Deer Deterrents

The best strategy is to discourage deer visits before they discover your delicious plantings.  If your garden is already on the list of menu choices for your local deer, employ tactics to get off that menu.  Here are some suggested deterrents that engage the five physical senses of deer and range from low cost to the more expensive.

Commercial Repellents*

A few popular odor and, in some cases, taste repellent products are:
 Deer No No       Deer Away      Deer-Off     Hinder     Deer Out     Deer Stopper     Bobbex

Homemade Repellents*

Sample recipe—-Whip 12 eggs, including shells, in a blender with a small amount of water.  Add the whipped egg mixture to 5 gallons of water.  Use a toilet bowl brush to “splat” your plants and shrubs.

*An internet search will yield more product names with descriptions and additional recipes for homemade repellents.   Administer more frequently during the growing season as often as every 10-14 days especially after rain.

A NOTE ABOUT DAYLILIES—The peak time for applying commercial or homemade repellents to daylilies is June 15-August 15, targeting buds and administering weekly at a minimum.

Fertilizer

Milorganite is a processed municipal sewage product that emits an odor repulsive to deer.  To maintain effectiveness, spread Milorganite around plants approximately every 14 days.

Fences

These are considered the most secure method for controlling deer damage.  Height varies in accordance with the type of fence selected.

~Non electrical fences such as polypropylene, privacy, wire or fishing line are popular choices.

~Electrical fences can be made and installed as temporary or permanent.

More Ideas

Other deterrents include hanging heavily scented soap, fabric softener strips, shiny ribbons or CD discs around the yard.  Also, gardeners have met with some success using sound/noisemaking devices, lights, and timed sprinklers. Of course, a guard dog in your yard can be the ultimate deer deterrent.

Deer are wild animals attempting to survive each day.  The job of the gardener is to encourage deer to seek sustenance for survival elsewhere.  Use and alternate several deterrent tactics as long as necessary throughout the year to protect your plants and shrubs.
BE VIGILANT, RESOURCEFUL AND MIX IT UP!  

HN/CDS/10-2017