Master Gardner - Nuisance wildlife in home gardens
Published: Friday, June 6, 2014 at 10:27 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, June 6, 2014 at 10:27 a.m.
Most home gardeners will generally agree that having wildlife in the garden is a good thing. Without pollinating insects, there would be no flowers or food, and without certain plants, there is little habitat for nesting songbirds.
Even so, plants that attract desirable wildlife will inevitably attract less desirable animals that seem to take up permanent residence in carefully tended gardens and lawns. It may seem hopeless, but with a little forethought and careful planning, you can successfully manage and prevent wildlife from destroying your garden.
A common nuisance animal for many gardeners are deer, which can cause significant damage to gardens and landscapes in just a few feedings. Most active in the early morning and late evenings, deer damage will appear ragged at the leaf and stem edges; plants may look as if they were pruned with a weed-eater. Deter deer by selecting resistant plant varieties, and avoid over-watering and over-fertilization as this encourages succulent new growth, which attracts hungry deer.
Exclusion traps are effective at preventing deer from feeding on young trees and fruit trees. Chemical repellents containing the active ingredient thiram are also effective at deterring hungry deer. Avoid using mothballs, as the chemical naphthalene is ineffective at deterring deer and is toxic to dogs and children.
Moles and voles
Although considered a pest, moles are active during rainy periods in summer, and are quite beneficial as they help aerate lawns and feed on grubs dwelling in the soil. Most gardeners want to trap or kill moles, but in North Carolina it is illegal to kill moles.
Avoid electronic, magnetic or vibrating devices that "scare" moles as none of these products are proven to be effective. The most effective method of mole control is removing their food source, which are white grubs. Always consult with a landscape professional or your local extension agent before applying any insecticide.
Voles are much smaller than moles and commonly feed on the roots of landscape plants and turf grass. To inspect for damage, look for small gnawing marks on the roots of plants. Closer inspection around the trunks of trees or shrubs may reveal 3- to 4-inch piles of earth and small tunnels about 1.5 inches wide.
Voles can be controlled by close mowing or by removing mulch from around the base of trees or shrubs. Both of these methods reduce the amount of cover that voles require to hide from predators.
Rabbits and snakes
Although cute and seemingly innocent, rabbits are voracious eaters and seem to decimate vegetable gardens almost overnight.
Successful control means first removing brush piles and any other "structured" areas that may provide shelter. Exclusion cages or fencing around smaller gardens or trees will deter rabbits from feeding on your vegetable plants and on tree roots. The same product used to repel deer, thiram, can be effective, but should be avoided for use in food crops.
Snakes in the garden may cause concern for some people, but most snakes are very effective at controlling rodent and rabbit populations. Snakes can be deterred by reducing cover and food supply and by mowing closely around homes and storage buildings. Store firewood away from homes and elevate from the ground if possible.
Traps and toxicants are ineffective at controlling snakes. While most snakes are non-venoumous, one of the common venomous species in our area is the copperhead, which is identified by its triangular head and dark-colored bands that form an hourglass shape on its back. Never attempt to handle snakes.
Side by side
An increase in urban sprawl means that many wildlife species are adapting to live and thrive in close proximity to humans. Although it is important to conserve wildlife and their habitat, that doesn't not mean you need to install an "animal buffet" sign in your yard. With some careful planning and a few maintenance strategies, you can successfully manage nuisance wildlife in your yard and still do your part to attract other beneficial wildlife.
For assistance identifying and managing wildlife problems, visit http://ces.ncsu.edu.
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