While it is nice to know that we live in a rural setting, this luxury is not without its drawbacks.  Anyone with a garden or landscaping knows the feeling of coming out one day to look at their garden or shrubs only to find that they have been ruined for the season or totally destroyed by DEER.

Its hard to imagine, but in the late 1800's, due to uncontrolled hunting practices, the white deer population was less than 500,000 nationwide, and some thought the species was destined to extinction!    Laws were past in the 1920s and 30s to restrict hunting, particularly of does (females). Deer reproduce quickly with each mature doe (2-3 years and older) typically giving birth to twins each year for 10 or more years.  And with the number of natural predators of deer on the decline, there are now tens of million deer in the USA.  Add to that a shrinking natural habitat for these animals and you have today's situation.

This page contains a list of some Deer repellants and can be printed by using your Browser's print icon.  As with any garden product, make sure you keep them away from children and follow the instructions printed on the label.

A complete list of deer resistant plants, as well as a list of plants that attract deer, is available in Adobe © Reader format and can be downloaded by clicking on this picture.

 

The solution can be as simple as planting the right plants in the area or using natural repellants to keep these visitors away from areas you don't want them in.


Deer do not like the taste of a number of landscape plants unless they are hungry. If deer are hungry or if there is an extreme shortage of natural food, few plant species are totally resistant to deer.


Steps to Prevent Deer Damage

Repellents

Many times a particular odor or taste repels deer. It must be fresh to be effective.  There are many products available from local home improvement and garden centers.  The Division of Fish , Game, and Wildlife do recommend Hinder and Magic Circle.

Deer Resistant Plants

Certain plants will not only beautify your yard  but they can also serve as a natural repellent to deer. A list of deer "resistant" plants can be downloaded by clicking on the link above.  Deer also see in color (dogs and many other mammals don't) so they are attracted to some brightly colored plants. . Remember that no plant is entirely deer proof and if a deer is hungry enough they will probably eat most plants found in our area. You will need Adobe Reader to view the downloaded file.

 Fences or Netting

The most effective way to keep deer out of small areas is with a fence or netting.  Since deer can easily clear a 6 foot fence an effective fence would need to be 7 to 8 feet high which is well above the height allowed by most local ordinances.  As with many of the recommendations here, presenting an obstacle to the deer in itself is a deterrent since if they can find food at a more accessible site, they will more than likely just pass you by. 


Commercial Repellents

Big Game Repellent (Deer Away)

This repels by odor made from eggs that only deer can smell and lasts up to two months, even in the rain. It should not be used on edible crops and is EPA registered. It may be purchased at Agway.

Bonide Rabbit-Deer Repellent and Bulb Saver

This repels by taste. Use this repellent for shrubs, evergreens, trees, and fruit trees by spraying, brushing, or dipping the branches. It will last three to six months. This can is available from the Bonide Chemical Company, 2 Wurz Ave., Yorkville, NY 13495. Telephone Number 315-736-8231 or 800-424-9300.

Chew-Not

This repels by taste. Use this repellent on fruit trees and some evergreens by spraying, brushing, or dipping the branches. This repellents disadvantage is that it leaves a white residue on the plants due to its egg white consistency. This is available from the Nott Mfg. Co., P.O. Box 685, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569. Telephone #: 914-635-3243.

Hinder

This repels by odor from a soap-based formula. It must be reapplied after heavy rains. Recommended in the summer months. The Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife recommends this repellent. If you go to their facility, they will provide you one free sample. They can be reached at 908-735-8793. This repellent can be purchased at Agway.

Bobbex

Use this repellent on ornamental plants and flowers. It is long lasting, non-burning, and leaves no harmful residue. Withstands rain and normal hosing. Deer repellent and plant nutrient. This repellent can be found in Agway.

 

Non-Commercial Repellents 

Soap

String bars of deodorant soap on wire and hang them on outer tree branches. Leave the wrapper on the soap to last longer. Soap is best for the orchard or newly planted trees.

Eggs

Deer do not like the smell of eggs and in fact eggs are the primary ingredient a a few of the commercially available repellants.  Use this as a spray, mixing 18 eggs in 5 gallons of water. The smell is too faint for humans, yet deer will be repelled by the smell.

Hot Sauce Spray

Use this as a spray mixing 1 to 2 tablespoons of Tabasco sauce and 2 tablespoons anti-desiccant in one gallon of water. Reapply after it rains.

Hair

Use approximately two large handfuls of human hair. Hang the hair in a 1/8 inch or less mesh (i.e., nylon stocking) and place it on the outer tree branches.

Some products that are used as Deer Repellents that do not use animal products include Ro-pel, Deer-Off and Mole-Med.

Products to Avoid

Many stores carry products made out of animal urine. These are not only messy and expensive to use, but very expensive as well.  Not only is it ineffective but the collection of urine from animals is also often a cruel process.

 

This page contains a list of some Deer repellants and can be printed by using your Browser's print icon.  As with any garden product, make sure you keep them away from children and follow the instructions printed on the label.