This deer deterrent would work, but it may not exist
laceyvail 6A, WV
3 months ago
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bengz6westmd
3 months agolast modified: 3 months agolaceyvail 6A, WV
3 months agoRelated Discussions
Garlic: fresh vs powder as Deer deterrent
Comments (1)Forget the garlic. Hang pieces of Irish Spring soap in cheesecloth or old pantyhose....See Morevinegar as a deer or cat deterrent?
Comments (10)I have had problems with deer, and there are all kinds of ideas out there from balls of human hair, to bars of soap, to cougar pee. In my experience, none of these things work, or work for very long. The only thing I have found that works -- besides a big outdoor dog -- is a device you can buy online for about $40 called a Scarecrow. It hooks up to a garden hose and is activated by body heat and/or movement. If anything walks near it, it goes off for a few seconds like a ratcheting lawn sprinkler. The combination of surprise, noise, and water sends the deer running. They were destroying my fruit trees by breaking off branches so they could eat the leaves more easily. After I installed a couple of the Scarecrows they only came back once...for a few seconds; that was 5 years ago. If you have a small enough area, one Scarecrow will do; if you have a larger property, you need several so they can't sneak around the field of spray (which is about 30', and up to about 180 degrees). If you're not sure about dropping money on something like this, take a look at the Amazon reviews: out of about 950 reviews, over 800 are 4- or 5-stars. Here is a link that might be useful: Scarecrow...See MoreBest Tips for Deer Deterrence
Comments (13)I'd leave the munched parts on the plant for now. You should act sooner than later to deter the deer so the 'salad bar' isn't imprinted on their memory. There are several spray products on the market to try. Alternating between them is a good idea. As I understand it, some sprays have a smell and some are absorbed into the leaves leaving a residual bad taste. I have smeared daubs of Vick's vapor rub (or generic works too) low and 'nose high' on the trees around the approach to my yard. I also smear dabs on edging and around the yard near the beds. My theory is deer don't like the smell and hopefully will avoid those areas. It's greasy and doesn't wash off....See MoreDeer resistant perennials - do they exist?
Comments (10)There are very few plants that are deer "proof". And deer "resistance" will be extremely variable. Deer diets will change depending on what natural foods they have at hand and where you are located so regional listings will have more validity than very generalized ones. It is also important to keep in mind that the deer don't read the books or follow the lists so do not rely on them as being the gospel :-) Typically, with heavy deer populations, they will at least sample anything new that gets planted and the babies or young deer will also sample everything to see what tastes good and what does not. They do tend to avoid plants with fuzzy foliage (like lamb's ears) and those that have strong concentrations of essential oils, like most herbs. They also tend to avoid any ornamental grasses. In my garden, they will munch the flowers or flower buds off of just about anything, regardless of how much other damage they may or may not do to the rest of the plant. The only sure way to keep them from browsing your garden is to fence them out or use routine applications of scent deterrents. I favor Plantskydd as it is oil based and does not wash off easily with rain or irrigation....See Morelaceyvail 6A, WV
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laceyvail 6A, WVOriginal Author