Fish fertilizer, sold as a liquid emulsion or a hydrolyzed product, is a popular organic choice for gardeners seeking a potent source of nutrients. This natural product is derived from fish byproducts, including bones, scales, and scraps. Because of its organic origin, the fertilizer frequently attracts various types of animals to treated garden areas. The components that make it a superb plant food are the same ones that signal a potential meal to scavengers and insects.
The Chemical Basis for Attraction
The distinct and often intense aroma of fish fertilizer is a direct byproduct of the manufacturing process, which efficiently breaks down the raw fish material. The smell that attracts wildlife comes primarily from nitrogenous compounds called amines, along with certain sulfur compounds. These compounds are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that easily become airborne as proteins and amino acids decay. To a scavenger, the release of these VOCs mimics the scent of decaying animal matter, signaling an easily accessible food source. This odor, which is concentrated in the liquid, dissipates over time as soil microbes begin their work.
Animals Most Likely to Investigate
The powerful odor emitted by the fertilizer acts as a beacon, drawing the attention of creatures that naturally scavenge for food. Mammals such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and opossums are frequent nighttime visitors, attracted by the scent of protein and decay. These animals will often investigate the source by digging, which can lead to significant damage to garden beds and plants. Domestic animals, including neighborhood dogs and cats, are also highly susceptible to the strong fish scent, often attempting to eat the treated soil or digging for a buried treat. The fertilizer also draws various insects, particularly blow flies, which are attracted to the decomposition odor for laying eggs.
Strategies for Minimizing Wildlife Interest
The most effective way to reduce the attraction of wildlife is to minimize the amount of product sitting on the soil surface where the odor can emanate. Always use the maximum recommended dilution rate provided by the manufacturer, as over-concentrated solutions significantly intensify the smell. Applying the fertilizer in a more diluted form reduces the potency of the odor beacon.
Timing and follow-up watering are effective practical steps a gardener can take. Apply the product early in the morning, which allows the sun and air to help dry the surface before nocturnal animals begin their activity. After application, the area must be immediately and thoroughly watered to wash the fertilizer deep into the soil. This action moves the odor-causing compounds away from the surface and out of the direct reach of most digging animals.
For gardeners concerned about pets, it is wise to keep them indoors or away from the treated area for at least 24 to 48 hours following the application and watering. The fertilizer product itself should always be stored in a sealed container and kept in an inaccessible location, such as a shed, to prevent accidental ingestion or attraction by household pets.
Another successful technique involves using natural odor masks near the treated area to confuse or repel interested creatures. Some gardeners report success by lightly sprinkling cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes near the fertilized plants, as mammals generally find these odors and tastes unpleasant. However, these masking agents should never be mixed directly into the fertilizer solution, which could alter its nutrient profile. Applying the product just before a predicted rainfall can also help wash the fertilizer down and dissipate the surface scent more quickly.