Introducing "Distractants": A New Concept in Wildlife Pest Control

Article written by James Cressler

When it comes to maintaining a thriving garden, one of the biggest challenges is protecting plants from hungry wildlife. Traditional methods often rely on repellents, which can be costly, labor-intensive, and sometimes harmful to the environment. However, there's a new concept on the horizon that offers a sustainable and effective alternative: "distractants."

Distractants involve planting specific forage crops to attract (or distract) wildlife, thereby diverting them away from your valuable plants. By providing an attractive alternative, you can protect your garden naturally and sustainably. Let's explore some of the most effective distractant plants you can use to keep rabbits, deer, and other wildlife from munching on your prized garden.

The Power of Clover

White Dutch Clover

• Description: White Dutch Clover has small, white, globe-shaped flowers and trifoliate leaves. It grows low to the ground, creating a dense, green carpet.
• Benefits: Provides excellent ground cover, enriches the soil through nitrogen fixation, and is highly palatable to wildlife.
• Planting: Best planted in spring or fall. Ideal for spreading throughout the lawn. For best results, till the ground lightly to ensure good seed-to-soil contact, but overseeding existing grass can also work.
• Application Rate: Half a pound per 1,000 square feet.
• Pricing: $13.99 per pound.
• Wildlife Target: Rabbits, Deer

Medium Red Clover

• Description: Medium Red Clover features taller, reddish-pink, spherical flower heads and broader leaves compared to white clover.
• Benefits: High in protein and very attractive to wildlife, also fixes nitrogen in the soil.
• Planting: Best planted in spring or fall. Can be mixed with other forages in dedicated feeding plots or spread in areas where more robust growth is acceptable. Tilling the ground is recommended for optimal growth, but overseeding will also work effectively.
• Application Rate: Half a pound per 1,000 square feet.
• Pricing: $8.99 per pound.
• Wildlife Target: Rabbits, Deer

Alsike Clover

• Description: Alsike Clover has white to pinkish flower heads and can grow in wetter and more acidic soils than other clovers.
• Benefits: Thrives in a variety of soil conditions, including partial shade, and is highly palatable to wildlife.
• Planting: Best planted in spring or fall. Ideal for wetter or shadier areas where other clovers might struggle. Tilling is recommended but can also be overseeded.
• Application Rate: Half a pound per 1,000 square feet.
• Pricing: $7.99 per pound.
• Wildlife Target: Rabbits, Deer

Nutrient-Rich Forage Options

Alfalfa

• Description: Alfalfa has clusters of small purple flowers and tall, leafy stems. It’s a deep-rooted perennial legume.
• Benefits: Highly nutritious, providing abundant protein and minerals, and is drought-resistant.
• Planting: Best planted in spring. Requires tilling for proper establishment. Plant in dedicated plots for the best results.
• Application Rate: Half a pound per 1,000 square feet.
• Pricing: $7.99 per pound.
• Wildlife Target: Deer, Rabbits

Chicory

• Description: Chicory features bright blue flowers and deep, dandelion-like leaves. It’s a deep-rooted perennial.
• Benefits: Drought-resistant and provides long-lasting forage, very attractive to deer.
• Planting: Best planted in spring or fall. Till the ground for best establishment. Can be mixed with other forages in dedicated plots.
• Application Rate: Half a pound per 1,000 square feet.
• Pricing: $12.99 per pound.
• Wildlife Target: Deer

Brassicas and Grasses

Turnip

• Description: Turnips have broad, lobed leaves and develop large, edible roots. The flowers are small and yellow.
• Benefits: Provides excellent forage in late fall and winter, attractive to deer.
• Planting: Best planted in late summer to early fall. Requires tilling for proper root development. Plant in dedicated plots.
• Spacing: Plant seeds 2-4 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart.
• Application Rate: Half a pound per 1,000 square feet.
• Pricing: $3.99 per pound.
• Wildlife Target: Deer

Rape (Canola)

• Description: Rape has broad, leafy greens with small, bright yellow flowers. It’s a fast-growing brassica.
• Benefits: High-energy forage that grows quickly, providing good ground cover.
• Planting: Best planted in late summer to early fall. Requires tilling for best results. Plant in dedicated plots.
• Application Rate: Half a pound per 1,000 square feet.
• Pricing: $2.99 per pound.
• Wildlife Target: Deer

Perennial Ryegrass Palmer III

• Description: Perennial Ryegrass has fine, dark green blades and forms a dense, lush turf.
• Benefits: Quick establishment and durable ground cover, very palatable to wildlife.
• Planting: Best planted in spring or fall. Can be tilled into new plots or overseeded into existing grass.
• Application Rate: One pound per 1,000 square feet.
• Pricing: $4.99 per pound.
• Wildlife Target: Deer, Rabbits

Orchard Grass (Common)

• Description: Orchard Grass features tall, blue-green blades and dense seed heads. It’s a cool-season perennial grass.
• Benefits: Versatile, handles various conditions, and provides durable forage.
• Planting: Best planted in spring or fall. Tilling is recommended for new plots, but can also be overseeded.
• Application Rate: One pound per 1,000 square feet.
• Pricing: $5.99 per pound.
• Wildlife Target: Deer

Radishes

• Description: Radishes have broad, leafy tops and develop edible roots. They produce small, white to pink flowers.
• Benefits: Improve soil structure and provide excellent forage in the fall.
• Planting: Best planted in late summer to early fall. Requires tilling for proper root development. Plant in dedicated plots.
• Spacing: Plant seeds 2-4 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart.
• Application Rate: Half a pound per 1,000 square feet.
• Pricing: $3.99 per pound.
• Wildlife Target: Deer

Implementing Distractants

To implement distractants effectively, consider the following steps:

1. Assess Your Garden and Wildlife: Identify the specific plants and areas that are most vulnerable to wildlife damage.
2. Select Appropriate Distractants: Choose a mix of clovers, forage crops, and grasses that are well-suited to your local conditions and the preferences of the wildlife in your area.
3. Strategic Planting:
• Clover: Spread throughout the lawn or specific areas where ground cover is desired.
• Alfalfa and Chicory: Plant in dedicated plots to attract wildlife.
• Turnip, Radish, and Rape: Plant in dedicated plots for seasonal attraction, especially in fall and winter.
• Perennial Ryegrass and Orchard Grass: Can be mixed into lawns or planted in dedicated feeding areas.
4. Tilling vs. Overseeding:
• Tilling: Recommended for establishing new plots, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact and reducing competition from existing vegetation. If tilling can’t be done, simply rough up the ground with a hard rake before putting down the seed.
• Overseeding: Suitable for enhancing existing lawns or areas with some ground cover. Ensure seeds have contact with the soil for successful germination.
5. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly monitor the effectiveness of your distractants and adjust your planting strategy as needed to ensure continued protection of your garden.

Conclusion

Distractants offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to wildlife pest control. By providing attractive alternative food sources, you can protect your garden naturally and effectively. Embrace the concept of distractants and enjoy a thriving garden without the hassle and harm of traditional repellents.