Many homeowners struggle with the problem of urban deer on their property. The deer destroy gardens, ruin landscaping, and at times can present a real danger to the safety of pets and small children. There are other good reasons to keep deer out besides protecting your property from damage. Not only are deer wild animals that belong in their natural environment, they can represent a traffic hazard. Once deer have discovered an easy, consistent, and predator-free food source, they will keep coming back. There are certain actions you can take to discourage this behavior and keep deer out of your property. On the other hand, there are things you may be doing that will make your property attractive to deer, encouraging them to return time and again. If you want a deer-free yard, here are a few important dos and don’ts
The Don’ts
All Natural, Easy to Use Deer Repellent Packs Keep Deer Away
DON’T… Build a completely open and un-fenced area that includes a lovely pond surrounded by lush green lawn, a beautiful rose garden, and a protective stand of pine trees. This provides deer easy access to a food source (they love roses), plenty of water, and a way to hide from potential predators. In short - deer paradise.
DON’T… Fill your unprotected yard with tasty deer treats. This does not refer to deer salt licks or things that deliberately attract deer, but to plants that they really like to eat. A hungry deer will eat almost anything, but there are certain plants they particularly enjoy. Deer get water from the moisture in plants, which is why they like tender, moist, new greens, and they look for high-protein energy foods that are rich in nitrogen. Deer like to eat flowering plants that smell good (pansies, roses, tulips), nuts and fruits (apples, plums, acorns) and broadleaf plants (alfalfa, clover). They also enjoy almost anything in a vegetable garden, including root vegetables like carrots. Cabbage and lettuce are deer treats, and they particularly like protein-rich legumes and corn.
DON’T… Keep your unfenced yard and garden as quiet and tranquil as possible. Deer are shy and generally run from unexpected sounds, so they will be attracted to a quiet area. That’s why a barking dog can be a great deterrent. This doesn’t mean you have to have a dog or a noisy environment. It means that if you want to enjoy the peaceful tranquility of your backyard without the presence of deer, then you need to implement one of the deer deterrents listed below.
The Dos
DO… Use Deer Repellent Packs. These are the most efficient and effective way to have a deer-free yard. Deer rely on their sense of smell to warn them of danger. The packs use the predator scent of coyote urine, one of the most powerful natural forces available. Deer will instinctively avoid your property and they will stay away. With Deer Repellent Packs you can even engage in the above “don’ts” without worrying about whether you are actually attracting deer. Deer will stay away no matter how tasty your garden might be. The packs work in any kind of weather, they are easy to use, and do not interfere with the look of your yard. They are all natural and non-toxic to children and pets, and best of all - they work!
DO… Create an attractive and secure living barrier and use deer-resistant plants in your landscape. This keeps deer out while enhancing the look of your property. A living barrier could be a wood or mesh fence, camouflaged with trees, shrubs and prickly plants like blackberry bushes. Since deer like to eat plants that smell good to them, they will avoid those with a strong aroma, such as chives, lavender, thyme, and sage. Other plants deer tend to avoid are spruce, lilacs, sunflower, primrose, and yarrow. Deer like plants that are well-fertilized with nitrogen, so reducing the use of fertilizers can make your garden less attractive to them. The plants deer avoid can vary by region and by season.
DO… Build a fence. A good, solid fence is another excellent way to keep deer out. Fences can be electrified for additional effectiveness, or enhanced with motion-sensitive lighting.
References:
http://www.deerrepellentpacks.com/
http://www.uvm.edu/pss/ppp/articles/deerplants.html
http://outoutdeer.com/deer-resistant-plants/
http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/keep-deer-from-destroying-a-garden/index.html
http://www.buckmasters.com/what-do-deer-eat.aspx
