10 Wildlife Deterrents Debunked

6 / 8

Do Coffee Grounds Discourage Moles?

Probably not. While there’s some anecdotal evidence from homeowners that it can work, usually moles will just make new tunnels. Beyond being ineffective, the grounds can exacerbate the problem by encouraging a buffet of grubs, making your yard more appealing to moles. Further, in excess, the grounds damage soil by depleting its nitrogen.

If you have moles, first try to learn to accept them. They’re actually beneficial to gardens because they keep down pest populations (especially Japanese beetle grubs), aerate your soil and give you free fertilizer.

If you see a mole tunnel, gently press the soil back with your foot and water to area to help disturbed plant roots. And remember moles are temporary guests. Once they’re done eating the local grubs, they’ll move on. But if you have a particularly valuable plant or tree you’re trying to protect, try wire mole barriers.

7 / 8

Will Bright Lights Keep Bats Away?

Maybe. But using bright lights to keep bats away is a poor idea on many levels.

While bats don’t like light, they do like to eat insects attracted to light, so lights could be counterproductive. It’s also costly and annoying to your neighbors to leave your lights on all night, every night. And it probably won’t deter an established roosting colony.

More importantly, bats are beneficial for insect control. Bats only need mitigation if they’re roosting where they can get into human living quarters or their guano can do damage, such as in attics, walls and chimneys. If you’re worried about bats, start by putting up a bat box to encourage roosting away from the house, and seal up potential entry points into your attic.

8 / 8

Do Garlic, Onions and Vinegar Keeps Raccoon and Opossums Away?

Sometimes, but only temporarily. As with most deterrents, you’ll need to apply them frequently to keep up the potency. Even then, after a while, raccoons and opossums will likely get used to them, says Pearson.

If raccoons are setting up shop in your yard or garden, deter them by getting rid of easy food sources like birdseed and outdoor pet food. Also, securely latch trash cans lids, and get rid of other alluring smells.

As for opossums, trim nearby tree branches and seal entry points, like roof returns and foundation vents, to keep them out of your shed. And don’t forget, opossums are actually great neighbors.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7p63MoqOyoJGjsbq5wKdlnKedZLmqv9NorqKklKG2p7GMnZytnaKnsq%2FA0mabnpqlo7imsI4%3D