It is understandable that we have to co-exist with animals and they make up a very important part of the ecosystem. Some of them need us and we need some of them.

However, we cannot have them disrupting and destroying what we plant just because they need food. Just like a thief does not have the right to just come and take what you have because he is hungry, right?

Burrowing animals can cause more damage than we are able to predict. The obvious is that they will dig up all around and leave holes in the yard causing an untidy look. Then they either damage or eat the roots of your timely planted vegetables. Now, what do you feed your kids with?

But what is not usually predictable is that if you have small pets that might be nosey enough to poke their head into one of these holes, they might just have their face scratched off by one of those razor-sharp claws that they use to dig. Another unforeseen event could be someone’s foot falling into one of these holes and then they get a sprained ankle!

 Some of the ways to get rid of these animals may be baiting and trapping, but to be disposing of dead animals all the time is so not cool. They do cost us, but for me killing is not the first of best option at all. 

So in this article, we will look at ways to get rid of burrowing animals without killing. Your pets and children will also have the freedom to roam around the yard without fear of picking up poison or getting caught in a trap. Oh yes, and you will not have to worry about disposing of any dead animals.

Types of burrowing animals to look for include: Voles, Gophers, Moles, and Groundhogs. This solution gets rid of them all.

Gopher diet: These animals are strict herbivores. They mostly feed on the fleshy parts of plants and roots as well.

Groundhog’s diet: Some of the most essential components of a groundhog’s diet are nuts, foliage that comes from bushes, ferns, grass, flowers, fruits, and grains. Some of the plants that groundhogs eat most are clovers, asters, plantains, sorrel, dandelion and chicken weed.

Moles’ diet includes grubs and worms and any insect they find underground. So they do not eat plants but while searching for their food, they cause damage to the root of your nice crops.

Herbivores. Voles diet includes the roots of all of your plants. They will eat almost any plant root. These little mice looking critters are so good at burrowing and will just eat away all the roots that your plants grow. In fact, moles can leave you with an overnight garden of all dead plants. So do not get so happy that they are herbivorous.

How to get rid of burrowing animals

Some gardeners may use chemical solutions but we want to look at natural solutions such as creating barriers and making the environment uncomfortable for them.

Here is how to use dawn dish soap and some castor oil to get rid of any burrowing animal.

You will need: 

Castor Oil

Dawn dish soap

Garden Hose Spraying attachment

Instructions

Place 1/4 cup of castor oil into a bottle (20-ounce bottle is good).

Add 3 teaspoons of dawn dish soap and two cups of water and shake vigorously until well combined.

Attach the garden hose spraying attachment and spray all over the lawn. Make sure the areas are properly soaked, to do this you may have to do sections at a time depending on the size of your lawn.

Pay attention to the areas where holes or mounds are and soak those as well. Place some fresh dirt in the holes and soak the fresh dirt.

All burrowing animals hate this solution and will stay away from any dirt that has it. Frustrate the heck out all of them and they will leave your property.

After about seven days, repeat the process by soaking the same areas again to ensure that any burrowing animal that wants to try to be persistent will leave because you are way more persistent than they can ever imagine.

This is a great way to save MONEY! Seriously.

How to Get Rid of Chipmunks From your Garden

Chipmunks, with their adorable appearance and playful antics, may seem like innocent garden visitors. However, these small rodents can quickly become a nuisance and cause damage to your garden, plants, and property. Their burrowing habits and fondness for feasting on seeds, bulbs, and fruits can wreak havoc on a well-tended garden. If you find yourself facing a chipmunk invasion, don’t worry! In this article, we’ll explore effective and humane methods to get rid of chipmunks from your garden and restore harmony to your outdoor space.

Identify Chipmunk Activity:

Before you begin any control measures, it’s essential to confirm that chipmunks are indeed the culprits causing damage in your garden. Look for signs such as small holes or burrows in the soil, chewed plants, missing bulbs or seeds, and the presence of chipmunks during daylight hours.

Remove Attractants:

Chipmunks are drawn to gardens for their abundant food sources. Start by eliminating any temptations that may be luring them in. Clear away fallen fruits, nuts, and seeds regularly. Use bird feeders designed to be less accessible to chipmunks, or consider removing bird feeders temporarily if chipmunk activity is particularly high.

Seal Potential Entry Points:

Chipmunks are skilled at finding small openings to access your garden. Inspect the perimeter of your garden and your property for any cracks, gaps, or holes in fences, walls, or foundations. Seal these entry points with wire mesh or caulk to prevent chipmunks from getting in.

Use Natural Repellents:

Several natural repellents can help deter chipmunks from your garden. Spices such as cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, or garlic can be sprinkled around the garden beds. Chipmunks dislike the strong scent of these substances and are likely to avoid treated areas. However, remember to reapply after rain or watering.

Employ Physical Barriers:

Physical barriers can be an effective way to protect specific plants or areas from chipmunk damage. Use wire mesh cages or hardware cloth to cover vulnerable plants and bulbs. Additionally, you can place mesh barriers around the base of trees and shrubs to prevent chipmunks from digging near their roots.

Set Up Traps:

Live traps can be an ethical way to remove chipmunks from your garden without causing them harm. Place bait such as peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or apple slices inside the trap to attract the chipmunks. Once captured, release them at least five miles away from your property in a suitable wooded area.

Encourage Natural Predators:

Encouraging natural predators of chipmunks, such as cats, dogs, or birds of prey like hawks and owls, can help keep their population in check. If you’re a pet owner, allowing your cat or dog supervised outdoor time may help deter chipmunks from visiting your garden.

Use Repellents and Sprays:

Commercial chipmunk repellents and sprays are available on the market. These products usually contain natural or chemical ingredients that deter chipmunks from the treated areas. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply them carefully around your garden.

Conclusion:

Having chipmunks in your garden can be a charming sight, but their presence can quickly become problematic. To preserve the beauty and health of your garden, it’s essential to employ a combination of methods to deter these small rodents without causing harm to them or the environment. By identifying chipmunk activity, removing attractants, using natural repellents, setting up traps, and employing physical barriers, you can peacefully and effectively get rid of chipmunks from your garden and create a tranquil space for you and your plants to enjoy.