No More Geese: 11 Proven Ways to Keep Them Out of Your Yard

Discover practical and effective solutions for keeping animals out of your garden without the use of a fence.

From natural repellents to electronic deterrents, learn how to protect your plants and enjoy a beautiful garden free of animal pests

I. Introduction

A. Explanation Of Problem

Gardening is a popular hobby for many people, but it can also come with some challenges, one of which is the invasion of animals into the garden.

Rabbits, squirrels, deer, and other animals can cause significant damage to plants, vegetables, and flowers, and can quickly wreak havoc in the garden.

In addition, some animals can carry diseases that can harm plants and even pose a threat to human health.

B. Importance Of Garden Protection

Protecting the garden from animal damage is important for several reasons.

First, it helps to maintain the beauty and health of the garden, ensuring that plants and flowers grow and flourish.

Second, it protects the investment that gardeners have made in their plants and vegetables, preserving the hard work and effort put into the garden.

Finally, it can also help to reduce the risk of transmitting diseases from animals to plants and people.

With these reasons in mind, it's important to take steps to keep animals out of the garden.

II. Culture-based Solutions

A. Choose Plants That Deter Animals

One way to keep animals out of the garden is to choose plants that have natural properties that deter animals.

For example, plants such as alliums, daffodils, and lavender are known to have a strong scent that rabbits and other animals dislike, making them less likely to enter the garden.

Other plants, such as prickly varieties like roses or thorny bushes like hawthorn, also provide a physical barrier that animals will avoid.

B. Interplant With Species That Repel Pests

Another strategy is to interplant with species that repel pests.

For example, planting marigolds near tomatoes can help to deter whiteflies and other tomato pests, while planting basil near tomatoes can help to repel flies and mosquitoes.

This technique, known as companion planting, can also help to improve the health and growth of the plants in the garden.

C. Use Companion Planting

Companion planting involves planting certain species of plants near each other in order to take advantage of the natural benefits each plant provides.

For example, planting garlic near roses can help to deter aphids, while planting beans near corn can help to add nitrogen to the soil.

Companion planting can also help to improve the overall health and productivity of the garden, making it a valuable technique for keeping animals out of the garden.

III. Physical Barriers

A. Netting

Netting is a simple and effective way to keep animals out of the garden. It can be placed over plants, vegetables, and flowers to create a physical barrier that animals cannot penetrate.

There are several types of garden netting available, including bird netting, insect netting, and deer netting.

It is important to choose the right type of netting for the specific animal you are trying to keep out of the garden.

B. Floating Row Covers

Floating row covers are another type of physical barrier that can be used to protect the garden from animals.

These covers are made of lightweight fabric that is placed over the plants, vegetables, and flowers in the garden.

They are designed to allow light, water, and air to reach the plants while keeping animals out. Floating row covers are especially effective for keeping insects, such as caterpillars and aphids, out of the garden.

C. Mulch And Straw

In addition to netting and floating row covers, mulch and straw can also be used as physical barriers to keep animals out of the garden.

Mulch can be spread around the base of plants to deter animals from entering the garden, while straw can be placed over the soil to create a barrier that animals will avoid.

These materials are also beneficial for the soil and plants, helping to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

IV. Natural Repellents

A. Soap And Water

Soap and water is a simple and effective natural repellent that can be used to keep animals out of the garden.

Mixing a small amount of dish soap with water in a spray bottle and spraying it on the plants and surrounding area can help to deter animals.

The scent and taste of the soap are unpleasant to many animals, making them less likely to enter the garden.

B. Human Hair

Human hair can also be used as a natural repellent in the garden.

Simply placing small bags or clumps of hair around the garden or tying it to stakes and placing it among the plants can help to keep animals away.

The scent of human hair is unfamiliar and unappealing to many animals, making them less likely to enter the garden.

C. Essential Oils

Essential oils can also be used as natural repellents in the garden.

Certain oils, such as lavender, peppermint, and citronella, have strong scents that are unpleasant to many animals.

Mixing a few drops of these oils with water in a spray bottle and spraying it on the plants and surrounding area can help to keep animals out of the garden.

It is important to note that some essential oils can be toxic to plants and animals, so it is important to use them with caution and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

V. Chemical Repellents

A. Commercial Animal Repellent Sprays

Commercial animal repellent sprays are chemical-based products that are designed to deter animals from entering the garden.

These sprays often contain ingredients such as capsaicin (found in hot peppers), putrescent whole egg solids, and garlic, which are unpleasant to animals and will keep them away from the treated area.

It is important to choose a repellent that is safe for the specific animal you are trying to deter and to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

B. Homemade Repellent Sprays

Homemade repellent sprays can also be used to keep animals out of the garden.

These sprays can be made from a variety of ingredients, such as vinegar, hot sauce, or cinnamon, and can be mixed with water in a spray bottle.

When applying homemade repellent sprays, it is important to test them on a small area of the garden first to make sure they do not harm the plants.

C. Blood Meal

Blood meal is a chemical repellent that can be used to keep animals out of the garden.

It is a by-product of the slaughter of animals and has a strong, unpleasant odor that many animals find unappealing.

Blood meal can be sprinkled around the garden or mixed with water and sprayed on the plants to help keep animals away.

It is important to use blood meal with caution, as it can be toxic to pets and other animals if ingested.

VI. Electronic Deterrents

A. Motion-activated Sprinklers

Motion-activated sprinklers are electronic devices that are designed to deter animals from entering the garden.

These sprinklers are triggered by motion, and when an animal enters the area, they activate a spray of water that will startle the animal and keep it away.

Motion-activated sprinklers can be a highly effective way to keep animals out of the garden, especially larger animals such as deer.

B. Ultrasonic Devices

Ultrasonic devices are electronic devices that emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but unpleasant to many animals.

These devices are designed to be placed in the garden and can be used to deter a variety of animals, including squirrels, rabbits, and deer.

Ultrasonic devices can be an effective way to keep animals out of the garden, but it is important to choose one that is specifically designed for the type of animal you are trying to deter.

C. Flashlights

Flashlights can also be used as electronic deterrents in the garden.

Placing a flashlight near the garden or pointing it towards the area at night can help to keep animals away, as the light and movement can be unsettling to them.

This method is most effective when used in combination with other deterrents, as it may not be enough to deter all animals on its own.

VII. Traps

A. Live Traps

Live traps are devices that are designed to capture animals without hurting them.

These traps can be used to trap a variety of animals, including squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons.

Once the animal is trapped, it can be relocated to a different area, away from the garden.

Live traps can be an effective way to keep animals out of the garden, but it is important to follow all local regulations regarding trapping and relocation of animals.

B. Box Traps

Box traps are similar to live traps, but they are designed to be sturdier and more secure.

They are often used to trap larger animals such as raccoons and possums. Box traps can be baited with food to attract the animal, and once it is inside, the door will close, trapping the animal.

Like live traps, box traps can be an effective way to keep animals out of the garden, but it is important to follow all local regulations regarding trapping and relocation of animals.

C. Cage Traps

Cage traps are similar to live traps and box traps, but they are typically larger and more heavy-duty.

They are often used to trap larger animals such as coyotes and foxes.

Cage traps can be baited with food to attract the animal, and once it is inside, the door will close, trapping the animal.

Cage traps can be an effective way to keep animals out of the garden, but it is important to follow all local regulations regarding trapping and relocation of animals.

VIII. Deterrent Sounds

A. Noisemakers

Noisemakers, such as whistles, bells, or horns, can be used as deterrents to keep animals out of the garden.

The sudden, loud noise can startle animals and make them feel uncomfortable, causing them to move away from the area.

Noisemakers can be used alone or in combination with other deterrents for maximum effectiveness.

B. Alarms

Alarms, such as motion-activated alarms or electronic alarms, can also be used to deter animals from entering the garden.

The sudden, loud noise can startle animals and make them feel uncomfortable, causing them to move away from the area.

Alarms can be used alone or in combination with other deterrents for maximum effectiveness.

C. Dog Barking Sounds

The sound of a dog barking can be an effective deterrent for many animals.

There are electronic devices that are designed to mimic the sound of a barking dog and can be used to keep animals out of the garden.

These devices can be triggered by motion or can be set to activate at specific times.

The sound of a barking dog can be an effective deterrent for many animals, but it may not be effective for all animals, so it is important to use it in combination with other deterrents for maximum effectiveness.

IX. Hunting and Shooting

A. Legal Aspects

Hunting and shooting as a method of keeping animals out of the garden is subject to local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

It is important to familiarize yourself with these laws and regulations before engaging in any hunting or shooting activities.

Hunting and shooting may also require obtaining the proper licenses and permits, so it is important to research the requirements in your area.

B. Safety Precautions

Hunting and shooting can be dangerous activities and it is important to take all necessary safety precautions.

This includes using the appropriate equipment and following all safety procedures, such as wearing protective gear, using proper firearms handling techniques, and being aware of your surroundings.

Hunting and shooting should only be done by experienced individuals who are familiar with firearms and hunting procedures.

C. Hiring Professional Hunters

In some cases, it may be necessary to hire professional hunters to keep animals out of the garden.

Professional hunters are experienced in handling firearms and have the necessary equipment and expertise to effectively and safely manage wildlife populations.

However, it is important to research and choose professional hunters who are reputable, licensed, and insured.

Hiring professional hunters can be an effective way to keep animals out of the garden, but it is important to do so in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

X. Fencing Alternatives

A. Living Fences

Living fences are an alternative to traditional fencing and can be used to keep animals out of the garden.

Living fences can be made from plants that are grown and trained to form a barrier, such as hedges or shrubs.

These types of fences are not only functional but also add to the beauty of the garden.

Living fences can be more effective than traditional fences as they provide cover and food for wildlife, reducing their interest in the garden.

B. Decorative Fences

Decorative fences can be used to add aesthetic appeal to the garden while also serving as a barrier to keep animals out.

Decorative fences can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, or stone, and can be designed to match the style of the garden.

Decorative fences can be more effective than traditional fences as they provide a physical barrier that animals cannot easily penetrate.

C. Trellises

Trellises can be used as an alternative to traditional fencing and can be used to keep animals out of the garden.

Trellises can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic, and can be designed to support climbing plants, such as vines or roses.

Trellises can be an effective barrier as the plants growing on them can create a dense, impenetrable barrier that animals cannot easily penetrate.

Additionally, trellises can add beauty to the garden by showcasing the climbing plants.

XI. Conclusion

A. Summary of Tips

• Choose plants that deter animals or interplant with species that repel pests.
• Use physical barriers such as netting, floating row covers, or mulch and straw.
• Use natural repellents such as soap and water, human hair, or essential oils.
• Consider using chemical repellents, such as commercial animal repellent sprays or homemade sprays.
• Electronic deterrents such as motion-activated sprinklers, ultrasonic devices, or flashlights can be effective.
• Traps such as live traps, box traps, or cage traps can be used to remove animals from the garden.
• Deterrent sounds such as noisemakers, alarms, or dog barking sounds can be used to keep animals away.
• Hunting and shooting can be an effective solution, but it is important to follow all local, state, and federal laws and regulations, as well as take all necessary safety precautions.
• Fencing alternatives such as living fences, decorative fences, or trellises can be used to keep animals out of the garden.

B. Final Thoughts

Keeping animals out of the garden can be a challenge, but there are several effective solutions available.

It is important to choose the solution that works best for your specific situation and to follow all necessary safety precautions.

With the right combination of solutions, it is possible to protect your garden and enjoy its beauty without the disruption of animal pests.

C. Further Resources

For more information on keeping animals out of the garden, consider consulting the following resources:

• Local agricultural extension office
• Gardening and landscaping books
• Online gardening forums and communities
• Professional gardeners or landscapers.