I’m a gardening expert – my 79p trick will stop cats and foxes from pooping in your garden
A gardening expert has revealed a 79p trick to keep pesky cats and foxes out of your garden this summer.
Cats and foxes can wreak havoc on your perfectly landscaped gardens by digging up the soil and using the grass as a giant litter box.
Whether you’re planning a bank holiday barbecue or simply want to make the most of the rest of the summer, it’s essential to ensure your garden is poop free.
Luckily, Matt Jordan, gardening expert for The Greenhouse People, has shared his top tips for deterring pesky animals from using your lawn as a toilet.
Matt emphasized that animal poop is not only incredibly annoying, but can also be dangerous.
She said: “Much to the annoyance of their owners, many pets eat their own poop and the feces of other animals.
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“However, this is a very dangerous habit for your pet, because the feces can be a source of all kinds of diseases and parasites.
“One of the deadliest viruses for dogs is parvovirus. It is highly contagious and often fatal for unvaccinated dogs.
“Not only is feces dangerous to pets, but it can also be harmful to humans. Cat feces pose a very serious threat to both humans and other cats and should never be left in the yard.
“Toxoplasmosis is an infection that infected cats can transmit to humans through their feces and is especially dangerous for pregnant cats or cats with weakened immune systems.”
Keep your garden neat and tidy
Matt explained that foxes and cats love overgrown grass because it’s an easy place to hide.
That is why it is important to keep your lawn neat and tidy, so that no pests can get to it.
He said: “Foxes love vegetated areas, so keeping your garden neat and tidy will help prevent foxes from relieving themselves in your back garden.
“Keep the grass short, prune overgrown bushes and shrubs and ensure that plants are close together. This will prevent foxes from building their dens in your garden at night and cats from digging in your garden.”
DIY Repellent
Matt explained that cats and foxes use their keen sense of smell to remember which gardens they have been to so they can return later.
However, he said that spraying white vinegar on your yard will remove the odor from the stain, keeping the bugs from coming back.
Tips to keep pests out of your garden
- Plant plants like peppermint to repel rats.
- Place Garden Net Pest Barrierover your flower beds.
- Fill open containers with beer and place them in the ground to repel slugs.
- Spraying plants with Neem oilto repel ants, flies and spiders.
- Sprinkle your flower beds with Diatomaceous earth.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid, 10 drops of peppermint oil and 4 cups of water and spray this on the flower beds.
- Place eggshells around your plants to protect them from slugs.
White vinegar is super cheap and you can buy it at B&M for just 79p.
Motion sensor deterrents
Foxes and cats like to feel safe and secure, so sudden lights and sounds can scare them off.
Matt explains: “Foxes and cats are more likely to move away from gardens where they don’t feel safe. Sudden lights, sounds and sensations should deter unwanted guests and prevent your garden from becoming a public toilet.
“Motion-activated lights are not only a great investment for your home security, but they also provide a convenient way to keep foxes, cats and other pests at bay without endangering the animals.
“Alternatively, sprinklers are a popular option for struggling gardeners. Cats are notorious for their poor water quality, so keeping your lawn and flower beds moist will help deter them from relieving themselves in your garden.”
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