Keep monkeys from wreaking havoc – without violence

Nine ways in which residents can discourage monkeys from their garden

WHILE many forget how truly lucky we are to have wildlife in our gardens, vervet monkeys have become rather pest-like to many of residents.

Many foreigners are in awe of the wildlife we experience every day; birds, monkeys and snakes in our gardens are common to us, but not so common worldwide.

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Below are ways in which residents can discourage monkeys from their garden:

1. Squirt them with a hosepipe or water pistol, as monkeys are not so fond of being hosed and will run away

2. Discourage them by walking towards them or wave a dishcloth or towel at them. They may stand their ground and threaten you, but don’t be intimidated and they will flee.

3. Vervet monkeys are very fearful of snakes, so many advise that you place realistic-looking rubber snakes in the garden. However, never leave them in one place for too long as they will learn to ignore it.

4. Point anything imitating a gun at a vervet monkey and they tend to get scared, even cameras often work. However, don’t shoot them with pellet guns. Many vervet monkeys in and around Durban are frequently injured by people who try to scare them off with pellet guns. Many of these need to be put down because their injuries are so severe.

5. Vervet monkeys are often scared off by dogs, though some have grown to become used to dogs.

6. Vervet monkeys tend to be more afraid of men than women, so guys need to go and chase the monkeys, not their wives.

7. Make sure your trash bins are closed, covered and preferably have clipped on lids so that the monkeys aren’t able to open them.

8. Use bird netting or similar products to cover vegetable gardens to keep monkeys away from your vegetables. Keep fruit, vegetables, bread and anything else edible out of view. If a monkey is in a tree near to your house and they see a ripe bunch of bananas from the window, you are bound to have problem. So put them in a cupboard or close the windows.

9.Try and prevent them from gaining access to your house by putting a piece of plastic piping around overhead cables. When they try to grip the wire and it moves, they will not try the overhead wire.

Don’t ever shoot a monkey with a pellet or air gun, they suffer serious injuries from both.

If you are having problems with monkeys, speak to Monkey Helpline or call 082-659-4711 or 082-411-5444.

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