Use This Bathroom Staple To Deter Garden Rodents Without Chemicals

Rodents are one type of pest you absolutely do not want hanging around your garden. They can cause irreparable damage to flower beds, eat up your vegetable crops, and leave holes scattered around your yard. But some chemical controls can also pose risks to pets, wildlife, and your backyard ecosystem. One frequently suggested household remedy may already be sitting in your bathroom cabinet: baby powder. There are plenty of ways to use baby powder around the house beyond preventing rashes, like eliminating odors, but it can be just as useful in the garden too!

To keep garden rodents from digging up bulbs and snacking on them, some gardeners lightly coat them in baby powder just before planting. Supporters of the hack claim that the powder absorbs surface moisture and produces a scent animals dislike. Similarly, you can sprinkle baby powder around vulnerable plants in an attempt to discourage rabbits or squirrels from stopping by for a nibble. Unfortunately, loose powders can blow away or wash into the soil, so any possible deterrent effect would likely be short-lived, so you will have to reapply often for it to remain effective.

When it comes to household gardening remedies, it's understandable to be a bit skeptical about the effectiveness of these solutions. The truth is, baby powder isn't a proven solution for getting rid of rodents, though trying it may allow you to delay stronger control methods while you assess the problem. Some pest-control companies claim that mice and rats dislike the smell of baby powder, but that advice does not appear to be supported by controlled research or university-extension guidance. The University of Minnesota recommends rotating among different animal repellents because wildlife can become accustomed to a single product over time. Cinnamon may be a good candidate, since it is likely an item you already have in the kitchen that can keep rodents away.

At the end of the day, baby powder is an inexpensive remedy some gardeners may choose to test, but it should not be relied on to control moles, gophers, rabbits, mice, or squirrels. Still, you'll likely need to employ additional pest control methods when you find rodents around your garden, such as installing an appropriate barrier and removing brush, debris, or other places where small animals can shelter. It is especially important to combine methods if the animals are causing significant damage in your garden.