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While cats are great at rodent control, it is their second nature to use the soft dirt of your garden as a litter box. This can lead to the contamination of your food and the spread of disease in humans.

There are a few ways to keep pesky bugs away from your garden. One option you have is to plant flowers so beneficial insects like ladybugs can control pests for you. A similar method is companion planting, which means you’ll grow vegetables that’ll discourage pests, like garlic, onions, and basil. The best pest prevention method will depend on the bugs you have issues with and the plants in your garden. 

Squirrels have a strong sense of smell and can be deterred by various scents they dislike. Effective options include peppermint oil, rosemary, garlic, cinnamon, white vinegar, coffee grounds, and predator urine. Squirrels also have a strong aversion to capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, making capsaicin-based repellents a good choice for protecting specific areas like gardens or bird feeders. For a DIY solution, you can create a garlic and vinegar spray and apply it daily. Additionally, placing strong-smelling items like certain soaps or dryer sheets near where squirrels frequent can also be effective.

As with anything ingested by animals, there is always a chance that mushrooms will be toxic. Clearing the tops of mushrooms from the soil to prevent them from being eaten by pets is always a good idea. Since poisonous mushrooms can be deadly, we recommended that any mushroom ingestion is treated as a veterinary emergency. Watch for signs of lethargy and digestive distress in any animal suspected to have eaten a mushroom and contact your vet immediately.