Mammal Control:

We have tested several methods of deer control including garlic sticks, soap bars, bobcat urine, and coyote dummies. Nothing works as well as the two-punch combination of a sprayed deterrent and physical barrier method.

In the late fall, while the high temperatures are still above 40F, we apply PlantSkydd on the vulnerable plants then cover all our taxus hedges with deer netting.We will again reapply PlantSkydd during mid-winter when daytime temperatures go above 40F. Since we began using these methods in tandem, the damage to these plants has been just about eliminated.

Rodents are unfortunately harder to control. Frequenting our landscape are rabbits, voles, mice, groundhogs, and of course chipmunks and squirrels. PlantSkydd does not seem to work as well on the perennials and annuals these animals like to eat. We have had success covering garden beds of mums with bird netting, which is barely visible, but rodent damage continues to be a battle. Relocation has been the only method that has worked well so far. We use Havahart traps and drive them several miles away for their release. We are considering employing a couple domestic cats to guard the property. Encouraging predators also helps.