Keeping Deer Out of Your Garden: Strategies and Tips

The Challenge of Deer in the Garden

Deer are beautiful creatures, but when they munching on your flowers and vegetables, they quickly become a nuisance. Unfortunately, keeping deer out of your garden can be easier said than . These animals are persistent and adaptable, and they're not easily deterred by traditional garden defenses like fences or scarecrows.

So what can you do to keep deer out of your garden? Here are some strategies and tips to try.

Understanding Deer Behavior

Before we dive into specific strategies, it's helpful to understand a bit about deer behavior. Knowing why deer are attracted to your garden can help you develop more effective ways to keep them away.

Deer are herbivores, which means they eat plants. They're also creatures of habit, and they tend to follow the same paths through your garden again and again. If you've ever seen a well-worn deer trail in the woods, you know what we mean!

Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, so these are the times when they're most likely to visit your garden. They also have a keen sense of smell and can detect even small amounts of food from long distances.

15 Strategies for Keeping Deer Out of Your Garden

Here are some strategies and tips to try if you want to keep deer out of your garden. Some may work better than others depending on the size and layout of your garden, as well as the local deer population.

1. Install a Deer Fence

A fence is one of the most effective ways to keep deer out of your garden. However, it's important to choose the right type of fence and make sure it's installed properly.

Types of Fences

There are several types of fences that can work for keeping deer out of your garden:

• Wire Mesh: This is a popular choice because it's relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Make sure the mesh is at least 7 feet tall and has small enough holes that deer can't squeeze through.
• Picket Fence: A picket fence can be an attractive option if you want to maintain the aesthetics of your garden. However, it should be at least 8 feet tall to deter deer.
• Electric Fence: An electric fence can be effective, but it can also be dangerous if not installed and maintained properly. Consider this option carefully before deciding to use it.

Installation Tips

No matter what type of fence you choose, there are some tips to keep in mind when installing it:

• Make sure the fence is tall enough. Deer can jump up to 8 feet high, so your fence should be at least that tall.
• Bury the bottom of the fence at least 6 inches deep to prevent deer from digging underneath it.
• Consider adding a "fence extension" to make the fence even taller. You can buy these pre-made or make your own with PVC pipe and wire mesh.

2. Use Repellents

Repellents are another option for keeping deer out of your garden. There are two main types of repellents: scent-based and taste-based.

Scent-Based Repellents

Scent-based repellents work by making your garden smell unappealing to deer. Some common options include:

• Human Hair: Sprinkle human hair around the perimeter of your garden. The scent of humans can be enough to deter deer.
• Mothballs: Place mothballs in mesh bags and hang them around your garden. The strong odor can help keep deer away.
• Essential Oils: Mix peppermint, cinnamon, or clove essential oils with water and spray the mixture on your plants.

Taste-Based Repellents

Taste-based repellents work by making your plants taste bad to deer. Some common options include:

• Eggs: Mix raw eggs with water and spray the mixture on your plants. The smell and taste can help deter deer.
• Hot Pepper Spray: Mix hot peppers with water and spray the mixture on your plants. The spicy taste can be enough to keep deer away.
• Blood Meal: Sprinkle blood meal around your garden. The strong scent can help deter deer.

3. Plant Deer-Resistant Species

Some plants are naturally less appealing to deer than others. If you're having trouble keeping deer out of your garden, consider planting more of these species.

Deer-Resistant Plants

Some examples of plants that are less appealing to deer include:

• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Marigolds
• Daffodils
• Boxwood
• Ferns

Plants to Avoid

On the other hand, some plants are like candy to deer. If you're having trouble with deer in your garden, it's best to avoid these species:

• Hostas
• Tulips
• Lilies
• Roses
• Azaleas
• Daylilies

4. Use Netting or Row Covers

Netting or row covers can be effective for protecting individual plants or small areas of your garden.

Types of Netting/Row Covers

There are several types of netting and row covers that can work for keeping deer away:

• Bird Netting: This type of netting is lightweight and easy to install. It can be draped over individual plants or entire sections of your garden.
• Row Covers: These are usually made from lightweight fabric and are designed to cover rows of plants. They can also help protect against other garden pests like insects or birds.
• Mesh Netting: A heavier-duty option for protecting larger areas of your garden. Make sure the mesh is small enough that deer can't get through.

5. Add Deer-Resistant Features to Your Garden

In addition to planting deer-resistant species, there are other features you can add to your garden to make it less appealing to deer.

Features to Consider

Some options to try include:

• Water Features: Deer don't like water, so adding a pond or fountain to your garden can help keep them away.
• Statues or Sculptures: Deer are wary of unfamiliar objects, so adding statues or sculptures to your garden can help deter them.
• Thorny Plants: Deer are less likely to eat plants with thorns, so consider adding some prickly species like holly or barberry to your garden.

6. Use Motion-Activated Sprinklers

Motion-activated sprinklers are a high-tech way to keep deer out of your garden. These devices use infrared sensors to detect movement and then spray a burst of water in response.

How They Work

When a deer walks into the range of the sensor, the sprinkler will activate and spray water in its direction. The sudden noise and spray of water can be enough to scare deer away.

Installation Tips

Here are some tips for installing motion-activated sprinklers:

• Place the sprinklers strategically around your garden to cover as much area as possible.
• Adjust the sensitivity of the sensors so they don't trigger unnecessarily (like when a bird flies by).
• Make sure the sprinklers are connected to a reliable water source.

7. Try Common Household Items

Believe it or not, some common household items can be effective for keeping deer out of your garden.

Items to Try

Some options include:

• Aluminum Foil: Hang strips of aluminum foil around your garden. The reflective surface can help deter deer.
• Soap: Hang bars of soap from trees or stakes in your garden. The scent can help keep deer away.
• CDs: Hang old CDs or DVDs from trees or stakes in your garden. The reflective surface can help deter deer.

8. Use Scent-Masking Techniques

As we mentioned earlier, deer have a keen sense of smell. If they can detect the scent of your garden from far away, they're more likely to pay you a visit.

Scent-Masking Techniques

To avoid attracting deer with the scent of your garden, try these techniques:

• Plant fragrant herbs like mint or basil around the perimeter of your garden. The strong aroma can help mask the scent of other plants.
• Spray a mixture of water and essential oils (like lavender or peppermint) around your garden to help mask the scent of your plants.
• Consider using scent-masking products like Deer Off, which is designed to create an odor barrier around your garden.

9. Keep Your Garden Tidy

Deer are more likely to visit a messy garden than a well-kept one. To keep them away, make sure your garden is neat and tidy.

Tips for a Tidy Garden

Some things to keep in mind:

• Remove fallen fruit from trees or bushes.
• Prune back overgrown areas where deer might hide.
• Clean up fallen leaves and other debris.

10. Consider Using Predator Urine

This may sound strange, but some gardeners swear by predator urine as a way to keep deer out of the garden.

How It Works

The theory is that the scent of a predator (like a coyote or mountain lion) will scare deer away. You can buy predator urine online or at many garden centers.

Installation Tips

Here are some tips for using predator urine:

• Apply it around the perimeter of your garden.
• Reapply it after rain or every few weeks to keep the scent fresh.
• Store it in a cool, dark place to prevent it from going bad.

11. Use Deer Deterrent Plants

Some plants have evolved to repel deer naturally. By planting these species in your garden, you may be able to keep deer away more effectively.

Deterrent Plants to Try

Some examples include:

• Lambs Ear: This fuzzy-leafed plant has a texture that deer don't like.
• Allium: Members of the onion family (like garlic and chives) can help repel deer.
• Lantana: This flowering plant has a strong scent that can deter deer.

12. Use Visual Deterrents

Like many animals, deer are wary of unfamiliar objects. By adding visual deterrents to your garden, you might be able to keep them away.

Visual Deterrents to Try

Some options include:

• Mylar Balloons: Hang shiny Mylar balloons from trees or stakes in your garden. The movement and reflections can help deter deer.
• Pinwheels: Place pinwheels around your garden. The spinning motion can help scare deer away.
• Bird Scare Tape: This reflective tape is designed to scare birds away, but it can also work on deer. Hang it around the perimeter of your garden.

13. Use Sound Deterrents

Sound deterrents can be effective for scaring deer away, especially if you live in an area with a lot of human activity.

Sound Deterrents to Try

Some options include:

• Wind Chimes: Hang wind chimes around your garden. The tinkling sound can help deter deer.
• Radio: Set up a radio near your garden and tune it to a talk station. The sound of human voices can help keep deer away.
• Motion-Activated Alarms: These devices emit a loud noise when they detect movement. They can be effective for scaring deer away, but they can also be annoying for your neighbors.

14. Use Commercial Repellents

If you're not having luck with homemade repellents, there are many commercial products available that may work better.

Commercial Repellents to Try

Some options include:

• Deer Out: This spray is designed to repel deer with a combination of scent and taste deterrents.
• Plantskydd: This granular repellent is made from dried blood and can be effective for keeping deer away.
• Bobbex: This spray is made from natural ingredients like putrescent eggs and garlic oil. It's designed to repel deer, rabbits, and other garden pests.

15. Take Advantage of Other Natural Deterrents

There are other natural ways to deter deer that you might not have thought of.

Natural Deterrents to Try

Some options include:

• Dogs: If you have a dog, let it spend time in your garden. The scent of a predator can help keep deer away.
• Birds of Prey: Attract birds of prey (like hawks or owls) to your garden by installing birdhouses or perches. The presence of these predators can help deter deer.
• Coyote Urine: Like predator urine, coyote urine can be effective for scaring deer away. You can buy it online or at many garden centers.

Keeping deer out of your garden can be a challenge, but with the right strategies, it's definitely possible. By understanding deer behavior and using a combination of repellents, barriers, and deterrents, you can create a garden that's less appealing to these animals.

Remember, no single strategy will work for every garden or every deer population. It may take some trial and error to find the combination of tactics that works best for you.

FAQs

1. Are deer fences expensive?

The cost of a deer fence depends on several factors, including the size and layout of your garden, the type of fence you choose, and whether you install it yourself or hire a professional. However, in general, deer fences can be relatively expensive compared to other garden defenses.

2. Do motion-activated sprinklers harm deer?

No, motion-activated sprinklers are designed to le deer with a burst of water, not harm them. However, it's important to make sure the water pressure isn't too high, as this could cause injury.

3. Will deer eventually get used to repellents?

Deer can become habituated to certain repellents over time, especially if they're exposed to them frequently. To avoid this, it's a good idea to rotate different types of repellents or switch up your tactics periodically.

4. Can deer jump over an 8-foot fence?