Despite the garden not requiring as much work now in the winter, animals and rodents entering remain a year-round issue.
Foxes and cats coming into the garden can bring a variety of issues such as raiding through bins or digging holes.
Gardening experts at Grass247 have shared five humane and effective ways to deter animals from entering people’s gardens.
Their tips are not only effective during the winter but for all seasons too.
Foxes are notorious for entering people’s gardens
PA
The first tip the experts recommended is to create unappealing scents around the garden to prevent uninvited visitors from entering.
They said: “Many animals, such as cats and foxes, are sensitive to strong smells. Natural deterrents like citrus peels, coffee grounds, or approved repellents make your garden less attractive.
“You can try adding some orange, lime, or lemon peels from any summer refreshments directly onto your soil.”
A byproduct of this technique too is these deterrants will naturally compost and provide your plants with some extra nutrients.
Securing bins and making sure that food waste bags are secured tightly will put off animals from entering.
They said: “A bin lock or weighted lid can also add protection. Regularly cleaning bins with soapy water and spraying them with vinegar or peppermint tea can also help mask lingering food smells.”
As a bit more of an expensive option, the experts told people to consider higher fences and fix any gaps in existing ones.
“Many of the animals we like to keep out of our gardens, like cats and foxes, are known for being great climbers, but having higher fences around your garden will deter some lazier cats, especially if there are not any surrounding trees near your fence that they can piggyback the climb from. Similarly, you might want to consider fixing any gaps in or double-boarding your fence,” explained the experts.
Removing animal waste and keeping your grass clean can put off any unwanted visitors
GETTY
Making sure your garden is clean will help keep any unwanted visitors at bay too.
The experts advised: “Remove animal waste promptly and rinse affected areas with water mixed with a disinfectant safe for plants and pets. This discourages repeat visits by removing scent markers used by animals to identify territories.”
The fifth tip the experts advised is to keep your grass tidy. Despite it maybe being difficult during the winter months, clearing out debris such as fallen leaves and twigs from autumn can prevent guests from coming in.
“Regularly clearing your lawn or artificial grass makes your garden less appealing to animals, whilst also ensuring it’s ready for the season ahead,” they added.
