Barring the use of a solid and impenetrable wall seven or eight feet high, nothing will keep a determined animal from roaming or browsing where it wants to. However, there are some very effective natural and low-toxic methods to gain some control. Their effectiveness may vary from season to season and between different locations. What may keep the deer out of your garden may not necessarily work for someone else who lives where a different herd browses. It is very much trial and error and continual monitoring of the habits of the animal you’re trying to exclude.

Read our intro on Natural & Low Toxic Pest & Animal Control.

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DEER & RABBITS

Coyote Urine – available as liquid and granules; have not had success in using this

Human Hair Clippings, Human Urine, Irish Spring Soap Shavings – somewhat successful, but generally not effective in heavy browsing areas

Liquid Fence – environmentally friendly spray made from garlic and egg; extremely effective but browsing habits need to be monitored with weekly or biweekly spraying during peek late spring and late summer seasons

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CATS & DOGS

Coffee Grounds, Hot Pepper, Black Pepper – only works for cats as they do not like to get pungent smelling or tasting things on their paws; orange and other citrus rinds will repel cats; use hot pepper as last resort as it can cause cats eye irritation when washing their faces after having walked in a treated area

Liquid Fence – environmentally friendly spray made from garlic, hot pepper and cinnamon; have not used but expect it is as effect as deer/rabbit product is

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GROUNDHOGS/WOODCHUCKS

Gum – Bubbulicious or Juicy Fruit works best spread around their haunts; will keep them at bay for a week or so

Fox Urine – available as liquid and granules; can send dogs into a tizzy trying to hunt for a fox; have not had success in using this

Posted in: Healthy Living, Old Wisdom, Gardening