Springtime is an important season for gardens and plants. However, it also brings with it a variety of furry pests that can wreak havoc on your garden or yard. Furry garden pests can damage plants and crops, consume leafy greens and vegetables, and spread parasites and diseases to your plants. To protect your garden from furry pests, it’s important to understand which pests you should be on the lookout for and what techniques you can use to get rid of them. In this article, we’ll discuss furry garden pests to watch out for this spring, including worms, moles, voles, and squirrels.
Types of Furry Garden Pests
Worms
Worms are slimy and often misunderstood animals, but they can cause significant damage to your garden if left uncontrolled. Earthworms are essential to soil health, but other types of worms, like the European or garden chafer, can quickly consume your plants and turfgrass. Their larvae can also damage your plants by feeding on their roots and stems.
Moles
Moles are small, burrowing mammals that can quickly dig up lawns and gardens in search of worms and grubs. They primarily feed on earthworms, and their tunnels can reach up to 6 feet in depth. Moles can also overturn seedlings and disrupt irrigation systems.
Voles
Voles are small rodents that can consume leaves, flowers, and the bark of your trees and shrubs. Voles primarily feed on the tender parts of the plants and can quickly devour large portions of your garden overnight. They also create intricate networks of underground tunnels that can spread very quickly.
Squirrels
Squirrels are rodents that can quickly devour saplings, trees, and fruits. They can also dig up bulbs and eat flower buds and leaves. Although they play an important role in providing food for other animals, their digging habits can disrupt root systems and deplete soil nutrients.
How to Get Rid of Furry Garden Pests
Natural Predators
One of the most effective ways of controlling garden pests is to introduce their natural predators into your garden. For example, birds of prey, such as hawks and owls, can help keep moles, voles, and squirrels under control. You can also use traps to catch the pests and then release them in a location far away from your garden.
Fences and Barriers
Fences and barriers are a good way to keep pests out of your garden. Bury a fence several inches beneath the surface to prevent moles and voles from entering your garden. If you want to protect your trees and fruits, you can use netting or bird netting to keep out squirrels.
Repellents
Chemical repellents are effective at keeping away garden pests, but they can be toxic to other animals, so it’s important to use them with caution. Use chemical repellents with caution and always follow the directions on the product label.
Cultural Practices
Good cultural practices are one of the best ways to keep garden pests under control. Keep the area around your garden free from deadwood and leaf litter, as this provides a breeding ground for worms and other pests. Mow your lawn frequently, as this will effectively reduce the number of worms and grubs that live in your soil.
People Also Ask
What are the most common garden pests?
The most common garden pests are aphids, slugs and snails, caterpillars, and flea beetles.
What plants are pests attracted to?
Pests are usually attracted to plants with tender vegetation, such as leafy greens, fruits and vegetables, and ornamental flowers.
How do I keep pests out of my garden naturally?
Natural ways to keep pests out of your garden include introducing their natural predators, using fences and barriers, applying chemical repellents with caution, and practicing effective cultural practices.
How do I get rid of moles in my garden?
Moles can be kept out of your garden by introducing their natural predators, such as hawks and owls, using traps, and burying fences several inches beneath the surface.
What is the best way to keep pests out of my garden?
The best way to keep pests out of your garden is to introduce their natural predators, use fences and barriers, apply chemical repellents safely, and practice effective cultural practices.
Final Words
Furry garden pests can do a lot of damage to your garden, so it’s important to be aware of the different pests that may be lurking in your yard this spring. Knowing how to identify these pests and using a combination of natural methods and chemical repellents, you can protect your garden and keep it looking beautiful.