How to Protect Flower Bulbs From Pests and Animals

If you are a fan of flowers like tulips, gladiolus, and daffodils, then you know that these flowers all grow from bulbs. Flower bulbs are often planted months ahead of their blooming cycle, usually in the fall or early winter. But as many gardeners have learned, there are many pests and animals that love to dig up and eat flower bulbs. Here are some tips to keep your flower bulbs from being eaten.

Things You'll Need

• Flower bulbs
• Water
• Vinegar
• Hot sauce
• Wire fencing

Instructions

1. Get a dog. Dogs will deter the most pesky of animals such as squirrels, chipmunks, deer and rabbits. This is most effective in the very early Spring as these animals will begin to eat the new sprouts as they come through the ground.

2. Use fencing around the areas where you plant flower bulbs. If you have a problem with small animals eating the flower bulbs you can use a wire cage around the flower bulbs themselves. If the problem is deer, then you will have to put a taller wire fence around the entire area.

3. Use repellent sprays and liquids. These are specially formulated solutions that are designed to repel different varieties of animals. Make sure to get the repellent specifically for the animal that you are having a problem with.

4. Make your own repellent. Simply mix up some water and vinegar, or water and hot sauce. Spray this mixture on the plants lightly. The animals may munch on the plant one more time, but they will leave them alone after that.