Information About Animals

Most people think of pests in the garden as only being insects. Well, there are a number of animals that can become a pest too, chomping away or trampling on all your prized plants. We can help with this problem though. Here you will find many of these animal pests and how to go about getting rid of them, or at least try to repel them safely.

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What Do Groundhogs Like To Eat In The Garden?

By Laura Miller

Click here for info on groundhogs and what they like to eat in the garden and landscape.

Birds Eating Sunflower Leaves In The Garden

By Susan Albert, Freelance Garden Writer

Mysterious damage to your sunflowers’ leaves could be from hungry lesser goldfinches. Learn why.

Animals, Insects, And Bugs That Eat Plants At Night

By Mary Ellen Ellis

What are some common nocturnal garden pests that eat plants at night? Click here to find out.

Stop Other Birds On Hummingbird Feeders – Do Other Birds Use A Hummingbird Feeder

By Laura Miller

Many bird-loving gardeners hang hummingbird feeders, hen discover other species of birds have invaded and chased the hummers away. If this is you, read on for tips.

Crow Damage To Lawns – Why Are Crows Digging In Grass

By Amy Grant

Lawn damage from crows can be disastrous to some. What is it with grass and crows? Can crow damage to lawns be repaired? Find out here.

Gardening With Electric Fencing: Electric Fence Options For Gardens

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

If your garden has been trampled or nibbled on by marauding wildlife, electric fencing may be a viable solution. Click here for tips on using them.

Wild Pigs In The Garden – Growing Javelina Proof Plants

By Becca Badgett, Co-author of How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden

If you live in an area where you have wild pigs in the garden, you are likely frustrated and want to get rid of them. One alternative is growing plants javelina will not eat. Take it a step further and grow plants they hate, in order to repel them. Learn more in this article.

What Is A Javelina: Ways Of Dealing With Javelinas In Your Garden

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

The javelina is an animal that roams most of the American Southwest. Keeping javelinas out of the garden can be tricky, as these creatures are not very picky about their diets and enjoy almost everything. To learn how to control them in or around your garden areas, click here.

What Plants Do Snakes Hate: Using Snake Repelling Plants For Gardens

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

We should all agree that snakes are important. However, we don't all necessarily want to be surprised by one in our garden. The best methods for keeping snakes out of the garden are keeping it clutter-free and planting snake repelling plants. This article can help.

Domestic Pigs In The Garden: How To Prevent Pig Rooting Damage

By Amy Grant

Even if it’s the domestic pet pig of your neighbor, pigs in the garden lead to rooting damage for your plants. Keep them out with tips found here.

Seedlings Are Being Eaten – What Animal Is Eating My Seedlings

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

Tender seedlings are vulnerable to pests, especially animals. Determining which animals are the culprit and, more importantly, how to control them will be essential to a successful start to the garden season. Learn what to do about small animals eating seedlings here.

Plants Voles Don’t Like: Using Vole Repellent Plants In The Garden

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

Voles are troublesome rodents that can do a lot of harm in a garden. Anti-vole gardens can be a challenge since these little guys aren’t too picky with their diets. However, it is possible to find plants voles actually don’t like. Learn what plants voles won’t eat here.

Mouse Bark Damage: Keeping Mice From Eating Tree Bark

By Teo Spengler

In winter, when food sources are scarce, small rodents eat what they can find to survive. Unfortunately, mice chewing on trees can cause serious damage. Click here for information on mouse bark damage as well as tips on keeping mice from eating tree bark in your yard.

Plants Mice Won’t Eat – What Plants Do Mice Dislike

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Gardens face challenges due to many different pests in the garden. One of these pests includes mice. If mice are nibbling away in your garden, click here to learn what plants will be safe from mice and which ones may actually help repel them.

Protecting Trees From Rodents: What To Do With Trees Damaged By Rodents

By Teo Spengler

Rodents that eat tree bark include everything from rabbits to voles. With a little effort, you can install rodent protection for trees and take steps to aid trees damaged by rodents. Click on the following article to find out how to protect or save your trees.

Do Mice Like Mulch: How To Get Rid Of Mice In Garden Mulch

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

Just as we would prefer our homes to be rodent free, preventing the presence of these nuisance animals in our gardens, yards, and flower beds is equally important. Click this article for tips on preventing mulch rodent problems and keeping mice out of mulch.

Deer Proof Groundcovers – Groundcover Plants Deer Leave Alone

By Laura Miller

Your English ivy is eaten down to the ground. You've tried deer repellents, human hair, even soap, but nothing keeps the deer from chewing the leaves off your groundcover. Without their leaves, groundcovers fail to control the weeds. Click here for deer proof groundcovers.

Planting A Waterfowl Proof Garden: Learn About Plants Ducks And Geese Won’t Eat

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Certain regions are waterfowl Nirvana. If you live in such a site, don't despair. There are some plants ducks and geese won't eat. Keeping plants safe from ducks and geese is another option to a waterfowl proof garden by using barriers. Learn more in this article.

Do Squirrels Harm Trees: How To Minimize Squirrel Tree Damage

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

Why do squirrels dig holes in trees? Good question! Squirrels sometimes gnaw trees, usually where bark is rotten or a dead branch has fallen from the tree, to get to the sweet sap just below the bark. Let's take a closer look in this article.

Are Coyotes Dangerous – What To Do About Coyotes In The Garden

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

Coyotes generally prefer to avoid contact with humans, but as their habitat shrinks and they become more accustomed to people, they can sometimes become unwelcome visitors to the garden. Find out about coyote control and what to do about coyotes in the garden here.

Predator Urine In Gardens: Does Urine Deter Pests In The Garden

By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez, Plant Scientist & Writer

Of all garden pests, mammals are often the ones that can do the greatest damage in the shortest time. One strategy for warding off these animals is to use predator urine as a pest deterrent. Learn more about this pest control method here.

Bird Damage To Lawns – Why Are Birds Digging Up My Lawn

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Most of us love having backyard birds to watch and to feed. On the other hand, bird damage to lawns can be extensive. If you?re finding small holes in your grass and you see a lot of birds around, the damage is probably caused by birds foraging for food. Learn more here.

Protecting Plants From Dogs: Keeping Dogs Away From Garden Plants

By Darcy Larum, Landscape Designer

Dogs may trample down plants and break stems, they may dig up plants, and they just might decide that your prize peony is their favorite potty spot. Keeping dogs away from garden plants can seem like a never-ending battle. Learn more here.

Garden Plants And Chickens: How To Protect Plants From Chickens

By Amy Grant

We are used to seeing "chicken found" or "chicken lost" signs and even chickens themselves strutting across our lawns. But you don't just want the chickens running amok. Protecting plants from chickens is also a priority. This article will help.

Potted Plant Protection: Tips On Protecting Container Plants From Animals

By Liz Baessler

No matter where you are, pests of one kind or another are a constant threat. Even containers, which feel like they ought to be safe, can easily fall prey to hungry critters. Learn more about how to protect potted plants from animals in this article.

Potted Plants And Squirrels: Learn How To Protect Container Plants From Squirrels

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

Squirrels are tenacious creatures and if they decide to dig a tunnel in your potted plant, it may seem like keeping squirrels out of containers is a hopeless task. If you've had it up to here with potted plants and squirrels, here are a few suggestions that may help.

Wallaby Proof Plants: Tips On Keeping Wallabies Out Of Gardens

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Wallabies generally eat grasses and other plants, including food crops, and can become a nuisance in the home garden. Click this article to investigate some tricks and tips that will allow you to enjoy these wild animals without sacrificing your produce plot.

Kangaroo Deterrents: How To Control Kangaroos In The Garden

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Kangaroos in the garden can be more of a nuisance than a delight due to their grazing habits. They will eat almost anything from prized roses to carefully tended vegetables. Click this article for some tips on how to control kangaroos in your garden.

Beaver Damage To Trees: How To Protect Trees From Beaver Damage

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

While it's frustrating to notice signs of beaver damage to trees, it's important to recognize the importance of these wetland creatures and strike a healthy balance. Click this article for some helpful tips for protecting trees from beaver damage.

Types Of Moose Deterrents – Tips On Keeping Moose Out Of The Garden

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Moose in the garden is a problem that doesn't happen in all parts of North America. That said, for those gardeners with a lifetime of experience of moose in yards, the key to success is mixing it up and confusing these huge grazers. Learn more here.

Deterring Badgers: How To Get Rid Of Badgers In The Garden

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Badger damage can be annoying and visually distressing but rarely causes permanent effects. Generally, badgers in the garden are not a problem during winter and fall. That said, this article will help with how to get rid of badgers and minimize problems.

Birds Eating My Flowers: Why Do Birds Eat Flower Buds

By Darcy Larum, Landscape Designer

Gardeners are constantly worrying about protecting their plants from hungry deer, rabbits, and insects. Sometimes our feathered friends can also eat flowers and buds from certain plants. Click here to learn why this happens.

Burrowing Crawfish Problems: Getting Rid of Crayfish In The Garden

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Crawfish are a seasonal problem in some regions. They tend to make burrows in lawns during the rainy season, which can be unsightly and damage mowing equipment. Getting rid of crawfish is not that easy. Try these tips for removing crayfish in the garden.

Castor Oil For Garden Use: Tips On Treating Pests With Castor Oil

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Castor oil for garden use may repel voles, moles, and possibly other digging and tunneling animals, such as armadillos. Using castor oil as pest control is a time-honored method and is non-toxic and safe around children and pets. Click here to learn more.

Antelope Eating Plants: Learn How To Deter Pronghorn From Gardens

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

American pronghorn, which is closely related to the antelope and goats, are pests in many gardens. Antelope control requires a (forgive the pun) 4-pronged assault, careful planning and vigilance. This article should help.

Controlling Turtles In The Garden

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Most turtles are harmless, but snapping turtle control may be necessary to avoid children and pets from becoming injured. If you're wondering, "how to get rid of turtles in my yard," this article will help.

Damage Caused By Kangaroos – How To Keep Kangaroos Out Of My Garden

By Liz Baessler

Kangaroo plant damage is an issue that, as yet, does not have a catch-all solution. There are some known ways to deter kangaroos, however. Click here for information on how to keep kangaroos away and prevent damage caused by kangaroos.

Seedling Bird Protection: How To Keep Birds From Eating Seedlings

By Kristi Waterworth

Birds are often welcome visitors but they may turn around and become serious garden pests. There are several highly effective ways to keep birds out of your garden and protect your seedlings from these feathery visitors this spring. Click here for more.

Wild Turkey Control: Managing Wild Turkey Pests In Gardens

By Kristi Waterworth

Living with wildlife is a delicate balance of give and take, but when wild turkeys are doing a lot more taking from your garden than giving, it may be time to send them packing. Read this article and we'll tell you how.

Plants Rabbits Don’t Like: Common Rabbit Proof Plants

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

They may be furry and cute and their antics fun to watch, but rabbits lose their appeal when they wreak havoc in the garden by chewing up your plants. Selecting rabbit resistant plants isn?t a sure-fire solution, but tips from this article will help.

How To Get Rid Of Peacocks: Tips For Controlling Peacocks In The Garden

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Peacocks flock in wild situations and have been known to do considerable damage to neighborhoods they colonize. Peacock control is essential for the gardener who wants to protect tender plants, their cars, siding, screen doors and more. This article can help.

Controlling Predatory Birds: What To Do For Birds Of Prey In My Garden

By Jackie Carroll

If you enjoy watching wildlife in your garden, for some of you, one animal you don't want to see is a bird of prey. Find out how to discourage hawks and owls from visiting your garden in this article should they be a threat to your peace of mind.

Hanging Plant With Birds: What To Do For Birds In Hanging Baskets

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Hanging planters often provide attractive nesting sites for birds. Bird-proofing hanging baskets will prevent unwanted attacks and ease concerns about watering or maintaining your containers. Try a few of the suggestions in this article.

Managing Lizard Populations: Tips For Getting Rid Of Lizards In Gardens

By Kristi Waterworth

Although largely beneficial, some gardeners are concerned about getting rid of lizards. If you're one of these gardeners, learn about managing lizard populations in this article.

Fox Pest Control: Tips On Getting Rid Of Foxes In The Garden

By Amy Grant

In some areas of the country, the fox can be a menace. Learn more about how to prevent foxes in the garden by reading the article that follows. Don't let these sly animal pests wreak havoc on your turf. Click here.

Natural Bird Repellents: Controlling Birds In The Garden

By Kristi Waterworth

Besides just growing plants, many gardeners like to encourage insects and birds to wander into the garden. But some bird species are annoying or damaging. Read here for ideas to keep them under control.

Eliminate Rats In Gardens – Control Tips And Deterrents For Rats In Gardens

By Jackie Carroll

Rats are clever animals. Because they are experts at hiding, you may not see rats in the garden, so it?s important to learn how to recognize signs of their presence. This article will help with that.

Getting Rid Of Garden Snakes – How To Keep Snakes Out Of Garden For Good

By Jackie Carroll

Snakes are shy animals that try to avoid contact with people just as much as people try to avoid encounters with them. However, there are times when you may need help getting rid of garden snakes. Learn more here.

Canada Goose Control: How To Keep The Geese Out Of The Garden

By Jackie Carroll

A flock of migrating Canada geese is fun for awhile, but when they suddenly take up residence in your neighborhood, you'll find they can become a menace. Get help from this article to keep them under control.

Pigeon Pest Control: How To Stop Pigeons On My Balcony

By Susan Patterson, Master Gardener

Pigeons are fun, for a while, at least until they become regular visitors to your balcony. The following article has information on how to control pigeons before they become pests.

Raccoon Repellent – How To Get Rid Of Raccoons And Keep Them Away

By Nikki Tilley, Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden

Got raccoons? These cute, but mischievous, critters can wreak havoc around your home and garden, especially in high numbers. But learning how to keep raccoons away is possible with this article.

Mice In The Garden: Tips For Getting Rid Of Mice

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Mice in the garden are a nuisance and a potential health threat due to the diseases these pests carry. It is not unusual to have mice in the garden, and this article will help with getting rid of them.

Five Ways To Keep A Dog Out Of A Garden Bed

By Gardening Know How

Sooner or later every gardener will engage in a battle to protect their prized seedlings from the curious snouts, paws, and claws of domestic (and wild) dogs. Find out 5 ways to deter them in this article.

Woodpecker Tree Damage: Preventing And Repairing Woodpecker Damage

By Heather Rhoades

Woodpecker damage to trees can be a serious problem. Because of this it is important to stop woodpecker damage before it hurts or kills beloved trees in your yard. This article will help with that.

Eliminate Gophers With Gopher Repellent Or Other Means Of Gopher Control

By Heather Rhoades

Gophers can be a serious problem for a homeowner. While they may be cute looking, the damage they wreak can be far from cute. So learning how to get rid of gophers becomes a priority, and this article can help.

Stop Armadillos In The Garden – Getting Rid Of Armadillos

By Jackie Rhoades

Armadillo control has become a concern throughout the southwest and beyond. Before you ask about how to get rid of armadillos, you need to know a little about them. This article will help.

How To Keep A Bear Out Of The Garden

By Nikki Tilley, Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden

For those of you living in rural areas, chances are that you may on occasion have encountered a bear or two. Learning how to keep bears away is important. This article will help with that.

Getting Rid Of Groundhogs – Groundhog Deterrents And Repellents

By Nikki Tilley, Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden

Groundhogs are known for their extensive burrowing. These animals may be cute and cuddly looking but when they wander into our gardens, they can quickly wreak havoc on plants and crops. Get help for that here.

Getting Rid Of Voles – Using Vole Repellent And How To Kill Voles

By Heather Rhoades

Voles are among the least talked about and most damaging of the rodents that can invade a garden. This article contains information on how to get rid of voles that have taken over your yard.

Learn About Beaver Repellent – Beaver Control Information

By Nikki Tilley, Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden

When beaver activity gets out of hand, there are several control methods you can pursue - from preventive measures to fencing and physical removal. Learn about these in the following article.

How To Keep Iguanas Out Of Garden

By Heather Rhoades

To those who live in cooler places, iguana control may seem like a trivial problem. But, if you live in a place where iguanas roam freely, the question of how to get rid of iguanas is a big one. This article will help.

Possum Control: How To Trap Opossum

By Nikki Tilley, Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden

How to get rid of an opossum can be tricky but with a little perseverance, the backyard possum may be convinced to move elsewhere. The information in this article can help with that.

What Keeps Squirrels Away: How To Keep Squirrels Out Of Garden

By Kathee Mierzejewski

Squirrels can damage your plants and ruin all the hard work you?ve put into your garden. If you are wondering how to keep squirrels out of garden or how to get rid of squirrels, read here to find out more.

Toad Control: How To Get Rid Of Garden Toads

By Nikki Tilley, Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden

Toads are actually welcome additions to the garden, but not everyone wants them, especially if their numbers become impossible to manage. This article will help with ridding toads from the garden should this occur.

Cat Repellent: How To Keep Cats Out Of The Yard

By Nikki Tilley, Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden

Cats respond differently to repellents. This article will look at cat repellents and how to keep cats out of the yard - hopefully preventing them from using garden soil as a toilet in the process.

Mole Control – Home Remedies For Removing Moles From Your Yard

By Nikki Tilley, Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden

Mole activity can wreak havoc in the yard, not because they eat up everything but because their tunnels are often used by other burrowing pests and may uproot plants. Learn how to control moles here.

Ways To Get Rid Of A Skunk In The Garden

By Heather Rhoades

Knowing how to get rid of skunks is no easy thing, but it's not impossible. This article takes a look at the ways to get rid of a skunk in your garden so you won't have a stinky mess to contend with.

Chipmunk Control: Eliminating Chipmunks From Your Garden

By Heather Rhoades

Getting rid of chipmunks in your garden is similar to getting rid of squirrels. Chipmunk control requires just a little knowledge. Read this article to discover effective ways to rid chipmunks from your garden.

How To Keep Rabbits Out Of Gardens

By Heather Rhoades

How to keep rabbits out of gardens is a problem that has plagued gardeners for centuries. Keeping rabbits out of gardens is challenging, but it can be done. Find out how in this article.

Natural Homemade Dog Repellents

By Heather Rhoades

Dogs are a very popular house pet but they are not always the best things for our garden. There are many natural and organic methods to keep them under control though. Take a look at a few in this article.

Foolproof Tips On How To Keep Squirrels Out Of Birdfeeders

By Heather Rhoades

For a bird lover, one of the most frustrating things that you can experience is to see the bushy tail of a greedy squirrel hanging off the side of your birdfeeders. So what is a bird lover to do? Read here to find out.

Camouflage Gardening: Deterring Garden Crashers & Pests

By Nikki Tilley, Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden

Is something nibbling your flowers and other plants? Insects, diseases, and weeds aren't the only pests in the garden. Wildlife animals can be too. Click here for help.

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