Have you noticed more deer in your garden or yard recently? As deer populations grow, these backyard visitors can transform from a pleasant surprise to a nuisance in no time.
They can cause damage by eating your plants and rubbing their antlers on tree trunks and limbs [1]. But before you resort to extreme measures, try some natural deterrents.
Here’s how to get rid of deer naturally:
1. Make a Fence
An 8-foot-high fence made of chain link or welded wire is ideal to keep deer out of your yard. Deer can jump high but have trouble clearing a fence that tall.
You’ll also want to install the fence so it extends a few inches into the ground. This prevents deer from crawling underneath.
2. Scarecrows
Scarecrows are a classic way to scare deer away, discouraging them from entering an area.
Place a scarecrow near the plants or crops you want to protect. For the best results, move the scarecrow to a new location every few days so the deer do not get used to it.
You can also try dressing up the scarecrow in different clothes, hats, or masks to make it appear more human.
3. Hot Pepper Spray
Deer have an acute sense of smell, and strong odors that irritate their noses can stop them from eating your plants.
Therefore, make a homemade deer repellent spray by blending 10 to 12 habanero or ghost peppers with 1 gallon of water. Strain out the solids and add a few drops of dish soap.
Spray this mixture on plants. The spicy smell will drive deer away, and the soap will help the spray stick to leaves.
This organic spray is very effective and safe for plants.
4. Garlic Spray
Garlic also has a strong smell that deer dislike. To make a natural deer deterrent with garlic, thoroughly blend three bulbs of garlic with a quart of water.
Strain well and store it in a glass jar. When ready to use, dilute one part garlic water with ten parts pure water.
Apply this DIY garlic solution to your plants. The potent garlic odor will deter deer from feeding on flowers, vegetables, and other treated plants.
5. Get a Dog
Deer see dogs as predators and will avoid areas where they detect the scent or sound of dogs.
Adopt a medium- to large-breed dog, especially one bred for hunting, guarding, or herding. Their size, bark, and territorial nature are more likely to scare off deer.
Allow your dog access to the yard, especially at night when deer are more active [2]. Their scent and barking will deter deer.
6. Repellent Plants
Plant some repellent plants to deter deer from your yard.
Deer hate the smell of certain plants, so using them as natural barriers around the perimeter of your yard can encourage them to move along.
Some of the best options include lavender, daffodils, sage, marigolds, and rosemary.
Using these natural repellents, you can humanely and effectively encourage deer to forage elsewhere.
7. Sprinklers with Sensors
Motion-activated sprinklers will detect animals moving nearby and automatically turn on, scaring them away.
These devices connect to your hose and, when triggered by motion, release a short burst of water. The sudden noise and spray will discourage deer and help keep them off your property.
8. Motion-Sensitive Flood Lights
Installing motion-sensitive flood lights around your yard is also an effective way to keep deer out of your yard. The sudden burst of light will startle the deer and cause them to flee the area.
For the best results, position flood lights so they overlap and provide maximum coverage of the area.
9. Wind Chimes
Wind chimes are also great for deterring deer. The sounds they make will scare the deer and discourage them from entering an area.
Place several of these around your yard. As the wind blows and chimes clang together, the unfamiliar noises will frighten the deer.
10. Coyote Urine
Using coyote urine is another home remedy some farmers use to keep deer out of the garden.
The strong smell will trick the deer into thinking there are predators around. You can purchase products containing coyote urine from certain garden centers or online.
Simply soak several cotton balls in the solution and place them in a bottle with holes, then hang them in trees nearby. You can also spray it on your plants.
11. Human Hair
Using human hair is a cheap, natural deterrent for deer.
Collect hair from hair brushes or ask friends and family members for donations. Next, place the hair in mesh bags or old stockings and hang them near plants these animals seem to favor.
The scent of humans will help deer-proof your garden.
12. Irish Spring Soap
Placing Irish Spring soap around your yard may also deter these animals from entering. The strong fragrance repels them.
Simply hang cubes of this soap from trees, posts, or fences around the edge of your property. This remedy may also repel squirrels, rabbits, and other pesky animals.
13. Rotten Egg Spray
Deer have an acute sense of smell, so foul odors can deter them from going anywhere you don’t want them. Therefore, make a deer deterrent spray using some rotten eggs.
Place the rotten eggs (shells and all) into a blender and puree. Strain the shells out and pour the puree into a spray bottle. Add a little water to thin it out so it can spray easily.
Spray the rotten egg solution around the perimeter of your yard, especially in areas where you’ve noticed deer activity or damage.
14. Bobbex Rose Repellent
This product is an all-natural spray made of natural oils and other ingredients.
To use it, spray it directly onto foliage, flowers, and buds. The unpleasant smell will confuse the deer and mask the scent of your roses.
Best of all, Bobbex Rose is non-toxic, organic, and safe for people, pets, and the environment.
15. Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent
This product uses egg solids, clove essential oil, and garlic oil as ingredients to help control deer and other animals.
The strong smell will drive them away from the treated area. Moreover, once it dries after application, you won’t have to reapply after it rains.
Takeaway
So there you have it: some natural remedies to help control deer without killing or hurting them.
It may take some experimenting to find what works for your unique situation. But with patience and persistence, you can reclaim your yard and garden!
Add comment