Vertebrates That Affect the Landscape

Bats

Bats can be an important weapon in a chemical-free arsenal for bug control. One big, brown bat can eat 3,000 to 7,000 insects in a night. Attract bats to your yard by building and placing bat houses in your yard.

Birds

Birds will generally not be scared away by scarecrows. Instead try tying pieces of glass, colored cloth or tin to loose strings so the wind can blow them and clash them together. Random motion is the key to alarming the birds away from the garden. See also, Birds and Hummingbirds.

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Chickens

Crows

Learn about crow damage management.

Deer

Frogs & Toads

Guineas Fowl

Learn about using Guinea Fowl for the control of Lyme disease carrying ticks.

Moles & Voles

Pets

Find information about how to pet proof the garden.

Raccoons

Learn about raccoon damage prevention and control (PDF).

Rabbits

Find out how to prevent damage and control rabbits (PDF).

Frog and Toad Guide

Snakes

Of the 39 snakes found in Virginia, 35 of them are beneficial to the farmer and gardener. They eat insects and rodents. Of particular value is the large, black, rat snake which consumes large numbers of mice, rats and other small animals.

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