Deterring pesky animals is a crucial part of quality wildlife control. Fortunately, you don’t have to turn to harmful traps. Using plants to deter unwanted visitors is a reliable, humane animal control method that will also enhance your landscaping and curb appeal. For the best results, try these four species.

How to Keep Wildlife Away Through Gardening

1. Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle causes an uncomfortable reaction of prickling, stinging, and itching, which is useful for wildlife control. When planted in large bunches, nettle will deter skunks, opossums, squirrels, and raccoons. This weed can cause skin irritation, so keep children away from it.

2. Pumpkins

Like many in the squash family, pumpkins grow on vines with rough, spiny surfaces. Skunks, opossums, and raccoons have soft pads on their feet that are sensitive to rough terrain, so they’ll avoid walking on the vines. Use them to border your gardens, compost piles, and garbage receptacles. You’ll notice a decrease in wildlife control issues during the summer and fall and enjoy the added benefit of having your own pumpkins for Halloween and baking.

3. Peppermint

Fresh peppermint adds depth to drinks and dishes, but it has another use, too. The strong smell of this herb will repel raccoons, squirrels, and other species, especially if you plant it in abundance. Grow it near problem areas to quell the issue, and enjoy fresh peppermint in your teas, mint juleps, or homemade mint chocolate brownies.

4. Alliums

The Allium genus of plants refers to a multitude of garlic and onion species, including shallots, leeks, chives, and scallions. On top of being delicious, many species showcase beautiful bulbous blooms in a range of colors, including pinks, blues, and purples. The particularly odorful varieties — like garlic and red onions — will effectively help with wildlife control, too, deterring opossums and squirrels in particular.

If plants aren’t enough to resolve your issue, the thorough wildlife control professionals at American Bio-Tech Wildlife Services will. Based in New Milford, CT, they’ve provided humane animal control services throughout the state — including raccoon, squirrel, opossum, skunk, and woodchuck control — for over 45 years. Learn more about their safe and humane animal removal services online, and call (860) 355-1231 to speak with a representative.