Herbs that Deter Unwanted Wildlife and Domestic Animals
Many people work hard on their yard and garden, only to find it had been destroyed by the local deer or rabbit population or the neighbor’s cat. This is frustrating, and barrier fences don’t always work well. It can be a challenge to keep animals at bay without harming them, but there are herbs that can be planted near your home that may help with this. They are natural deterrents that keep away unwanted animal life and are safe for both humans and animals. Not to mention, they may look lovely and increase your home’s curbside appeal!
If you’re having a problem with bugs and beetles eating your roses, you may want to consider planting garlic, chives, leeks, and spearmint alongside your rose bushes. These herbs are harmless but have a very strong taste that most insects don’t like.
Basil is great to plant next to tomatoes as it naturally deters insects and some wildlife. It can also be used in the cooking of tomatoes so it has dual functionality.
Many herbs that humans think smell wonderful – such as lavender, oregano, dill, sage and spearmint, are very distasteful to deer and keep them at bay. The more of these you plant, the stronger their odor. As a plus, most can be used in cooking.
Garlic may act as rabbit repellent, so plant it in adequate amounts around your garden. Rabbits especially love lettuce leaf, so a hedge of garlic may protect your young leafy plants.
Coleus Canina is a plant that may strong deter the neighbor’s cat. It is an annual bedding plant that produces small purple flowers and is pleasing to the human eye, but cats generally dislike it. Cats also dislike the herbs lavender, lemongrass and citronella grass in strategic places in your yard. Cats also dislike the beautiful and brightly colored geranium plant because it has a sharp odor.
Another idea is to plant catnip – which cats love – in a strategic place away from your porch or front flower bed – perhaps at the edge of your property. This won’t deter cats, but it will distract them to that area and probably keep them busy for long periods of time, so they won’t be as likely to find their way to your garden or flowerbeds. Catnip is easy to grow so plant it liberally in areas you are not worried about cats rolling and frolicking in.
THINKING OF SELLING YOUR TAMPA BAY AREA HOME?
If you’re interested in selling a Tampa Bay area home, please contact us for more information about listing your home. Check out our helpful article describing the process and how to decide if it’s the right time to sell.
ARE YOU BUYING A HOME FOR SALE IN TAMPA BAY?
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Tampa Bay, do a quick online search or check out our:
- Tampa Bay homes for sale under $100,000
- Tampa Bay homes for sale between $100,000 and $200,000
- Tampa Bay homes for sale between $200,000 and $300,000
- Tampa Bay homes for sale between $300,000 and $400,000
- Tampa Bay homes for sale between $400,000 and $500,000
- Tampa Bay homes for sale between $500,000 and $600,000
- Tampa Bay homes for sale between $600,000 and $700,000
- Tampa Bay homes for sale between $700,000 and $800,000
- Tampa Bay homes for sale between $800,000 and $900,000
Our experienced agents know the area and would love to find you the perfect home in the Tampa Bay or any of the surrounding areas. When you’re ready, call us at 813-961-6000, or contact us online. We handle real estate in Hillsborough County (the Tampa – St. Petersburg – Clearwater metropolitan area), real estate in Pasco County (Port Richey, New Port Richey, Dade City, Zephyrhills and San Antonio), and real estate in Pinellas County (Tampa – St. Petersburg metropolitan area.) We’ll help you find the right home for your needs!
