Monkeys vs Terrace Garden: Sponge Gourd Attack & possible smart Ways to Repel Them

If you’ve ever grown vegetables in your home garden, terrace garden, or backyard, you probably know the joy of watching them ripen—and the frustration when wildlife discovers them first! This video shows what is the result when a troop of monkeys partially ate my sponge gourd (also known as luffa). From time to time, a group of monkeys roams through our neighborhood. Whenever they spot food, they jump into gardens, pluck vegetables, and taste them. Since I grow fresh vegetables on my terrace garden, my plants often look like an open buffet for these uninvited visitors. Here’s the interesting part: again and again, I’ve noticed that monkeys don’t actually like sponge gourd. They see the vegetable hanging, take a bite out of curiosity, and then discard it. In raw form, sponge gourd is rather bland—definitely not as flavorful as a ripe banana or mango. Yet when cooked into a curry with spices, it can be delicious! Unfortunately, the monkeys never give it that chance. They leave behind half-eaten gourds, and this pattern keeps repeating. It can be frustrating. Gardening requires patience, care, and time. To see your produce wasted like this can really test your perseverance. But at the same time, monkeys are part of nature. Their instinct is to hunt for food wherever they find it. Since monkeys are a protected species in many regions, harmful or inhumane methods like poison are never an option (nor should they be). I’ve experimented with natural deterrents, like sprinkling chili powder on vegetables. Sometimes it seems to work, but it’s not a permanent solution. If you’ve successfully managed to keep monkeys away from your terrace or kitchen garden, please share your tips in the comments—I would be very grateful to learn from your experiences. Enjoy the video, and if you face the same monkey menace in your garden, know that you’re not alone! Additional Content (NOT in the video – extra details for viewers) While the video mainly documents monkeys nibbling on sponge gourd, many people ask: “How can I protect my garden from monkeys without harming them?” Here’s a comprehensive guide with humane, practical, and eco-friendly solutions. 1. Physical Barriers Strong netting: Cover your plants with nylon or steel mesh netting. Make sure it is secured tightly, since monkeys are agile and clever. Cages for individual plants: For high-value vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, or gourds, wire cages can prevent direct access. Fencing with overhangs: A tall boundary with a curved or outward-leaning extension makes it difficult for monkeys to climb over. 2. Visual Deterrents Reflective materials: Old CDs, aluminum foil strips, or reflective tape create flashes of light that scare monkeys. Scarecrows or decoys: A lifelike owl, eagle, or even human mannequin can work—though monkeys may learn quickly if the decoy never moves. Motion-activated sprinklers: A quick splash of water is harmless but effective in surprising them. 3. Sensory Deterrents Smell-based repellents: Chili spray (chili powder + water + soap) can be lightly sprayed around plants. Garlic and neem oil solutions also create strong odors monkeys dislike. Sound deterrents: Hanging bells, tins, or wind chimes may work temporarily. For stronger measures, ultrasonic devices are available. 4. Food Diversion Sometimes giving monkeys an alternative food source—like leaving fruit scraps far from your garden—diverts their attention. While not always foolproof, it reduces attacks on your main plants. 5. Behavioral Approaches Consistency is key: Use the same deterrent regularly until the troop learns to avoid your garden. Guard animals: A dog (friendly but alert) can act as a natural protector. 6. Community Solutions If your neighborhood collectively suffers from monkey problems, group action works best. Coordinated fencing, community deterrents, and sharing of costs make it more manageable. #monkeymenace #spongegourd #growingfood, #kitchengarden, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbVXjf2fYJk