Rodent control problems can create a garden variety of troubles for homeowners. Your backyard will not be spared from the destruction that can ensue. In fact, a number of pests, such as rats, mice, skunks, raccoons and squirrels, will view your garden as the next best thing to a banquet hall.

AZ Pest Control Problems Are a Gardener’s Nightmare

Squirrels are partial to fruit and nut trees. They also have the uncanny ability to time their invasion perfectly, just before you’re ready to harvest. Rats and mice, along with the rest of the rodent bunch, are happy to scavenge for anything they can sink their teeth into. Skunks will not only feast on your garden, they can also spray the yard, leaving behind a stench that can be difficult, if not impossible to eliminate.

Rodent problems in the garden can lead to droppings and urine left in and around your garden, causing the spread of E Coli, Salmonella and a host of other diseases. In fact, the 2006 spinach scare centered in on a pest control issue, in that rodent waste was the culprit for contamination.

If given the chance, most rodents will take up residence in your backyard and then make way for your house. Ignoring rodent problems leaves these pests to their own devices, which can destroy your garden, as well as vital structures within your home, such as the woodwork, insulation and electrical wiring. Damage from rodent control problems can be extremely expensive, costing several thousands of dollars.

AZ Pest Control — Preventing Rodent Problems in the Garden

When it comes to rodent control in the garden, some homeowners unnecessarily turn to chemical pesticides. However, in addition to being a costly pest control method, these chemicals are dangerous for you, your family and your pets. Chemical pesticides may ward off existing rodent problems, but it’s unlikely that they’ll deter uninvited guests in the future.

Another issue concerning garden pest control is the near impossibility of sealing off entryways to the backyard. Some rodents can get to your garden by climbing over the rooftops and through the trees, while others can burrow underground.

Rodent Control — Handling Rodent Problems With Non-Toxic Sprays

Among safe and effective AZ pest control methods are non-chemical sprays. There are several types of spays which can be used for anything from creating a taste aversion to making food hard to digest and therefore, undesirable. Garlic and red pepper sprays can eliminate rodent problems by masking vegetation with an unappealing flavor, while castor oil wards off rodents with an inedible coating.

AZ Pest Control Methods in the Garden — Netting, Odor Aversion and Scare Tactics

Netting is an effective rodent control method that creates a physical barrier to prevent the invasion and destruction of your garden. You can use spikes to create a fenced barrier for trees and other plants, as well as motion sensor devices that signal the sprinklers for retaliation.

An unpleasant odor can also deter rodent problems. The bad smell masks the aromatic appeal, thus sparing your fruits and vegetables from predators. There are numerous odor aversion formulas available, so make sure the one you choose is able to withstand evaporation and watering.

Keep in mind that if you have a pest control problem on your property, they are there for a reason. Be sure to examine why you have rodent problems in the first place and take steps to make your property and garden less attractive to unwanted tenants. Consult with a qualified rodent control specialist for expert advice on keeping your garden free of pests.