Hey everyone! I'm a newbie to gardening and just set up cute little raised beds in my backyard. I've planted strawberries, but unfortunately, they were decimated by rabbits over the weekend. I'm really bummed! The roots look okay, so they might bounce back, but I need to figure out how to keep these rabbits from munching on them in the future. I also live near Boston and I'm worried about rats since my husband spotted one in our yard when we moved in. I've heard that fencing could work for rabbits, but what about for rats? Any tips for keeping these critters at bay would be super helpful before I resort to drastic measures against these little pests!
4 Answers
For rabbits, I blocked any gaps they could sneak through and it’s been working like a charm! As for the rats, I’d suggest using traps since they seem more crafty. And don’t forget to plant extra crops—having some to share is a great strategy!
Chicken wire is the most affordable option for fencing!
Is there a specific way to set it up? Should I bury it in the ground too?
Definitely go for a fence! I recommend using wire fencing at the bottom of a taller fence, about 2 feet high. You could tie string across the top and hang some pie tins or soda cans to make noise and scare them away. I’ve heard that sprinkling cinnamon and chili powder can help too, but I haven't tried it myself.
Great suggestion! I think the noise idea is clever, thanks!
I totally understand your pain! I've dealt with feral cats using my garden as a litter box. To keep those pests away, I’m trying concentrated fox urine. It’s a bit smelly, but the idea is to make the little mammals think there’s a fox nearby. I’ll be sprinkling it around my yard in hopes they’ll steer clear! If I find more options that don’t involve poisons, I’ll keep you posted!
Haha, I appreciate the creativity! Let me know how that works out for you!
I love that idea! Growing more for all of us sounds like a solid plan. I think I need to build a fence soon to protect the little plants!