Natural Ways to Keep Deer Away From Plants
Deer are herbivores, and like other animals they are adapted to survive. This means that they can and will eat almost any kind of plant. But biologists who have studied the feeding habits of deer find that these animals have a range of preferences. And there are even deterrents that will prevent deer from feeding. Gardeners can use these facts to their advantage, but under extreme conditions a hungry deer will stop at almost nothing to gain sustenance.
A variety of natural repellents can serve to keep deer away from plants. Perhaps one of the simplest ones to make at home uses eggs. Mixing eggs with water and spraying the mixture on plants will help repel deer. Once on the plants, the egg part of the concoction rots and the smell is offensive to the deer. Another simple and natural homemade deer repellent makes use of human hair. Collecting hair, possibly from a local salon or barber shop, placing it in mesh bags and hanging it near your plants can help to repel deer.
Deer will eat such a wide variety of plants there can be no guarantees, but there are plants that don’t top their list of favorites. Although choosing plants that deer don’t like may preclude you from growing some of your favorites, it can be an effective means of control. For example, snapdragons, marigolds and four o’clocks are annuals that deer don’t especially like. And elderberry, lilac and juniper are shrubs that are deer resistant.
It might come as no surprise that a fence can serve well to keep deer away from plants. Fencing materials of various kinds, including chicken wire, will work. But chicken wire and other fencing materials that dear can see through will need to be at least 8 feet high. A solid, or nearly solid, fence can be shorter since deer are very reluctant to jump into an area they can't see.
Deer tend to flee from lights, water sprinklers or loud music if they come on suddenly. These can be set up to be activated by a motion detector. Even these deterrents can lose their effectiveness, though, because over time deer will become accustomed to things that they initially find frightening. Randomizing the events so that something different happens each time may help delay this familiarity factor.
Donald Miller has a background in natural history, environmental work and conservation. His writing credits include feature articles in major national print magazines and newspapers, including "American Forests" and a nature column for "Boys' Life Magazine." Miller holds a Bachelor of Science in natural resources conservation.