does ANY spray repellent work on a groundhog??
kitova
16 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (23)
pieheart
16 years agokkfromnj
16 years agoRelated Discussions
Recipe for Plant Sprays/Insect Repellents
Comments (7)Thank you all for your advice (sorry for the late thank-you -- have been having intermittent computer problems). I wish the prevention part were that easy -- we live in Va. Beach and our property is on the Lynnhaven River -- fairly brackish shallow muddy and probably mosquito nirvana. Our property has a "dog leg" strip that goes down to the water, but we haven't cleared it yet (and legally I'm not sure how we'll wind up doing that -- harsh restrictions because they're trying to revive historical oyster beds). That area is full of marsh grasses, poison ivy and lots of muddy puddle areas. The perimeter of the rest of our rectangular lot is fairly heavily covered in trees, azaleas, ivy, etc. -- lots of hiding places. We're working to clear it somewhat (replacing ivy with mulch) but I also am torn -- I like providing habitat for wildlife (and we have plenty!). I think the biggest problem are the Asian tiger mosquitoes. They're out all day and are so small and fast -- and from what I've read can breed in 1/4" of water very quickly. We purchased one of those pheromone/CO2 traps (is supposed to lure them in where they're fanned into a tray of soapy water) and caught lots of moths. I called the manufacturer in New Zealand and was told that "oh -- they'll work on pretty much all mosquitoes except Asian tiger mosquitoes." We've also got what I'd consider a healthy predatory population -- tons of skinks, snakes, frogs, every bug imaginable (some have got to be predatory, right?) -- I know we've got wheel bugs because I accidentally killed a nymph yesterday before I realized it wasn't a squash bug nymph (similar body shape; wrong color...). Spiders everywhere. We live on a secluded private lane and I've never noticed the city spraying back here. But,.... we're getting eaten alive. Even my husband and kids are getting bitten this year, which is rare. Contrary to what I've heard on the news from "studies" I would disagree that concentrations above 15-20% deet are no more effective than the lower ones. If I wear the "regular" lower concentrations I might as well wear "here's dinner" signs. When I wear the 10-hour yucky oily stuff that's 95% deet it works like a charm. It's horrible, and who knows what it's doing to me, but at least I can step outside and check the garden. But, I did get in my shipment of essential oils -- I just still don't know how to mix the concoctions -- I've read the recipes posted but don't know what the base is. I'm even growing lots of catnip -- I don't yet have enough to take handfuls of the stuff and rub it on myself, but I'm working on it! So thanks again -- and I'll still welcome any recipes! mcaren...See MoreMotion-activated water spray animal repellent
Comments (3)Yes, I have one around my pond. Lost 2 fish before I got one. They work well but not if you have pets and plan to leave it on 24/7. Birds will also trigger it - which you may not want if you're trying to attract them. And I also agree that if you forget, you'll be squirted too - and anyone else who crosses the path. I only turn mine on at night and early morning. I don't know how your bulbs are planted, but if they're in a grouping, I've found that fencing does help somewhat with squirrels. I'm sure the bulb growers told you to just not plant tulips if you have a big squirrel problem. Plant daffodils, crocus, hyacinth or other bulbs that squirrels avoid. That's what I did and it's really the easiest solution....See MoreDo any plants or repellants work for snakes?
Comments (32)I'm no fool, I don't like the poisonous ones. But other than that I'm not afraid of snakes. But I do understand phobias since I have one with cockroaches (go figure that I stay here in Florida!) Anyway, last week while in the veggie patch, I noticed the dog growling and jumping at something. Sure enough, it was a HUGE striped rat snake. I made her stop since it's harmless and I don't want her messing with snakes since we have killed rattle snakes here. Later on that afternoon I go to the chicken coop to gather eggs, I opened up the hatch to the nesting boxes and this snake is inside one of them, trying to swallow a golf ball, with a real egg laying right beside it. So I grab a stick and try to sweep it out of the coop, the stick is brittle and keeps breaking off. I finally get it out of the coop on the ground, still the golf ball is in it's mouth. So I go to look for the pitchfork only to pick it up and move it off the property - when I get back it is gone - the golf ball lying there where it finally managed to spit it out. So I'm searching for it, can't believe it disappeared so fast. Then I looked up in a close-by tree and there it is, out on a limb, sticking it's tongue out at me. So I gave up for about and hour and went back to check the coop - it's back in there AGAIN trying to swallow another golf ball. I chased it back and forth all over that chicken coop but it got away through the chicken wire and into another tree. The next time I will get a pair of gloves on and snatch that sucker up and dispense with him to the neighbor's property....See MoreGroundhogs: shock em or spray em?
Comments (2)The most effective method of keeping most any unwanted animal out of the garden is a good, tight fence. For burrowing animals like the groundhog you will also need to put that fence barrier parallel to the ground out a distance, like 12 inches, to keep them from burrowing under the rest of the fence. I have seen these buggers climb fences although a loose top that causes them to fall back can deter them. An electric fence, installed so they make contact with the live wire and a grounding wire, can be an effective deterent also. Illinois, like Michigan, does have a law that prohibits unlicensed people from relocating unwwanted wildlife and the fines, if you are caught transporting wildlife without that license, is steep. Here is a link that might be useful: Electric Fence...See Morekitova
16 years agodiytrying
16 years agokitova
16 years agotracey_nj6
16 years agokitova
16 years agojoiseygardener
16 years agohaneen
16 years agokitova
16 years agokkfromnj
16 years agoLoretta NJ Z6
16 years agoofionnachta
16 years agombroc
16 years agoprs46530
8 years agozavazadlo98
6 years agoUser
6 years agoprs46530
6 years agoHU-4685671231987471
5 years agoLoretta NJ Z6
5 years agoHU-4685671231987471
5 years agoDavid Friedman
5 years ago
Related Stories
PETSSo You Want to Get a Cat
If you're a cat lover, the joys outweigh any other issue. If you haven't lived with one yet, here are a few things to know
Full StoryHOUSEKEEPINGThe Best Way to Get Your Windows Spotlessly Clean
Learn the pros’ tips and tricks for cleaning windows and getting them streak-free
Full StoryGARDENING AND LANDSCAPING4 Good Ways to Get Rid of Mosquitos in Your Yard
Stay safe from West Nile virus and put an end to irksome itches with these tools and methods for a porch, patio or yard
Full StoryFUN HOUZZHouzz Call: What’s on Your Refrigerator?
Magnets, menus, children’s art, coupons, perfect-attendance certificates, song lyrics — what is fridge-worthy in your house?
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESTop 12 Summer-Blooming Perennials for Deer-Resistant Drama
Can you have garden color, fragrance and exciting foliage with hungry deer afoot? These beauties say yes
Full StoryGARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGRenovation Detail: The Blue Porch Ceiling
Ghostly legends spurred the Haint Blue porch ceiling trend in the South, but you can pick this color just because it's pretty
Full StoryWOODWORKINGHow to Clean and Care for Your Butcher Block
Keep butcher block counters and boards looking sharp as a knife — and sanitized for safe food prep — with this advice from a pro woodworker
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES10 Deer-Resistant Native Flowers to Plant This Fall
Learn about natives that embrace some kinds of wildlife but resist grazing deer
Full StoryPETSGarden Alert: 22 Plants to Keep Away From Pets
Avoid potential danger by keeping dogs and cats away from these landscaping and houseplant favorites
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES15 Ideas to Try in Your Garden This Year
These gardening stories were tops among Houzz readers. Which ideas might you try this year?
Full StorySponsored
birdgardner