How to prevent monkeys from entering your home or garden: Tips and tricks

Monkeys are intelligent and curious animals that often enter residential areas in search of food, water, or shelter. While they may appear playful, their presence can quickly become troublesome, as they raid dustbins, snatch fruit from trees, leave droppings, damage property, and sometimes act aggressively.

This can create safety concerns for households, especially in urban areas close to forests. Thankfully, there are safe and humane methods to discourage monkeys without harming them. By removing food sources, securing bins, installing simple deterrents, and creating uninviting spaces, you can protect your home while encouraging monkeys to remain in their natural environment.

1. Keep food and rubbish securedMonkeys are naturally attracted to areas where food is easy to find, which means open bins, food scraps, or fallen fruit can quickly draw them to your home.

To prevent this, use monkey-proof bins with tightly sealed lids, harvest fruit from trees as soon as it ripens, and cover vegetable patches with sturdy mesh. It’s also important to avoid leaving pet food or leftovers outside. By removing these easy food sources, you make your property far less appealing to curious monkeys and reduce the chances of unwanted visits.2. Scare monkeys away with loud noises or waterIf you spot one or two monkeys nearby, you can safely deter them without causing harm.

Simple actions such as banging a stick on the ground, clapping loudly, or using a garden hose to spray a strong jet of water can frighten them away. It is important to stay calm during the process, avoid making direct eye contact, and never attempt to corner the monkeys. These techniques create an unpleasant experience for them, teaching the animals that your property is not a safe or welcoming place to linger.3. Install motion-sensor deterrentsMotion-sensor devices can startle monkeys without causing harm. Options include:Flashing lights that activate when monkeys approach.Sprinklers that spray water automatically.Speakers that play predator sounds or loud noises.These methods are particularly effective if monkeys visit regularly, though they may adapt over time, so it helps to combine different approaches.4. Use natural monkey repellentsStrong smells can discourage monkeys from entering your balcony or garden. Safe, natural options include:Citrus peels placed near entry pointsVinegar-soaked ragsGarlic or chilli sprays diluted with waterThese scents are unpleasant for monkeys but safe for humans, pets, and plants.5. Add reflective or moving objectsMonkeys are wary of unpredictable movements and reflections. Hanging objects such as:Old CDsReflective tapeWind chimes…near windows, trees, or railings can deter them effectively. Purpose-made reflective discs are also available and can double as decorative features.6. Avoid plastic bags outdoorsMonkeys associate plastic bags with food and are quick to snatch them. Carry belongings in cloth or canvas bags instead, and avoid leaving bags lying around your balcony or yard.

This small step can prevent unnecessary monkey visits.7. Work with neighbours and time prevention rightMonkey control works best when the whole community cooperates. Encourage neighbours not to feed them and to keep bins secured. Installing deterrents before nesting or breeding seasons is also key, as moving monkeys after they have young can cause distress and raise ethical concerns.By acting early and collectively, you reduce the chances of monkeys settling in your area.