Bird, Deer, and Gopher Control
Garden pests like birds, gophers, and deer can be a challenge, but with the right strategies, you can protect your plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest. Here are some tips and tools to help keep your garden safe.
Protecting Your Garden from Birds
- Bird Netting: Install bird netting over your plants to create a physical barrier. Use PVC frames or stakes to hold the netting securely, and attach it with snap clamps. Apply netting before fruits and berries begin to ripen, as the color attracts birds.
- Bird Scare Devices: For areas where netting isn’t practical, use scare devices like balloons, owl decoys, or shiny objects like CDs. Rotate these weekly to prevent birds from becoming accustomed to them.
Controlling Gophers
- Cinch and Sweeney Traps: These traps are effective for catching gophers. Place them carefully in active tunnels and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting them up securely.
- Gopher Wire: Install gopher wire at the bottom of raised beds or around individual plants to prevent gophers from tunneling through. Gopher wire is sturdier and has a smaller mesh than chicken wire, making it more durable in the soil.
Keeping Deer Away
- Fencing: A tall fence (8 feet or higher) is the most reliable way to exclude deer. On slopes, fences may need to be even taller to prevent jumping.
- Temporary Deer Fencing: Use this around young trees or areas where a permanent fence isn’t feasible. Remove it once trees are tall enough to be out of reach.
- Deer-Resistant Plants: Choose plants that deer are less likely to eat. Resources like Carolyn Singer’s book Deer in My Garden can help you select the right varieties.
Additional Tips
- Repellents: Use organic repellents made from substances like castor oil or putrefied eggs. These can deter not only deer but also rabbits, moles, and gophers.
- Start control measures early in the season to prevent pests from becoming established.
