![]() RepellentsĪ variety of repellent products used singly or-better yet-in combination, can create a very effective multi-sensory deterrent to repel deer. Commercial repellents work by creating unpleasant tastes or odors, gastrointestinal discomfort, or a sense of pain (hot pepper or peppermint) when the active ingredient comes in contact with the eyes, nose or mucous membranes. We have received reports of birds getting caught in the netting, so use it with caution or consider using hardware cloth instead. You can drape mesh netting over low-growing plants or vegetables that are likely to get eaten or encapsulate them with protective netting, chicken wire or hardware cloth. To prevent browsing on young saplings, use small-scale, temporary fencing enclosures or individual tree "shelters" (plastic or hardware cloth cylinders) until they reach a height of four to five feet. Prevent buck rubs by wrapping trees with any commercial product sold for that purpose, or by placing cylinders of hardware cloth or corrugated plastic sleeves around the trunks. ![]() "Buck rubs" are the damage caused by bucks rubbing against trees to remove the velvet from their antlers. Netting, chicken wire and hardware cloth (wire mesh) Aluminum foil squares containing a dab of peanut butter can provide the same "enhancement" when folded over single or multi-strand electric fences.Įlectric fences must be maintained with regular voltage checks and mowing so that overgrowth doesn't short out the lower wires. ![]() To ensure that deer learn their lesson, some electric fences have a scented bait attachment which entices the deer to make contact with the fence-after which they receive a mild jolt to their nose or tongue. (Deer can jump over them, but the use of electric shock teaches deer to stay away.) They can be constructed in a variety of configurations (such as baited single strand five, seven or nine wires pitched either horizontally or vertically) and are powered by high-voltage, low-amperage chargers that provide timed pulses of short duration. Electric fencesĮlectric fences can work very well for deterring deer, yet these provide more of a "psychological barrier" than a physical one. The eight-foot-high woven wire fence stands out as the most effective deer barrier and it lasts more than 20 years. The best type depends on how large an area you need to protect and for how long, so check with your local garden store or local Cooperative Extension agents before buying anything. There are a variety of fencing options ranging from eight-foot woven wire fencing to electric fence garden kits to poly-tape (electrified nylon) fences, which are portable and good for more temporary use. ![]() Where deer browsing is a serious problem, the only completely effective way to protect crops or plants is with fencing. However, when deer are really hungry, they will jump fences up to eight feet high (some say even higher). Your local Cooperative Extension Service office can be an excellent source of information on what types of flowers and ornamentals deer usually avoid in your area. There are many deer-resistant annual and perennial flowers, ornamentals and tree species to choose from.Ī deer's taste buds vary geographically and seasonally and are affected by what alternative plants are available. Replace hard-hit flowers and other plants with more deer-resistant species. Take a look at is what is attracting the deer and where it is planted. Under heavy browsing conditions, you may need to limit your plants to the more deer-resistant varieties and use deer-proof fencing around your garden. Under mild browsing conditions, a good repellent may be all that's needed. Some damage is bound to happen where there are deer, but you can minimize the damage. Tolerance is needed when figuring out the best solution for your particular deer problems. There may not be a perfect answer, but we do have a good toolbox for you to work with. Deer conflicts in the garden can be easily avoided or minimized thanks to a variety of readily available solutions. ![]()
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