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"...because an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

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Introduction & Disclaimer

Prevention is an imperfect discipline. Animals adapt to our methods and materials and workmanship break and decay over time.  Monitoring and maintenance are necessary in any prevention program. Acting quickly before a problem gets out of hand will save you a lot of trouble down the road.

If you are looking to mitigate a problem that is already occurring please visit the solutions links in the menu bar. If you aren't sure what the cause of the problem is then visit the animal damage identification section. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER secure a vent or hole unless you are absolutely sure the hole or vent is no longer being used.

What do you seek to protect?

 Individual Plants?      Garden?

Inspection Techniques

• If you aren't sure what animal is damaging your garden, then visit Inspection

Protecting Gardens

• Exclusion is the gold standard. Installation of fencing or other suitable barrier is by far the most effective in protecting gardens from animal damage. Unfortunately, it is also the most costly, in initial time and money required to install. However, over the long term, these costs can rapidly become less expensive than other methods.
• Birds-install greenhouses or install overhead lines like the ones pictured below.

• Ground Animals-non climbing--install fences with walls at least 24 inches high, and a skirting buried 2 inches below the soil and bent away from the area needing protection at least 18 inches (to prevent digging).  Pay close attention to gateways, making sure that the ground underneath doesn't allow access under the door.  Just be sure that the fence is tall enough to protect plants during regular snow fall. See image below.
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