The mountain regions of the Ozarks host some bizarre folk beliefs and charms. An example of this is the witch peg. They are carved from cedar and have three prongs (which their folklore links to the Holy Trinity). Driven into the earth near a path to the door of a house these 'scary' ornaments are used to repel the ever present, always threatening witches.
Witch pegs would be a relatively easy method of protection, available to any old fool, although beware - stepping on or otherwise disturbing a witch peg brings bad luck, so they aren't recommended for use if you regularly stumble home drunk, or play any sports in your yard...