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What’s invaded my flower bed?

LynfromSeaLynfromSea Posts: 133
in Problem solving
Wondering why my new plants haven’t taken off and then discovered the soil had been turned and there are tiny holes everywhere. Is this mice? Too small to be moles surely? Does anyone know and if so how how can I try to eradicate the problem? I’ve sprinkled cayenne pepper everywhere but not sure how effective it is.

Posts

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Keep the cayenne for your cooking, I say 😉
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I agree with both the previous posts  ;)
    What plants and what size are they @LynfromSea? I have mice here in plentiful supply but they don't touch any plants once they're beyond the germination/small seedling stage. They use the bird feeders anyway so probably less likely to do it, and I keep all
    likely to be attractive' seed inside until well enough grown to go out - sweet peas etc.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LynfromSeaLynfromSea Posts: 133

    This is one of the small holes surrounding a hellebore. The ground is very soft surrounding it. I planted three 9ams geraniums which don’t seem to be growing at all despite watering and feeding well so I suspect their roots have been disturbed. 
  • LynfromSeaLynfromSea Posts: 133

    Sometime recommended spreading some Cayenne pepper around the holes as moles do not like the powerful aroma. 
  • Slow-wormSlow-worm Posts: 1,630
    Bear in mind that if any mammals get that on their feet, it can get into their eyes when they groom.. 
    Essential oils are my preference. 
  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    Does the oil not go in their eyes? 
  • Slow-wormSlow-worm Posts: 1,630
    No because it dries, and the smell should put them off before they touch any of it. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'm not sure why you'd put something down to deter moles when you're asking what's causing the holes, and therefore don't know what creature it is! If it was moles, you'd have the hills they produce somewhere else in the garden.
    It could be rats if the holes are big enough, or bees if they're small - it's quite hard to tell the size from the photo, because of perspective. This is where a camera can be very useful too, but if there's no damage to any plants, or you don't see any other activity or droppings etc, it's unlikely to be a major problem.

    Perhaps @wild edges can offer some ideas.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    edited June 2023
    If you put your fingers down the holes can you feel if there are tunnels? You can with moles. I have moles in flower borders, real nuisance, they burrow under roots and plants die if I haven't noticed. I can trace the runs with my hands. I use mole traps. They don't make mole hills as the earth in the borders is soft enough with the compost I've added.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
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