Gardeners’ Forum: “porcupine repellant”
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Posted by Sharon Kirkpatrick on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 11:16 am ADTI've recently purchased 3 red maple trees from Vesey's, and I'm excited to get them planted. I have noticed a porcupine on my property, which last year turned out to be hard on my existing maple and apple tree. Does anybody know of any animal scent or other repellant that would work to keep that porcupine away from my new maples?? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
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Posted by Betty Richards on Friday, June 12, 2009 8:16 am ADTOur trees are being shredded every night - can't seem to catch sight of them. In the morning there are branches all over our walk with the leaves gone.....and lots of droppings! What can I get to discourage them from going near our trees and where can I purchase it?
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Posted by Sharon Kirkpatrick on Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:29 pm ADTIt sure is heart-breaking, isn't it Betty? I wish I knew what to tell you. I've tried the commercial products that contain concentrated cayenne pepper, or some other hot stuff that is supposed to deter them...didn't work. I've wrapped my trees in foil, and smeared it with Vaseline...didn't work, either. I'm told the only sure way to get rid of them is to shoot them...not really realistic, especiallly if you can't catch them in the act. Apparently, if you smuck them between the eyes, that is supposed to be fatal...I just can't seem to figure out how to get them to turn around and face me. Any suggestions, anybody?? Please??
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Posted by lorraine on Friday, June 19, 2009 12:56 pm ADTHave you tried doing a web search for porcupine deterent?
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Posted by Sharon on Thursday, June 25, 2009 10:09 pm ADTYes, Lorraine. I've looked, and the most common deterrent seems to be the ones that contain cayenne, and other hot things. Unfortunately, we get a lot of rain and fog, which washes these preparations away. I've called the professional pest control companies, and they charge in the neighborhood of $125 to just visit your house, and don't guarantee results. Any other ideas, anyone??
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Posted by Carl Armstrong on Thursday, July 23, 2009 7:23 pm ADTI live in Barrie, ON and also have a problem with a prickly little critter. In the past 2 weeks it has shredded approximatley 1/4 of a 40 foot basswood tree on my rear lot line. Tree guards are fine if you have a stand alone tree but when the target tree is in a stand of trees it is almost impossible to prevent an attack from a porcupine. I tried a high concentration of capsicum pepper mixed with vinegar and sprayed it about 5 feet up from the base of the tree trunk and in the surrounding vegetation. Last night the critter returned again around sunset. I actually heard it sneazing as it made its way up the tree, once again feasting on its own personal buffet. Today I spoke with a Conservation Officer with the Ministry of Natural Resources. In Ontario, if you are the property owner you are allowed to dipatch (kill) a porcupine if you believe it is causing or about to cause damage to your property. You can also use an "agent", which includes a family member to act on your behalf. If you "live trap" a porcupine by Ontario law you may only transport it no more than 1 kilometer for release. One word of caution however if you intend to use a firearm, check your local by-laws before you act, especially if you live in a built up area.
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Posted by Sandy Geary on Sunday, October 25, 2009 9:30 pm ADTI have one suggestion. A friend of mine said she bought cheap sponges at a Dollar store & poured Ammonia on them and placed them down ground hog holes & the ground hogs are now long gone. You might try hanging some Ammonia sponges from your branches to see if that works. Best of luck.
