Badgers are beautiful creatures and the sight of one in a garden can be a delight. They can, however, swiftly cause havoc.
With any unwelcome garden visitors, from the smallest insect upwards, we always advise looking for the gentlest way to discourage them, being mindful that a thriving ecosystem is to be encouraged. Badgers and their setts are legally protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, which means that in England and Wales it is a prosecutable offence to wilfully kill or injure a badger, or cruelly mistreat them.
Badgers are strong creatures, easily able to dig and climb fences. But there are some things you can do to help deter them from your garden.
Signs of Badger Damage
The main reason badgers roam into gardens at night is in search of food. Badgers are omnivores, their broad diet includes worms, insect larvae, vegetable crops and even plant bulbs. Gardens, then, have the possibility of providing a real feast.
If a badger has been at your lawn digging for worms or insect grubs, you will know it. It will be covered in scratch marks and be pocketed with small holes where their powerful claws have dug down.
How to Deter Badgers
Be very sure when choosing a method of deterrence that anything you do could not result in injury to the badger or sett. It may be worth seeking advice if you feel uncertain about your best option. Blocking an entrance dug in your garden, for example, could inadvertently harm their sett.
There are some natural deterrents that some people claim to have success with. You might not like the idea of it, but male urine around a boundary can mark out your garden and has been said to be effective at stopping badgers visiting. Finely chopped Scotch bonnet chillis are also sometimes said to put a badger off. Try this approach with caution, being conscious of extremely spicy chilli on your own hands.
Badgers can climb or dig under most fences. An electric fence will keep them out but these are costly and it is absolutely essential to consult with a professional before choosing this option.
There are also ultrasonic repellers available which work using motion sensors and emit ultrasonic sounds when they sense a badger is in range.
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