You’ve been trying to keep the beavers away from your property, but they won’t leave.
Beavers are outdoor pests that can cause a lot of damage to your property. They can build dams across streams, gnaw through tree trunks, and even damage gardens.
While you can call a professional to remove beavers, you can try some natural methods first.
Identification
The easiest way to identify beavers is by their dam. If you see a large pile of branches, sticks, rocks, and mud placed deliberately in a stream or river, you’re most likely looking at a beaver dam.
These rodents have webbed hind feet and a broad, flat tail that helps them swim. Their thick coat of fur ranges in color from yellowish-brown to near-black [1].
How to Get Rid of Beavers Naturally
If you’re having problems with beavers in your area, knowing how to control them without killing them is crucial. Below are a few natural ways to do just that.
1. Install a Fence
Installing a fence is a great way to prevent beavers from entering your property.
Fences should be made of tough material, such as galvanized or welded wire (not wood), and tall enough so the beavers can’t climb over them.
You could also opt for an electric fence. The shock will deter any curious beavers from entering the space.
Keeping the critters away permanently could save you time and energy in the long run.
2. Dismantle Their Dams and Dens
Another way to discourage beavers is to dismantle their dams and lodges.
This can be as simple as removing sticks and branches from the area and calling a professional to do the rest. You need someone experienced to remove the structures that have been built.
You might also have to get a state permit before interfering with the dams.
3. Eliminate Food Supply
Eliminate their food supply by trimming plants and trees near their habitat and removing any bodies of water where they may find food.
You can set up motion-activated sprinklers near the water to scare the beavers. However, if they get used to them, they may ignore them.
Beavers also rely on aquatic vegetation for food, so try to keep it at bay by regularly removing any weeds or debris from nearby bodies of water. You can also create a simple fence around the area to make it difficult for them to access the vegetation.
4. Wrap Trees
Wrapping trees is a low-maintenance way to beaver-proof them. You’ll need to wrap the trunk of any tree at risk of being chewed on with wire mesh or hardware cloth.
To securely attach the mesh or cloth to the tree, you can use wire ties, a zip tie, or strong twine.
Be sure to inspect the trees regularly for signs of chewing and any gaps in the mesh or cloth that beavers might be able to exploit.
5. Secure Water Sources
Beavers love to build dams in areas with plenty of water. So, by limiting their access to water, you can stop them from building dams and reduce their population.
Start by cutting back vegetation near lakes, rivers, and ponds. To prevent beavers from entering, you can also add mesh wire fences around the edges of smaller ponds and streams.
You can also set traps or use repellents along water edges. Destroy any materials that beavers can use to make their lodges and dams.
6. Garlic
Garlic has natural properties that beavers don’t find very pleasant.
You can sprinkle crushed garlic around the area where these pests are damaging. They won’t like the smell, which may encourage them to move away.
7. Predator Urine
Getting rid of beavers with predator urine is not only natural, but it’s also one of the most effective methods.
Predator urine, such as coyote or fox urine, is a natural deterrent for beavers. Beavers are scared of predators, so the smell of the urine will scare them away.
You can buy products containing the urine of these predators from hunting stores or online. One thing to note when using this method is that you need to reapply it regularly, as it will not last forever.
The best way to use it is to sprinkle it around the affected area or soak pieces of cloth and place them in areas where beavers have been seen.
8. Hot Pepper
Hot pepper is an excellent—and natural—option for repelling beavers. Mix one cup of red or ground chili pepper sauce with two gallons of water.
Spray this homemade beaver repellent on tree trunks and the plants beavers are eating. They will likely stay away.
Don’t forget to reapply it every couple of days until the pests have moved on or given up on your garden.
9. Peppermint Oil
The pungent smell of peppermint oil will repel beavers. You can purchase this oil from most health stores as an essential oil or a pre-mixed spray solution.
Make a DIY solution using peppermint oil and water, and spray the area where the beavers are causing a problem.
A potent recipe calls for 10-15 drops for every cup of water. The aroma should help deter the critters and encourage them to move on.
10. Humane Live Trap
Using a trap is one of the best techniques to remove beavers humanely.
This trap is a box-like structure that you can place where there is beaver activity and bait with twigs, branches, and/or beaver castor. When the rodent enters the trap, it cannot escape until you capture it.
Once captured, you can relocate it away from your property and waterways.
11. Sand and Paint
Protect trees in your backyard by painting their bases with a mixture of equal parts latex paint and coarse sand. The abrasive nature of the mixture may discourage beavers.
12. Beaver-Resistant Plants
Beavers strongly dislike conifers such as pine and hemlock. Therefore, surround your property with these trees to deter beavers.
Also, placing extracts from these trees around vulnerable areas of your yard may act as a natural shield against the beavers.
13. Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent
This product uses unique ingredients to create a compelling combination that beavers and other animals hate.
Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent does not harm animals. It just drives them away from the area being treated.
For instructions on how to use it, refer to the label.
See also: 17 Natural Ways to Keep Groundhogs Away.
Takeaway
Beaver populations can cause much damage, but do not try to poison or kill them. As you can see, many ways exist to keep them away without hurting them. Go ahead and try one of these methods!
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