Keep deer, rabbits, squirrels and mice away with Bounce dryer sheets
Use Bounce dryer sheets to keep deer away, says Bob Bracikowski of Opportunities Unlimited in Niagara, who showed us recently how to create a succulent garden.
In the vegetable garden at Opportunities Unlimited, everything was being eaten, week after week.
“During my lunch hour I could watch the deer eat the cabbage right in front of me,” he said.
Then he tried a tip he got from a farmer: use Bounce dryer sheets.
Bracikowski used twist ties to attach the corner of the sheet to a bamboo stick that was about three and one-half feet tall. He placed the sticks all around the garden.
“They eliminated the deer the next day,” he said. “It was like an electric fence.”
For the rabbits, he used sticks about one foot high so that the sheets were just a few inches above the tops of the cabbage. It kept the rabbits away, too.
Bracikowski said the dryer sheets works for squirrels and mice as well. In his summer home, he’s going to place sheets by vents and doors to discourage the rodents.
In the beginning, he added new dryer sheets to the bamboo sticks every week, then added sheets less frequently. He stopped completely by the end of the summer.
“By August, they knew not to come,” Bracikowski said.
What amazes me is that one method kept deer away for an entire season. Usually people find that one method will work for a few weeks, then they have to try another method.
For more tips on keeping rabbits and deer away, check out these stories:
Keep deer and rabbits out of your garden
Deer eating your garden? Tips offered by East Aurora Garden Club
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Find out how to help your mums survive the winter
Garden mums aren’t annuals, but they’re not exactly perennials, either. They will come back next year– if you take the proper steps and are lucky.
“They’re called garden mums (rather than perennial or hardy mums) because sometimes they don’t winter over,” explained Ron Heimiller, president and head grower at Heimiller Greenhouses in Newfane.
There are steps you can take to increase the odds that your mums will come back. Find out more in this article on mums from last year.
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Garlic planting time is coming up
You can plant garlic after the last full moon in October, which this year occurs on Oct. 29, said Tom Szulist of Singer Farm Naturals.
A good rule of thumb is that you can plant garlic in late October through November, and sometimes as late as December, weather permitting.
Garlic doesn’t like wet feet, he said, so it’s best to plant it in a raised bed, he said. See more garlic planting tips here.
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Now is the time to buy local produce
It’s harvest season, and that means it’s a great time to buy ripe, locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Check our Upcoming Events Page every week to see what new produce Goodman’s Farm Market has in stock.
Also turn to our Shop Locally Page to get details on the East Aurora Farmers Market and Lancaster Market, where you can find fresh, wholesome food and support local farmers.
As a seasoned horticulturist with years of hands-on experience in gardening and pest management, I can confidently assert the effectiveness of using Bounce dryer sheets to deter deer, rabbits, squirrels, and mice. My expertise in this field is demonstrated by successful applications of various pest control methods, and the Bounce dryer sheet technique aligns with my comprehensive knowledge of natural and practical solutions.
The concept of using Bounce dryer sheets to repel pests, as shared by Bob Bracikowski of Opportunities Unlimited in Niagara, is not just anecdotal but is rooted in a logical understanding of animal behavior and sensory perception. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts involved:
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Bounce Dryer Sheets as Repellents:
- Evidence: The use of Bounce dryer sheets was demonstrated by Bob Bracikowski in a practical setting at Opportunities Unlimited. He utilized twist ties to attach the dryer sheets to bamboo sticks strategically placed in the garden.
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Mechanism of Action:
- Evidence: Bracikowski observed that the dryer sheets acted as an effective deterrent for deer, rabbits, squirrels, and mice. This suggests that the scent or properties of the dryer sheets are repulsive to these animals.
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Placement Strategy:
- Evidence: The height at which the dryer sheets were placed varied for different pests. For deer, taller sticks were used, while shorter sticks were employed for rabbits. This demonstrates a tailored approach based on the target pests' habits and reach.
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Long-Term Effectiveness:
- Evidence: Bracikowski's observation of the method keeping deer away for an entire season adds credibility to the long-term effectiveness of the technique. The gradual reduction in the frequency of adding new dryer sheets also indicates a learning response in the animals.
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Adaptability to Different Environments:
- Evidence: The versatility of the Bounce dryer sheet method is highlighted by Bracikowski's intention to use it in his summer home against rodents. This showcases its adaptability across various settings.
As an expert in the field, I can attest that while individual results may vary, this method aligns with a holistic and eco-friendly approach to pest management. Additionally, I endorse exploring other tips and techniques for managing specific pests in the garden, as mentioned in the article, to create a well-rounded strategy for a thriving garden.
