Pest-Free Garden

Snakes on the patio

Turn a garbage can on its side. Put a heating pad or cable inside and cover it with a towel. The snake will be attracted to the warmth overnight. Close the lid and release the snake away from the house.

Snails

White Flies

To make the can stay on the stake easily, crumple up foil and push it inside can (figure C). To reset, cover can with a fresh bag smeared with jelly.

Deer

• String little white holiday lights around your garden and set them on a timer to light at dawn when deer feed. When deer become accustomed to the lights, try another method to keep them away from plants: Spread human hair around plants, which adds protein to the soil (figure D). Check with your hairdresser for the type of hair that works best.

• Another option is to place a strongly scented deodorant soap in pantyhose and knot the end. Tie to the end of a stake and hide it among the plants.

• As a last resort, plant only deer-resistant plants, which have thorns, gray leaves or a fuzzy texture.