While professional wildlife removal can come to the rescue if you have pests on your property, you can try some DIY methods of keeping them away first. Depending on the wildlife you're trying to deter, you may find that certain herbs and flowers will prevent them from getting too close. To start, try the following methods.

What You Should Plant to Deter Wild Animals

1. Groundhogs

Groundhogs enjoy digging up and snacking on garden plants, but certain scents will keep them far away. Lavender has a pleasant, calming smell to people, but it's highly offensive to groundhogs. Also, try planting strong-smelling herbs, such as basil, chives, mint, sage, and rosemary. To further motivate these critters to stay away, spray your vegetable garden with a mixture of water and cayenne pepper.

2. Raccoons

While raccoons are notorious for digging up fresh gardens, their feet are surprisingly sensitive. Plants with prickly vines, such as squash or oriental poppies, will create a scratchy blanket over a wide section of soil and often prevent these pests from crossing. Rather than suffer the discomfort of the prickly vines, they'll generally find other food sources.

3. Skunks

While the biggest concern most people have with skunks is their spray, they're also omnivores that'll help themselves to your vegetables or dig them up for something underneath. Like raccoons, skunks will avoid walking on prickly, scratchy vines, so planting squash on the borders of your garden may be a deterrent. You can also plant stinging nettle if you can keep the invasive plant under control, or fritillaria, which has a scent that skunks find unpleasant.

4. Squirrels

Squirrels can be driven away by daffodils and plants with strong odors, such as onions and garlic. Daffodils are actually poisonous to squirrels, so they'll naturally stay away from them. Other pungent plants, such as crown imperial, also create musky odors that squirrels and other animals don't like.

If these deterrent methods aren’t enough to keep wild nuisances from trespassing and damaging your property, call the wildlife removal experts at American Bio-Tech Wildlife Services in New Milford, CT. They’ve been specializing in humane wildlife control since 1971 in Fairfield and Litchfield counties. Call them today at (860) 355-1231 or visit their website to learn more about their wildlife removal and prevention services.