Backyards in the United States come in all shapes and sizes. Some are large enough to accommodate a pool, while others are smaller and more intimate. However, most backyards serve as a private oasis for their owners, no matter the size.
Many people in the US enjoy spending time outdoors in their yards, especially during the warmer months. Barbecues, pool parties, and simply relaxing in the sun are all popular activities in American backyards.
While some homeowners choose to maintain their backyard on their own, others hire professional landscapers to help create and maintain an outdoor space that they can be proud of. Unfortunately, however, you can’t hire people to keep wild animals from your lawn.
There are about two thousand unique animals in the country. Some of these animals might find their way into your lawn. May it be mammal or insect, here are ways to protect your backyard or garden from all sorts of wildlife.
Build a Fence
Fences are one of the best deterrence you have against wild animals. These fences are also great in terms of privacy and security. Depending on the animals you’re trying to keep out, you can opt for a tall fence or a short one. If you live in an area with deer, a six-foot-high fence should do the trick. If you’re dealing with rabbits, a three-foot fence will suffice.
You can also try an electric fence if you have burrowing animals like gophers on your property. This type of fence emits a low current that’s enough to shock the animal but not enough to kill it. In addition, the current is only activated when the animal touches the wire, so there’s no risk to humans or other animals.
A mesh fence is also an option, mainly dealing with small animals like snakes. This type of fence is made of a strong material that’s difficult to chew through or push aside.
The best part about fences is that you can build one yourself. There are a lot of Do-it-Yourself fences in the market right now. Feel free to choose one that’s easy enough for you to build.
Install a Barrier Around Your Yard
You can also keep animals out of your yard by installing a physical barrier around the perimeter. This could be a concrete wall, a stone wall, or even plants that are difficult to penetrate.
If you live in an area with large animals like bears or coyotes, it’s important to have a tall barrier that they can’t jump over. You might also want to consider adding barbed wire to the top of the fence to deter them further.
For smaller animals, you can create a barrier by digging a trench around the perimeter of your yard and filling it with sharp rocks or chicken wire. This will make it difficult for animals to dig their way into your yard.
You can also plant thorny bushes around the edge of your property, which will deter small animals from entering.
Use Repellents
There are a variety of repellents on the market that will keep animals away from your yard. These repellents contain chemicals that either smell bad to animals or taste unpleasant.
There are also ultrasonic repellers that emit high-frequency sound waves that deter animals. These devices are safe to use around humans and pets, but they’re not always effective in keeping animals away.
Hot sauce can also be a good repellent for small animals like rabbits. Simply mix hot sauce with water and spray it around the perimeter of your yard.
You can also make your own repellent by mixing garlic, chili peppers, and water in a blender. Then, spray this mixture around the edge of your property.
Keep Your Yard Clean
One of the best ways to deter animals from your yard is to keep it clean. This means removing any food sources that might attract them.
Pick up any fallen fruit from trees or vegetables that have been left on the ground. If you have a garden, make sure to harvest fruits and vegetables as soon as they’re ripe.
You should also keep your garbage cans tightly sealed so that animals can’t get into them. And, if you have a pet, make sure to clean up after them so that animals aren’t attracted to their waste.
By keeping your yard clean, you’ll make it less appealing to animals and more enjoyable for yourself.
Get a Pet
Lastly, getting a pet can also help deter animals from your property. Dogs, in particular, are known to be good at keeping animals away.
If you don’t want to get a dog, you can also try getting a cat. While they’re not as effective as dogs, they can still help keep small animals out of your yard.
No matter what method you choose, it’s important to take action to keep animals out of your yard. By doing so, you’ll create a safe and enjoyable space for yourself and your family.
