Many animals are attracted to the smell of garlic and will dig it up to eat or simply investigate. Squirrels, raccoons, skunks, rats and woodchucks can all dig up garlic. In this article, we’ll take a look at 11 different animals that are known to dig up garlic, and offer some tips and tricks for keeping them away.
Top Animals That Dig Up Garlic
If you’ve ever grown garlic, you know how frustrating it can be to wake up to find your garlic bulbs dug up and scattered around your garden. Here are the top 11 animals that dig up garlic, along with some tips on how to stop them.
1. Raccoons
Raccoons are notorious for digging up garlic bulbs. They are attracted to the strong smell of garlic and will often dig up entire plants to get to the bulbs. To prevent raccoons from digging up your garlic, try the following:
- Cover your garlic bed with a wire mesh or chicken wire.
- Place a motion-activated sprinkler near your garlic bed to scare away raccoons.
2. Rats
Rats are known for digging up vegetables and either eating them or just scattering them around. Rats can dig big holes for their size and will dig down to reach the bulbs.
To keep rats out you will need to use right bird wire or mesh. They can fit through surprisingly small holes so you will need to you tight mesh.
3. Squirrels
Squirrels are another common culprit when it comes to digging up garlic bulbs. They are attracted to the smell of garlic and will often dig up bulbs to eat or store for the winter. To prevent squirrels from digging up your garlic, try the following:
- Cover your garlic bed with a wire mesh or chicken wire.
- Place a bird feeder in you yard to distract squirrels.
4. Rabbits
Rabbits will dig up garlic plants if they are hungry enough. They will often dig up bulbs to get to the roots. They don’t always eat the bulbs but can sometimes dig them up just to see what is there. To prevent rabbits from digging up your garlic, try the following:
- Cover your garlic bed with a wire mesh or chicken wire.
- Plant garlic in a raised bed that is difficult for rabbits to access.
5. Deer
Deer are known to eat garlic plants and will often dig up bulbs to get to the roots. To prevent deer from digging up your garlic, try the following:
- Surround your yard with a deer proof fence.
- Use deer repellent spray or granules around your garlic bed.
6. Gophers
Gophers are burrowing rodents that can cause a lot of damage to your garlic bed. They will often dig up bulbs and eat the roots. To prevent gophers from digging up your garlic, try the following:
- Plant garlic in a raised bed that is lined with wire mesh or chicken wire.
- Use gopher repellent granules around your garlic bed.
7. Moles
Moles are another burrowing rodent that can cause damage to your garlic bed. They will often dig up bulbs and eat the roots. To prevent moles from digging up your garlic, try the following:
- Plant garlic in a raised bed that is lined with wire mesh or chicken wire.
- Use mole repellent granules around your garlic bed.
8. Skunks
Skunks are attracted to the strong smell of garlic and will often dig up bulbs to eat or store for the winter. To prevent skunks from digging up your garlic, try the following:
- Cover your garlic bed with a wire mesh or chicken wire.
- Place a motion-activated sprinkler near your garlic bed to scare away skunks.
9. Groundhogs
Groundhogs are known to eat garlic plants and will often dig up bulbs to get to the roots. To prevent groundhogs from digging up your garlic, try the following:
- Plant garlic in a raised bed that is difficult for groundhogs to access.
10. Porcupines
Porcupines are attracted to the strong smell of garlic and will often dig up bulbs to eat or store for the winter. To prevent porcupines from digging up your garlic, try the following:
- Place a motion-activated sprinkler near your garlic bed to scare away porcupines.
11. Badgers
Badgers are known to dig up garlic bulbs to eat or store for the winter. To prevent badgers from digging up your garlic, try the following:
- Plant garlic in a raised bed that is difficult for badgers to access.
Preventive Measures to Protect Your Garlic
Protecting your garlic from animals that dig it up can be a challenge. Here are some ways you can keep your garlic safe.
Fencing
Fencing is one of the most effective ways to keep animals away from your garlic. Here are some tips to help you set up a fence:
- Use a sturdy fence that is at least 3 feet high.
- Dig a trench around the fence and bury it at least 6 inches deep to prevent animals from digging under it.
- Attach chicken wire or hardware cloth to the fence to prevent animals from climbing over it.
Repellents
Repellents can also be effective in deterring animals from your garlic. Here are some natural repellents that you can use:
- Garlic: Plant garlic around the perimeter of your garden to repel animals.
- Hot peppers: Mix hot pepper sauce with water and spray it on your garlic plants.
- Predator urine: Use predator urine, such as coyote or fox urine, around the perimeter of your garden.
Traps
Traps can be effective in catching animals that are digging up your garlic. Here are some types of traps that you can use:
- Live traps: Use live traps to catch animals, such as rabbits and squirrels, and release them in a different location.
- Snap traps: Use snap traps to catch animals, such as mice and rats.
Plant Companions
Planting companion plants around your garlic can also help to deter animals. Here are some companion plants that you can use:
- Alliums: Plant other alliums, such as onions and chives, around your garlic to distract the animals. Lots of strong smelling vegetables can keep your garlic safe.
By taking these preventive measures, you can protect your garlic from animals that dig it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is digging up my garlic bulbs?
There could be several reasons why your garlic bulbs are being dug up. It could be due to animals or insects looking for food or a place to nest. It could also be due to poor soil drainage or overwatering, which can cause bulbs to rot and attract pests.
Will animals dig up garlic bulbs?
Yes, animals such as raccoons, skunks, squirrels, rabbits, and rodents are known to dig up garlic bulbs. They are attracted to the smell of the bulbs and may mistake them for food or use them as a nesting site.
What animals eat garlic?
Some animals that eat garlic include deer, bears, birds, skunks, and woodchucks. However, not all animals are attracted to garlic, and some may even avoid it due to its pungent smell.
What insects eat garlic?
Some insects that eat garlic include onion maggots, thrips, and aphids. These insects can cause damage to the leaves and bulbs of garlic plants, affecting their growth and yield.
Do raccoons eat garlic?
Yes, raccoons are known to eat garlic bulbs. They are attracted to the smell of the bulbs and may dig them up in search of food.
What burrowing animal eats garlic?
Burrowing animals such as moles, voles, and gophers are known to eat garlic bulbs. They may dig up the bulbs while tunneling through the soil in search of food or creating burrows.
Remember, prevention is key to keeping animals and insects from digging up your garlic bulbs. Use fencing or netting to protect your plants, and avoid overwatering or poor soil drainage to prevent rot and attract pests.
I am an accredited practicing dietitian, experienced gardener and a dedicated cook. I love writing and sharing my experience so you can learn from my successes and mistakes.