Lexi Webster
Australia is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including animals that feed on roots. While some animals directly consume roots, others cause damage to plants by eating bulbs or digging up the surrounding soil. This can result in plants struggling to survive or even dying. In Australia, animals such as rabbits, voles, groundhogs, chipmunks, and gophers are known to exhibit this behaviour. These animals burrow underground, feeding on roots and causing damage to gardens and agricultural areas. Understanding the behaviour and feeding habits of these animals is essential for implementing effective strategies to protect plants and crops.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Animals that eat roots in Australia | Rabbits, voles, chipmunks, squirrels, gophers, wild hogs, rats, and possibly raccoons |
| How to identify root-eating animals | Look for exit holes, teeth marks, droppings, or trails in the grass |
| How to deter root-eating animals | Use wire mesh fencing, remove debris that provides shelter, or use products like Predator Preventor |
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Rabbits
To prevent rabbit damage, it is recommended to plant mature shrubs and trees, as rabbits are less likely to target older, established plants. Planting in raised beds or tall pots can also help keep vegetables out of their reach. Eliminating hiding and nesting spots, such as dense brush piles, can make your yard less attractive to rabbits. Commercial repellents based on garlic or other strong-smelling herbs can be effective but may need frequent reapplication.
It is important to note that rabbits cannot digest meat, and there are many plants that are toxic to them. These include yew trees, lily of the valley, ivy, rhododendron, elder, and deadly nightshade. If you suspect your rabbit has ingested something toxic, it is crucial to contact a veterinary professional immediately.
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Voles
To prevent voles from damaging plants, some gardeners have suggested using a "root cage" made of hardware cloth. This is placed in the hole when planting a new tree, extending at least 12 inches below the soil surface, and the tree is then transplanted inside. The cage should also extend a few inches above the soil to prevent the voles from getting into it.
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Chipmunks
To prevent chipmunks from damaging your plants and property, you can use repellents, traps, or other deterrents. Repellents such as peppermint oil, hot peppers, geraniums, and cloves can be effective. Providing a clean water source in your garden may also help, as chipmunks are less likely to seek water from vegetable gardens during hot, dry summers. You can also try to modify your plant choices, as chipmunks do not like the smell or taste of daffodils.
If you wish to trap and release chipmunks, you can use a Havahart® Easy Set® Small 1-Door Animal Trap. Bait the trap with chipmunk favourites like prune pits, popcorn, or grains, and place it in an area of chipmunk activity. This trap has smooth internal edges to prevent injury to the animal, and a one-hand release feature for easy release back into the wild.
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Wild hogs
Feral pigs, also known as wild hogs, are an invasive species in Australia. They are considered a serious environmental and agricultural pest across the country. Wild hogs are present in all states and territories of Australia, particularly in wetlands and river systems, and are especially prevalent in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory.
In addition to their impact on plant life, wild hogs also prey on a wide range of native animal species. They have been known to eat the eggs of ground-nesting birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and directly prey upon lambs, frogs, and marine and freshwater turtles. Wild hogs are a significant threat to sea turtle nests, particularly in far-north Queensland, where they prey on a large percentage of nests. They also threaten dairy farms by killing and consuming newborn and juvenile goats and even attacking guard dogs.
Due to their negative impacts, wild hogs are classified as vermin in some areas, and there are often lax legal restrictions on hunting them. In Australia, the National Feral Pig Action Plan was developed to address the ecological, agricultural, cultural, and social threats posed by these invasive creatures.
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Rats
There are several ways to deter rats from your garden. One method is to lay a piece of netting just under the soil to prevent them from burrowing and eating roots. However, determined rats may chew through the netting. Rats will also try to enter your home through any gaps or cracks in external walls, so it is important to use an appropriate sealant to block any potential entry points.
Another way to deter rats is to use scents that they find unpleasant, such as peppermint oil or catnip. Moisten some cotton balls with 100% pure peppermint oil and place them around the garden, reapplying the oil a couple of times a week. Alternatively, plant catnip in your garden.
You can also encourage natural predators of rats, such as tawny frogmouths and carpet pythons, to hunt in your garden. Tawny frogmouths are nocturnal predators that have adapted well to urban areas due to the abundance of rats. Carpet pythons are non-venomous and commonly found in Australia, feeding on frogs, birds, possums, and rats. However, some people may be concerned about having them in their gardens due to the presence of pets.
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Frequently asked questions
Many animals eat roots, including rabbits, voles, chipmunks, groundhogs, wild hogs, gophers, rats, and insects such as larvae, mites, and nematodes. While it is unclear whether these animals are prevalent in Australia, they are known to eat roots in other parts of the world.
To identify the culprit, look for signs such as mounds of dirt, exit holes, teeth marks, droppings, or tracks and footprints. You can also set up motion-activated cameras to capture images of the animals visiting your plants.
Roots are an important food source for many animals as they provide water and nutrients. Some animals, such as gophers and wild hogs, are particularly attracted to plant roots and can cause significant damage to gardens.
To protect your plant roots, you can use physical barriers such as wire mesh or chicken wire fencing around your plants. Additionally, removing debris and eliminating organic fertilizers can help deter animals from foraging in your garden.
