Expert: Stephen Vantassel - 3/6/2004

Question
Do you have any advice for keeping dogs and cats out of certain landscaped areas of the yard?  We obviously don't want to hurt the pets (mostly our own 2 cats and 1 dog and occasional neighbor pets), but just want to deter them from using the areas near the doors, sidewalks, etc. that are landscaped and filled with bark as their "litter box."  Anything we can spray, spread in the bark, etc., that will keep them out?  Thank you for any advice you have to offer!

Answer
There isn't much I can offer you that will actually work. But here is some information you may find useful.

Cats and dogs are tough. For dogs I would contact your local health department or animal control. Most areas have leash laws. For some reason the public doesn't believe in leash laws on cats and refuses to enforce the law on dogs. I would suggest a fence for your lawn/garden that is too high for them to jump. I would go up at least five feet. Make it wobbly so they won't want to climb it. You can also try a scare crow water sprinkler (see http://www.wildlifecontrolsupplies.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Produc...
   It works by shooting out water when the motion detector is triggered. Since it is a stray, it may be used to water though. Also this technique won't work during the winter if your part of the country experiences freezing temperatures. http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.com/housecats.htm
Otherwise, you will need to remove it or tie your own dog nearby. There is a new product called "Scat Mat". It shocks the animal that stands on the pad. Problem is that you would need a lot of pads.

Don't bother with plants that allegedly repel animals. There aren't any that would be fool proof because all a free roaming mammal has to do is walk past it up wind.. But if you insist on using some here are a few to try. (WARNING some of these repellents may be dangerous to the user and may require a pesticide permit to use) Repellents alleged to repel cats include allyl isothiocyanate (oil of mustard), amyl acetate, anethole, capsaicin,  cinnemaldehyde, citral, citronella, citrus oil, eucalyptus oil, geranium oil, lavender oil, lemongrass oil, menthol, methyl nonyl ketone, methyl salicylate, naphthalene, nicotine, paradichlorobenzene and thymol. Oil of mustard, cinnemaldehyde and methyl nonyl ketone have worked in some instances according to what we have been told.  
Don't bother with ultrasonic devices either. There is no evidence that I am aware of that they work. http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.com/ultrasound.htm Also ultrasound is a weak frequency. It dissipates very quickly even if it was annoying to animals assuming they could hear it. I would NOT recommend poisons of any kind. The risks are just too great.   I would visit http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/living_wildlife
 it has a link there on how to handle cats in gardens in a rather unique way. She makes part of the garden for them. It may be an option for you. Otherwise, unless you are willing to trap them and possibly suffer legal consequences, there isn't a lot you can do other than fortify your property. There is no magic in this business.

Of course, in the final analysis, trapping may be an option depending on the laws in your state.

Disclaimer: As with any activity, remember that animal damage control comes with its own risks and problems which can include but are not limited to legalities, health threats, and personal liabilities. Be sure to follow all state laws governing wildlife and make sure you have a thorough understanding on how to resolve the animal damage complaint. My advice is only as good as your understanding of me and my understanding of your situation. If you have any questions be sure to write back.