Few things are more frustrating in the home garden than dealing with unwanted pests. While insects can cause quite a bit of damage to crops, so can the presence of small animals such as mice , squirrels , and chipmunks . Although garden plants can be damaged at any stage of growth, tender seedlings are especially vulnerable.
Determining which animals are the culprits and, more importantly, how to control them, will be essential to a successful start to the gardening season.
Read on for tips on what to do about small animals eating seedlings in your garden
What animal eats my seedlings?
While mice commonly eat garden seeds, most seedlings are damaged by voles , squirrels, rabbits , or squirrels. To determine which small animals eat seedlings in your own garden, it will be important to observe the area carefully.
Many types of rodents can create a series of tunnels, while larger animals, such as squirrels, may leave more obvious signs that they have chewed. In many cases, these small animals can be seen in the garden early in the morning or late at night.
How to protect seedlings
While there are many traps available for controlling problem animals, these techniques may not be suitable for everyone. This is especially true for those with pets or children in the home. Fortunately, there are several strategies gardeners can employ to deter seedling-eating animals.
In many cases, animals that eat seedlings can be deterred by homemade DIY repellents. These DIY recipes often include the addition of ingredients like cayenne pepper or vinegar . If you choose to make your own repellent, be sure to only use a recipe from a trusted source, as this will ensure that no harm will be done to plants, pets, or people.
When seedlings are eaten, it is often a sign that food for animals has become scarce. Many growers choose to counteract this by creating a feeding station away from the garden beds. This can be done by using feeders designed specifically for squirrels for example, or other wildlife. Some may even choose to plant additional vegetables near the feeder in an attempt to divert attention from the actual garden.
Small animals that eat seedlings may also be frightened. While both dogs and cats can be effective at this task, many small animals are quickly scurried away by the use of motion-activated sprinklers or other visual deterrents.
If these tactics fail, gardeners always have the option of protecting seedlings with the use of wire row covers , or netting. Securing these structures firmly in place is often ample protection to help delicate seedlings thrive until they have grown large enough to transplant to other areas of the garden.