10 Decorative Garden Elements That Attract Unwanted Animals
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Gardens are supposed to be some kind of peaceful retreat; it is some place where you can enjoy nature’s beauty right in your backyard. But there are some decorative elements that, though lovely, can actually invite critters you’d rather not host. We all love to see wildlife once in a while, but when those creatures start nibbling on your precious plants or setting up residence in places you don’t want them, it’s not exactly a pleasure.
So in order to help you make your garden the haven it should be, let’s discuss some of the most popular decorative options that, while beautiful, may also draw in some unwanted guests. Don’t worry, you can tweak these elements with a little awareness so that your garden remains charming without turning into the neighborhood wildlife sanctuary!
Bird Baths
A lovely way to invite feathered friends into your garden, and charm, is bird baths. Along with birds, you may attract other curious creatures. During warm weather, squirrels, raccoons and even local stray animals may see the water as a quick pit stop. It also adds that a bird bath can become a mosquito breeding ground if the water isn’t changed regularly. Moving water features or changing the bath’s location often can prevent an unintended critter gathering.
Garden Statues and Ornaments
Garden statues are a great way to add character to your garden, but some can also become perfect hiding spots for small animals. Rodents, frogs or insects can shelter in hollow or tall statues where there is cool and shaded place to be. Nearby squirrels and birds love to flock to even small statues to perch on or play with. To keep these visitors away, you can choose solid, non hollow ornaments or moving statues.
Compost Piles
Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste and fertilize your soil but is also the perfect place for wildlife to come and eat. If skunks, raccoons, or rodents sniff around your pile, they might come to eat food scraps. The decomposition of leaves also can attract bugs and other pests. If you’re really into composting, think about getting a compost bin with a lid, or put the pile a little farther away from your garden area.
Bird Feeders
One of the classic ways to get colorful birds into your garden is bird feeders, but they’re also a beacon for squirrels, chipmunks, and other small animals that love an easy snack. These clever critters will often figure out how to get the seeds if the feeder is ‘squirrel proof.’ Feeder options that close when heavier animals try to get in will help you avoid having to deal with the squirrel invasion if you want to feed birds.
Ponds and Water Features
Ponds, fountains, small streams, etc. are water features that help make your garden peaceful. Water is necessary for all creatures, and a nice pond might draw raccoons, frogs or bugs seeking a drink, or a place to create little ones. Frogs and tadpoles can be great pets, but not everyone likes the noise of their nighttime choruses. If you want to keep it peaceful, then you could use features that have moving water and are elevated so that animals can’t easily get to them.
Flowering Plants and Fruit Trees
If you have fruit trees or flowers that bloom, it’s like laying out a buffet for wildlife. Usually sweet smelling blossoms can attract bees, butterflies and birds. However, you may see raccoons, opossums and other four legged visitors who love a fruity snack, as fruit ripens. To reduce the risk, pluck fruit as soon as it ripens or plant less accessible species that animals find more difficult to reach.
Tall Grasses and Shrubs
Beautiful and textural, tall grasses and dense shrubs are perfect for garden beds, but also perfect for nesting. According to ResearchGate, tall grass provides a habitat for snakes. Before you know it your garden could become a mini wild kingdom. You can keep your garden tidy and less appealing to small critters by planting low growing ground cover or by trimming dense shrubbery back regularly.
Decorative Lights
After dark, garden lights make for a magical ambiance, but some animals are attracted to the light, as we are. The bulbs may attract moth and other nocturnal insects which swarm around them, and in turn attract frogs, bats, or even larger animals which prey on insects. If you like the look of garden lights, go for solar lights with dim settings or turning them off after dark to discourage nighttime visitors.
Outdoor Cushions and Patio Furniture
Outdoor furniture can help you to make your garden a more comfortable place for you to be, but it could also entice animals to move in. Cats, squirrels and other small animals find a cozy hideaway under furniture in soft cushions and in sheltered nooks. Even some critters might chew on the cushions or nest under them! If you don’t use the furniture often or if you can’t prevent animals from getting to your furniture, using furniture covers when not in use or choosing weather resistant materials will discourage animals from settling.
Rock Gardens and Stone Piles
Decorative stone piles or rock gardens give your space a rustic feel but they are also a great hiding spot for snakes, lizards and spiders. During cooler months, these animals seek out rock piles for warmth or shelter. If you like a rock garden look, try to keep it tidy and do not create deep crevices where animals could take up residence.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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