When it comes to critter problems in the garden, it helps to understand that we've built homes in animals' natural habitats. Sometimes it is just too much for them to accept, and we have to take steps to control their impact on our lives. Bachman's offers several information sheets on other types of animal problems such as Dealing With Deer, All About Moles, Worms: Friends or Foes? and Common Critter Problems (squirrels, gophers, chipmunks, voles, shrews and rabbits). We also have a great information sheets that describe garden center products available for handling critter problems titled: Repellents, Traps, Barriers and Such. The Department of Natural Resources is also a great source of information for the animals that cause problems in our landscapes. Ask the DNR if you are interested in information about trapping a critter.

Before taking any action, carefully evaluate the damage. It may not be significant enough to warrant your time and efforts. Often critter damage is a very temporary problem and by the time it is noticed, the culprit has already moved on. It is also important to properly identify the animal that has caused the damage so you can select the best way of dealing with the problem.

Ways to Deal With Bats
Description: Bats are small flying mammals. Typically their bodies are only a few inches long and brown in color. Their wing span may be up to a foot, making them look much larger than they are. There are seven species of bats in Minnesota; the most common in urban areas is the little brown bat.
How They Live: Bats either live alone or in colonies and are strongly nocturnal. Bats eat flying insects, primarily moths, beetles, flies and mosquitoes, and catch their food while in flight.
Damage: Bats rarely cause any damage other than their droppings if they roost indoors. It is extremely rare for bats to carry rabies, although it is possible. Despite common misconceptions, bats go to great lengths to avoid people and should be considered beneficial, not pests.
Natural Enemies: None
Repellents: None that is very effective or safe; sometimes naphthalene is used, but is harmful to people and not very effective. We've seen some success repelling bats with bright lights, lots of moving air or loud sounds.
Exclusion: The best way to exclude bats is to block openings as small as 3/8 of an inch. Avoid doing this during summer so you don't trap babies indoors. For more detailed information on bats, check with the University.

Ways to Deal With Ducks and Geese
Description: In urban areas, problems are usually caused by Canadian geese and mallard ducks. Canadian geese are very large birds with gray and white markings and a black band around their necks. Mallard ducks are much smaller. The female mallards are brown and males are colorfully marked during most of the season.
How They Live: Both types of fowl spend most of their time in or near water. Geese are serious grazers and can often be found "mowing" grassy areas. Some Canadian geese and mallards migrate, but many stay in our area year round.
Damage: Geese can leave a tremendous amount of manure on lawns, patios and sidewalks. They have also been known to graze on some ornamental flowers. Ducks seldom do any damage beyond nesting or dabbling in water features such as small ponds in yards.
Natural Enemies: Coyotes, wolves and large dogs.
Repellents: There is a repellent that can be sprayed on grass to break the feeding habits of geese. Both geese and ducks are often frightened by flapping, reflective materials. Loud sounds may also be effective.
Exclusion: Not practical.

Ways to Deal With Other Birds
Description: Various other types of birds, like woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and pigeons can cause problems in the garden.
Damage: Several types of birds can damage fruit and vegetable crops. Woodpeckers and sapsuckers may cause cosmetic damage to the trunks of trees. Some small birds can be a problem when they nest in hanging baskets.
Natural Predators: Hawks, owls and snakes.
Repellents: Most birds can be repelled by the sight of a large predator bird. That makes fake owls or predator eye balloons effective. Birds may also be scared away by flapping, reflective materials.
Exclusion: In small areas, bird netting can be used to keep them from fruits or vegetables.

Ways to Deal With Raccoons
Description: Raccoons are known for the distinctive masked markings on their faces and ringed tails. Raccoons are relatively large garden pests, often the size of a small dog.
How They Live: Surprisingly common in urban areas, raccoons live in hollowed out trees, rock crevices or the dens of other animals. They can also be found in chimneys and sometimes in city storm sewers. Raccoons are omnivorous and they especially like grains. Raccoons also enjoy eating corn, nuts, berries, insects, fruits (specifically melons), fish and eggs. They are nocturnal and tend to live near water.
Damage: Raccoons can do lots of damage to newly laid sod by turning it up to look for worms and grubs. They also are infamous for turning over garbage cans, harvesting your vegetables for you and eating your prize Koi fish.
Natural Enemies: Wolves, coyotes or other large canines.
Repellents: Animal urine repellents, ammonia, Lysol, commercial repellents and loud noises.
Exclusion: It is almost impossible to exclude them from plants. They can be screened out of the house and kept out of garbage cans by using metal cans with locking lids.

Ways to Deal With Snakes
Description: There are 17 species of snakes in Minnesota; 15 of them are not poisonous and the two poisonous types are very rare. Snakes vary in size from several inches to several feet long.
How They Live: Snakes live primarily in tall grasses and shrubby areas. On rare occasions, they will be in the water or trees. Snakes actually help gardeners by eating mice, voles, shrews and slugs. Snakes spend most of their time hiding in brushy areas, leaf piles and wood piles.
Damage: Other than scaring people, non-poisonous snakes do not cause any damage.
Natural Enemies: Owls, hawks and man.
Repellents: Repellents are not very effective. Most are naphthalene based, which is not good for the environment or people. Some people have had success with owl decoys.
Exclusion: Snakes try to avoid crossing any rough surface. You can try circling a garden area with rough sisal rope or prickly branches, such as raspberry canes. Make sure the area is snake free first or you may be trapping them inside the barrier. Eliminate hiding places.

©Bachman's 2007