Suburban America is a paradise for deer. In the eastern U.S., the white tail deer has become a serious garden pest. As their numbers continue to increase, wildlife specialists have resorted to extraordinary means of control, including sterilization of the does. Meanwhile, on the home front gardeners will have better results with tried-and-true methods to prevent deer damage.
Gardeners have several options when it comes to deer defense. Among these are growing resistant garden plants, using repellents on vulnerable species, and excluding deer with fencing.
Netting and fencing are ideal for individual plantings and beds. Electric fences work very well. Most commonly, these are used to protect vegetable plots, home orchards, and other areas of the landscape where aesthetics isn’t an issue.
Wood or metal fences are effective provided they’re tall enough. Invisible deer fencing, which is really tall netting, is very effective. It tends to be much less expensive than wood or metal.
For vegetable gardens and small plots, double fences are the way to go. Basically, this specialized enclosure consists of a fence within a fence. Unlike most deer fencing, this need not be tall. Several feet between the two fences is needed, which will give you access to the area. Yet, it discourages deer. Assuming wood is used, such a fence can be quite attractive.
Deer repellents can be applied directly to plants that they find irresistible. These can also be used along the perimeter of the garden. The downside to repellents is that they must typically be reapplied on a regular basis, depending on weather conditions.
Whether they’re home-made concoctions or commercial chemicals, repellents work by smelling or tasting bad. Some commercial brands actually combine both of these characteristics.
Read the label before applying repellents to edible crops as some products aren’t labeled for such use. Deer-Off, which contains egg solids and hot pepper, works especially well for vegetables and fruits.
Home remedies, such as soap, unwashed human hair, fabric softener dryer sheets, predator urines, and garlic can deter deer. Dried blood or similar animal products are other possibilities.
Deer-resistant plants are another means of defense. However, this has its limitations. When the deer population is extremely high in a location or if limited food is available, they’ll consume things they would ordinarily avoid. Nonetheless, determined gardeners can design entire flower beds and borders using species that deer will usually leave alone.
Don’t bother with noise makers and similar devices to keep deer at bay. These may work temporarily until the animals become accustomed to the sounds.
Dogs can be a deterrent. However, they must be outdoors and present in the area during the hours when the deer are active.
