself facing an overwhelming rat or other rodent infestation, it’s probably time to contact one of the specialists in pest control Houston provides, such as Bulwark Exterminating. Rodents in your garden are bad enough, so make sure you let the professionals put a stop to it before they move on to bigger and better things, like your home.
