How to Keep Herbivores Away From Plants

Determine what type of animals are eating the plants. Use environmental factors and clues to make an educated guess about what type of pest you are dealing with. For example, if bite marks are high up on the plants, deer may be the cause. If there are holes in and around the garden, moles are good suspects.

Build up the planting area to deter animals from getting near the plants themselves. Create dirt mounds around the plant roots and rows to prevent ground animals from getting close enough to eat them. Make the spaces between plants as narrow and trench-like as possible so that small animals will feel exposed when approaching, and will turn away and seek out an easier meal.

Install plant species that are natural deterrents to pest animals. A variety of plants including garlic, onions, crown imperial, lavender and marigolds all produce undesirable tastes and smells. Animals will avoid the scent of these plants, and will avoid having to get past them to reach the plants. Plants with fuzzy leaves, and those with thorns are also a nuisance for pest animals, who would rather turn away than deal with the consequences.

Install a protective fence. It is important to know what type of pests you have so that the right size and strength fence can be installed. A fence that stands around 2 feet tall and 6 inches beneath the surface with tight entry holes will suffice for most of the smaller pests. Moles will tunnel under fences and squirrels can find their way through or around just about anything. For larger pest such as deer, a fence that stands at least 8 feet is necessary.

Keep a dog in the garden. Most herbivores are fearful of a loud and omnipresent predator and will not approach the plants. For birds and small animals, the presence of a plastic owl or other bird of prey makes the plants too dangerous to sample. Place a statue of a threatening bird in a visible area overseeing the plants, where animals are sure to spot it. Mechanical deterrents can also work. For example, motion sensors attached to water jets or noisemakers will activate when animals approach and startle them into leaving

Spray organic pest repellents around the garden or yard. These all-natural repellents are made from some of the smellier and less appetizing scents in nature and have the same effect on animals as they do on people. Some contain spoiled eggs, garlic and spicy elements that burn the nose. Others contain the urine of predator animals, which prevents herbivores from approaching out of fear. These repellents can be purchased or made at home.