Original Down East

The most destructive pests in gardens are the larger ones - birds, deer, rabbits, moles, mice and so on. There is no doubt that the most effective control for this type of pest is to prevent them reaching the crops by physical means.

BIRDS

There is no really effective bird deterrent available. Scarecrows are reasonably effective for a day or two but, after a short while, the birds get used to them and take no notice. This is even so with the more elaborate electric scarecrows that have waving arms, flashing lights and screaming sirens or blazing shot-guns. If moved around constantly, they have some effect but, in the end, they are more likely to frighten your neighbors than the birds! If a scarecrow is combined with regular shooting it will be more effective, but you will also disturb the natural balance and that is biting the hand that feeds you.

THE PRODUCTIVE GARDEN

The only really effective control for birds is netting and that is not nearly as expensive as it may seem. Plastic netting is relatively cheap and will last a very long time if it is used carefully.

The ideal is to build yourself a fruit cage to cover the entire productive