Bigger pests

garlix 4/29/2010, 4:42 am

Something is digging in my SFG overnight. I first suspected the neighbors cats, but there is still digging after covering the SFG with thorny branches. It's bigger than a mouse would do. So now I am thinking rats. But even garlic is dug around. No plants are eaten, but I have a lot of woody mulch and good compost. I assume whatever is digging is looking for food, but what? Is has to be bigger than a mouse though.

**timwardell** 4/29/2010, 10:43 am

Does anything in the area look as if it's been eaten? I guess the mulch prevents you from identifying any tracks / paw prints?

garlix 4/29/2010, 11:17 am

No plants eaten and I did not see any other leftovers. The compost has a lot of worms in it, maybe something is digging them out to eat?

**donnainzone5** 4/29/2010, 11:25 am

Could it be a possum? We have many here in my area of Southern California, mostly seen as road kill. However, I've occasionally seen some in my garden or heard of sightings from neighbors.

junequilt 4/29/2010, 11:50 am

Something is probably attracted to your compost. My dogs and various other critters are always keenly aware of animal-based composts and fertilizers. They will dig around in the vicinity of the stuff, but gradually lose interest as the material loses its initial freshness.

To discourage digging, I lay a piece of wire mesh fencing down over the area for a week or so, directly on top of the soil. Dogs, cats, and everything else HATE the fencing and won't venture in to dig. After a time I just lift up and stash the fencing until the next time it's needed.

garlix 5/1/2010, 12:48 pm

It's a cat. Is there any smell that cats don't like? I don't feel like building a cage or buying lots of material. I am just staying here temporarily.

martha 5/1/2010, 12:57 pm

I found a web-site that might help you. I garden at work, so I haven't had a problem (yet!)

When I start at home, I know I will face a huge problem - tons of outdoor cats in the neighborhood!

http://landscaping.about.com/od/pestcontrol/a/cat_repellents.htm

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