Deer Proofing the Garden

While most animal populations decrease with the encroachment of man, deer tend to thrive. Deer are not going to vanish, so understand that they will seek out food and shelter.

Fencing is a Key to Keep Deer Out

First defense against deer is good fencing. The biggest mistake is trying to maintain too big of a perimeter. Keeping deer entirely off a large property is simply foolhardy. Design landscaping to include areas that have to be deer proof (gardens, prized ornamentals), then maintain areas where deer can cause no major harm (lawns, wooded areas, naturalized areas, etc).

In the area that fencing is required, realize that a deer can easily jump a six foot fence if so motivated. There are also opinions that deer cannot see the fine black mesh fencing, and may push it down when startled. Weaving a contrasting colour rope through the fence may help with this. Better yet, soak the rope in one of the deterrents described below before weaving it through. Hang used CDs along the fence line to catch the light and spook the deer.

One of the best methods for fencing is to have the top of the fence slant outwards (away from the side you are protecting). This makes for a much harder obstacle to jump. The fence should also be buried in the ground at the base, as deer are well known for crawling on their bellies to get under a fence.

Convincing Deer to Stay Away

Garden stores usually carry a line of deer repellents that can be sprayed on. The biggest challenge with a sprayed on repellent is that rain will wash it away. There are also a number of home remedies. For example:

• Hanging small bags of human hair every meter along a fence is well known to keep deer away. Scattering it on the ground also works. It is thought that the oil in the hair is what works, so unwashed hair is preferable. Talk to your local hair dresser for a supply.
• Bloodmeal mixed with ammonia is another deterrent. Trying soaking pieces of the green foam that flower arrangers use in the solution (oasis), and hanging it near plants or along the fence line.
• Putrefied egg solutions are the basis of many store bought repellents. Make your own by adding a beaten egg to one gallon of water. It can be used right away or allowed to rot and increase in strength. Note, it may attract raccoons and dogs to a garden.
• Garlic as a spray can be good in the short term, although it will wash off easily in the rain. There are dispensers for garlic oil on the market. Also, plant garlic bulbs in areas to deter deer from browsing.
• Most animals do not like spicy peppers, so consider planting them as well as making a spray out of the hot peppers. Garlic, capsicum pepper, rotten egg mixture would be worth a try.
• Look for plants that are distasteful to deer. Richter’s herbs carries a plant called a Piss Off plant (Plectranthus ‘Sumcol 01’) that is repellent to cats, dogs and rabbits; it would be worth seeing if it applies to deer.
• Hang bars of perfumed soap along the fence line.
• Try to switch between two or three deterrents as deer will become habituated rather quickly.

If those don’t seem to work, then try a motion activated water sprinkler or radio. Place corrugated metal sheeting on the ground, as deer do not like the feeling of walking on it.

The bottom line is that deer and gardeners have to be able to co-exist, and not have a constant adversarial relationship.