Deterring the BIG Pests

As organic edible gardeners, we all struggle with pest control. But when the pests in your garden are furry little rodents eating all your hard earned organic vegetables, it's time to get serious about rat control. Urban gardens are very hospitable to rodents because they provide food, water and shelter. If you are starting a vegetable garden in an urban location that has fruit trees, it is most likely already a home for a rodent family. Here is my quick list to deter and reduce rats in your garden:


A Rat Reduction Plan

• Move compost into rodent-resistant containers with tight-fitting lids. Line the base of compost bin with hardware cloth.
• Store seed and pet food in rodent-proof containers.
• If you have chickens, Invest in an automatic chicken feeder (eBay around $180)
• Keep yard free of fallen fruit or nuts
• Remove all fecal matter (dogs, cats, rodents, birds) and/or food waste every day.
• Eliminate standing water and improve drainage, so water doesn’t pool or settle.
• Remove clutter from sides of buildings and in outdoor sheds.
• Raise wood piles off ground.
• Cut grass or weeds and trim back plants around buildings and walls
• Remove ivy from walls (rats travel and live in ivy)
• Grow your vegetables in raised beds and line them with 1/2 hardware cloth
• Get a cat! (I'll blog later about keeping them from using your new raised beds as giant litter boxes!)

If all this fails, and it might, build this little beauty;