Understanding Backyard Pests
It’s natural to curse out a tunneling mole, or go screaming for the back door when you see a snake. But many of the animals we consider pests are actually vital to our health, our gardens and, of course, our natural ecosystems.
“Historically speaking, we have often jumped to conclusions about certain animals based on animated characters, horror stories, folk tales, and just a general lack of knowledge,” says Mary Phillips, head of Garden for Wildlife. “But not all of them are bad. They’re just misunderstood.”
Getting to know these animals better helps us understand their role in biodiversity, as well as their benefits to our lives. That may help us reshape our thinking and come up with better long-term solutions to live together more peacefully.
“When we don’t understand them, it only leads to hasty and ill-conceived attempts to resolve a perceived problem, usually using methods that are inhumane and ineffective,” says John Griffin, senior director of Urban Wildlife Programs with The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
So here are a few animals worth getting to know a little better.
Snakes
Most snakes are harmless to people. They’re a healthy part of your garden and yard ecosystem because they eat living things that can wreak havoc, like grasshoppers and mice. They also help distribute seeds and feed other beneficial species, like hawks.
“If a snake shows up in your yard, you’re doing something right,” says Phillips. But if you’re worried about them, lessen their numbers by clearing out any wood or rock refuse piles.
