I have the same problem. It turns out a few neighbors are feeding and sheltering them but not getting them fixed. So with the humane societies help we've trapped more then 20 feral cats (so far) and gotten them fixed so they can't make more kittens. The problem is with TNR program they have to return them here to their "neighborhood". I'm glad we won't have hundreds since we're stopping the breeding but like you it's a problem with the cats killing birds and pooping in the mulch.
So like you I tried the various things in the mulch. It doesn't work. What seems to help is getting rid of the mulch and replacing it with rock. In some areas I switched to lava rock- they hate it which is great. In other areas pea gravel but it's important to get the larger pea gravel- not the smallest. Other then that the only option is a really good cat proof fence.
It wouldn't hurt to talk to your neighbors and find out who's feeding them and allowing them to shelter under their decks/sheds/etc. Try to find some neighbors to work on a solution. #1 reduce the future numbers while you can.
Somehow my house and garden got tiny gnats that killed my fuchsia plant and fly everywhere. I have tried ALL the Web recommendations - soap and oil dishes, sand in th...
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Growing our first garlic, should we wait until the leaves are drying out before we pick it? Husband picked first one today along with our first potatoes.
Hi everyone, I have mice in my garden destroying my vegetables and I have also noticed them in the barn and shed. Please can someone tell me how to prevent them from ...
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I would use a have a heart gave, trap them and take to a shelter or call your local animal control officer.
I have the same problem. It turns out a few neighbors are feeding and sheltering them but not getting them fixed. So with the humane societies help we've trapped more then 20 feral cats (so far) and gotten them fixed so they can't make more kittens. The problem is with TNR program they have to return them here to their "neighborhood". I'm glad we won't have hundreds since we're stopping the breeding but like you it's a problem with the cats killing birds and pooping in the mulch.
So like you I tried the various things in the mulch. It doesn't work. What seems to help is getting rid of the mulch and replacing it with rock. In some areas I switched to lava rock- they hate it which is great. In other areas pea gravel but it's important to get the larger pea gravel- not the smallest. Other then that the only option is a really good cat proof fence.
It wouldn't hurt to talk to your neighbors and find out who's feeding them and allowing them to shelter under their decks/sheds/etc. Try to find some neighbors to work on a solution. #1 reduce the future numbers while you can.
Have you tried moth balls? I have used this successfully to keep squirrels out of my potted plants.
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