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House Pest III: Gnomes

Have any pest problems? Write to House Pest and have your letter answered in What's In My House? magazine!

Dear House Pest,
I'm having a bit of trouble with gnomes in my garden. Don't get me wrong, I love them just as much as the next gardener, but lately there've been so many gnomes trying to 'protect' my garden, that they're destroying it! Please tell me how to make them go away.
- Bothered Botanist

Dear Bothered Botanist,
I'm glad you know that they mean well, but unfortunately cases like yours are quite common. Gnomes love gardens, especially ones that are given plenty of TLC, so I'm sure yours is lovely. But because you take such good care of it more, it will attract gnomes no matter what.

Many companies have advertisements for contraptions or sprays that will deter gnomes, but those are not only bad for the gnomes, but they're bad for your garden. We all need gnomes, they protect and tend to our gardens when we can't. Completely degnoming anywhere never has good results.

Luckily for you there is one fool proof method that works for everyone every time. Unfortunately it may not be one you like. Because gnomes are attracted to a healthy, loved garden above all, they are best deterred by dead plants.

But don't worry! You don't have to let your garden wilt. The easiest solution is to buy a new potted plant, and simply ignore it. The newer gnomes will stop appearing, seeing it as a sign to go to the next place. Meanwhile the older gnomes that you've always had will take up the challenge to nurse it back to health. This is the simplest way to protect your plants and keep everything happy.
I hope this has been helpful
- House Pest

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