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 Thiram is recommended for hardy
plants, as it is typically sold as a
fungicide.
Predator urines give deer the idea that a
predator is present. They should not be
sprayed on plants but are poured in the general area; they are useful for protecting
the most delicate flowers.
Home Remedies
More cost-effective repellents can be made
with everyday items. However, deer adapt
quickly, so rotating the techniques every
few weeks is recommended.
Small net bags filled with human hair
can be hung in the area, but this method
has limited success, as the deer population
must be low and the weather
must be adequate -- human hair loses
odor over time and does not smell at all
when temperatures are low.
Ammonium-based soaps can emit an
unfavorable odor, and can be used in
the same way as human hair.
Noisemakers, such as radios or propane
cannons, can be used to frighten deer
away, but will only work for a short
time because deer adjust quickly to
noise patterns.
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As elusive and timid as deer may seem,
don't let them fool you. When it comes to
home gardens and landscapes, deer can
be destructive as they forage their way
through your prized plants. Even if you
can't set your property off limits, you can
always try the following methods to deter
these pesky and persistent creatures.
Shrubs and Plants
Although deer are picky eaters, hungry
ones will eat any forage available; therefore,
there are few completely deerproof plants.
However, there are ways to use shrubs and
plants to decrease deer foraging, such as:
Placing plants that deer prefer least along
the edges where the most problems occur.
Planting borders of a species that deer
prefer, such as crimson clover, so your
preferred plants can be saved.
Fencing and Caging Perhaps the most expensive option, fencing
is also the most effective method, especially
for long-term purposes. Popular
choices include electric fencing, |
slant fencing
and woven wire fencing.
New shrubs and trees having less than
3 feet of clear trunk should be protected
with cages at least 4 feet high. Young trees
are especially vulnerable to antler rubbing,
because bucks prefer to rub trunksno more than one or two
inches thick.
Commercial Repellents
Commercial repellents work
by causing a bad taste or odor.
However, these have limited
effectiveness, as weather, deer
population and availability of
food choices must be considered. Most repellents
work for a brief time and must be
reapplied often, and are most economical
when applied to a small, easily accessible
area. Products containing the following
ingredients are commonly used options:
Egg solids are by far the most preferred
ingredient used in deer repellents. It is
considered a minimal-risk ingredient
by the EPA.
Bone-tar oil adheres to plants longer
than most other ingredients.
Pepper sauce can be applied as a taste
repellent, and when mixed with water is
sprayed directly onto plants.
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