Deer are just one animal that may eat your lawn or garden.
Natural animal and insect repellents rid the area of pests without using harsh or harmful chemicals. Deer and rodents tear up gardens and lawns. Insects bite, swarm and eat the leaves of plants and trees. Commercial baits and chemicals are available but may harm humans, pets and the environment. Natural alternatives work without the need for dangerous ingredients. Does this Spark an idea?
Deer Spray
In some areas of the country, deer becomes pests for the backyard gardener. Whether native to the region or migrating due to dry weather or encroachment, deer may seek out a flower or vegetable garden to graze and feed. Fencing typically does not keep the swift-footed animals from green leaves. One natural solution is creating a spray from eggs, oil and dish soap. Mix two eggs in a cup of cooking oil. Add several drops of dish detergent and an additional cup of water to dilute. Spray the solution around and on plants in a garden. The deer do not like the smell or the taste. After one sample, most deer avoid the area when seeking food.
Small Mammals
Mice, rats, squirrels and rabbits are pests around the yard and in a home. Squirrels sometimes make their way into attics and rabbits make homes in crawl spaces under homes. Rats and mice are unwelcome guests in the walls, under cabinets and in almost any other nook of a house. The garden, garage or sheds are also prone to habitation by these creatures. Instead of using baits and traps, try natural concoctions. Cayenne pepper soaked over night in water repels the animals from any spots the mixture touches. Soak small strips of material in mint oil and place them around spots where these animals appear as an additional deterrent.
Biting Insects
Mosquitoes and biting flies make enjoying a yard or garden impossible. Break up a whole clove of garlic and soak them in a half-gallon of water for several days. Spray the mixture on plants, shrubs, grasses and around windows and doors on buildings. The strong garlic odor masks the smell of blood, making the biting insects believe their is no food in the area. Repeat the process every few weeks for maximum effectiveness. Respray each time the area is watered or rain falls.
Plant Protection
One of the most natural ways to repel animals and insects from a garden or lawn is growing the right plants. Marigolds (Tagetes erecta) planted around a vegetable garden emit a scent unpleasant to many flying insects. Most small animals also find the taste and smell of these plants undesirable. Thai lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) when planted around patios and under windows repels mosquitoes. The plant may also be cut and the inside juice applied to the skin to keep the biting insects off humans while they enjoy the outdoors.
Tags: animals from, biting insects, planted around, vegetable garden