The trick then becomes how to keep them out of the areas I don't want them, while coexhisting in as peaceful a means as possible. Rabbits I can fence out for the most part. Squirrels are far more capable of accessing areas and last year we had so many we had to bait to control. Gophers are the bain of my garden. A nifty little gadget called the "black hole" has spelled doom for many on our property and truly has been the only thing to really work.
Field mice and pack rats are a real pain. Traps and encouraging good snakes are my best defence. We have some owls, hawks and roadrunners that are welcome too for their rodent control. The goal is that my family is able to enjoy the fruit of our labors in the garden. These critters are incredibly destructive and I feel like Mr. McGregor from Beatrix Potter's story of Peter Rabbit, going after the
"wee beasties".
The larger creatures that would be more of a threat to family and animals, like coyotes have been kept more at a distance because of fencing. We used to have them wander around the property when we first moved here, and would regularly hear them howling to each other at night. The only benefit of their being around was that they definately kept the smaller creatures numbers lower. So it comes down to a creative balancing act so that they don't overrun us and steal or destroy our crops.
Ah the joys of a homesteading life!!!
Wow, what a fascinating collection of critters! It is a balancing act, isn't it, to end up with anything for the dinner table. Look forward to hearing more about all your homesteading adventures. Somehow, I had missed that earlier--didn't know that's what you were doing. :)
ReplyDeleteWe have just under two acres, so it's a process of making it work for us by being more productive. In the meantime we're the ones having to be productive to get it to that point!!! : )
DeleteI get that way with the rabbits too! They keep finding a way in to my fenced in garden and I'm after them often with a broom! (Mighty scary let me tell ya!)
ReplyDeleteHa Ha Ha, I can picture that!! It's amazing how creative they are at finding ways in, then HOW DESTRUCTIVE they are once there!! Good luck, I know how frustrating it is to see all your hard work go to some critters stomach.
DeleteI have MOLES! EVERYWHERE! Can't seem to get rid of them and they are driving me crazy (well crazier!)
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