Today's Topic and Podcast Episode

Learn 8 great companion plants for Black-eyed Susan to plant this fall on this quick garden minute podcast.

What You’ll Learn:

  • What is Garden Pests
  • Natural Pest Control
  • Digging and Burrowing Animals Conclusion
  • Keeping Animal Pests Out of Your Garden

Garden Pests

Any living organism that has a negative effect on your garden or its health is considered a garden pest.

Pests show up in your garden for many different reasons. Some seek shelter while others come hungry noticing that your garden provides tasty meals. Other pests are just short-term guests who pass through or decide to stay for a few days.

Generally, pests are broken down into three different categories- animal, insect, or plant.

Animal Pest Examples:

  • Moles
  • Rats
  • Mice
  • Slugs/Snails
  • Squirrels
  • Deer
  • Rabbits
  • Groundhogs

Insect Pest Examples:

  • Aphids
  • Caterpillars
  • Spider Mites
  • White Flies

Plant Pest Examples:

  • Dandelions
  • Thistle
  • Morning Glory
  • Hog-weed
  • Grasses
  • Clover

Natural Pest Control

There are many different non-lethal control methods to lessen or stop burrowing and ground-digging pests from ruining your garden. These animals don’t have to be killed when you see their damage in your garden.

Even if you are unsure which type of pest it is, these methods should still work to deter most animals.

For below-ground wildlife, including moles, gophers, and voles:

  • Apply Castor oil pellets
  • Use sound-sonic devices

For above-ground wildlife, including Squirrels, Rabbits, Deer, and even Groundhogs:

  • Canine or coyote urine
  • Fish-emulsions
  • Pepper sprays or pepper flakes
  • Planting certain plants around your garden, like Marigolds or certain herbs
  • There is also the use of physical barriers for fencing or plant or garden bed covers
  • Sounds or noise like music or concussive sounds

Pest Control Products

Below are several products we’ve curated for you that are offered on Amazon.

These pest deterrent products are all highly rated and everything is available for Prime shipping except the deer fencing.

We hope these recommendations will be helpful for you too as many of them worked well for us.

Castor Oil Pellets

Try using these Castor oil pellets to safely deter unwanted moles and voles. Pellets are preferable to concentrated castor liquid because they are time-released. We’ve used these many times with decent success.

Solar-Powered Sonic Mole Repellant

These mole repellant devices cover a range of about 650 sq. ft. and are solar powered! Sonic vibrations actually pulse through the ground deterring all kinds of burrowing animals. Plus they are waterproof which is a nice feature (especially for us in the PNW).

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

This huge 5-lb. bag is perfect for spreading around your yard. The spicy taste and smell should work to deter most animals. Unfortunately, these red pepper flakes did not deter our puppy from digging but nothing really does.

Coyote Urine

Gross, but it works. We prefer the granules to the liquid version because it doesn’t smell as bad (but it does still smell). Unfortunately, some gardeners have great success with this coyote urine and other people do not. It might be worth a try for some critters, right?

Pest Control Fencing (great for deer)

When in doubt, add fencing to the area. Fencing will deter diggers and grazers above ground but won’t stop the burrowing pests. At 7 ft. high, this barrier fencing will protect many things around your yard and garden.

Digging and Burrowing Animals Conclusion

We’ve presented several ideas and options for you to consider for deterring pests using non-lethal methods.From red pepper flakes to castor oil pellets, one or more of these products should work for you and your garden’s needs.. Now we want to hear from you! Which idea above do you wish to try? Let us know by leaving a quick comment below. Thanks!

That’s all for this DIY garden minute episode! You can find other one-minute topics on our podcast page at spokengarden.com/podcast On Instagram or Pinterest under @SpokenGarden (all one word) to follow or leave us a comment. Find us on your favorite podcast platform and Alexa through MyPod or AnyPod!

Thanks for Listening!

That’s all for this podcast episode! You can find other beginning gardener topics on
our podcast page by clicking here or go to SpokenGarden.com and click on the “Listen” tab. Also find us on your favorite podcast platform and smart speaker!

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