How a Bar of Smelly Soap Is Saving Southern Utah Gardens From Rodents

Battling Garden Pests in Southern Utah

It can be hard enough to grow a good garden in Southern Utah without the problem of squirrels and other rodents hauling off your harvest. The clean smell of soap that most humans enjoy is the opposite for these garden intruders.

There are many products that are made to deter squirrels and chipmunks, but an affordable option that doesn't cost much is sitting in the soap aisle at the grocery store. Irish Spring is an affordable soap that these little garden destroyers are not fond of.

How to Use Soap to Protect Your Garden

You may have noticed that you never find small rodents inspecting your arm pits. That's because they detest the smell. It figures these little hairy dudes don't do a lot of personal hygiene.

Either suspend a bar over your plants or cut pieces off to the entrance of the garden. The rich musky smell that says clean to humans says head the other way to small varmints.

Read More: Popular Tomato That Thrives in Southern Utah is Going Away

However, experts say it is best to use the bar of soap trick only when plants and produce are at the most vulnerable. Over time the squirrels and chipmunks can grow used to the smell and it won't be as effective.

Also, the heat can melt your soap so you might put it in a mesh bag. It is also a good idea to avoid installing a small shower as they might discover the mating benefits of cleaning that stinky fur and running a comb through it.