MetaChat - Protecting bulbs from rodents?

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22 September 2009

Protecting bulbs from rodents? →[More:] I'll be planting bulbs (tulips, crocus, and a Crown Imperial) for the first time ever once it gets cold enough here, but I'm worried about keeping them safe from the aggressive squirrels and mice that have been rooting around in my yard all summer. Is there anything I can do?

post by: drezdn at: 07:55 | 6 comments

Would lasers work?

posted by drezdn 22 September | 07:56

Mothballs are supposed to repel rodents, but you have three problems using them outdoors like that: 1) You don't want the napthalene leaching into the soil. 2) Once it rains, they'll start dissolving and the napthalene will leach into the soil. And 3) They stink.

More sensible solutions suggested here.

posted by mudpuppie 22 September | 10:19

I've used a 50/50 mix of Cayenne and garlic powder. A little over each bulb and then spread all over the top of the bed. Bought at a bulk store it does not cost much.

posted by arse_hat 22 September | 10:45

Cayenne (or other hot pepper powder) works pretty well for us. We buy it in one-pound bags at the Indian food store. You do have to re-apply after every rain, but at least you're not putting anything nasty into the soil.

posted by mrmoonpie 22 September | 13:42

I wish I had put cayenne all around my freesia bulbs. Nary a one came up because the mice et em all.

posted by Specklet 22 September | 13:59

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I'm going to try a mix of Cayenne and a little bit of used cat litter here and there.

posted by drezdn 23 September | 13:09

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