Deer Control

Deer Control: Facts And Deer Resistant Plants

There are some plants that deer will generally avoid: strong-smelling plants in the mint, geranium and marigold families; any plant in the daffodil family; toxic plants such as in the foxglove and nightshade families; plants with fuzzy, prickly or sharp leaves and most ornamental grasses and ferns.

The most effective way to keep deer away is to install deer-proof fencing. There are a variety of designs and the best type for any given area depends on your specific situation.

Fencing options include: plastic mesh, electrified polytape, woven wire and electric fence kits which come equipped with a scented lure.

Commercial repellents can be successful by making plants taste unpleasant to deer and woodchucks. Deer seem to respond best to sulfurous odors (i.e. rotten egg-based products), which appear to also be "fear-inducing" by giving off smells that deer associate with a predator.

Some fertilizers made from human sewage offer repellency if sprinkled on the soil and in clumps around the perimeter of your garden.

Facts

• There is no such thing as a completely "deer-resistant" garden. A hungry deer will sample everything when the going gets tough. A fence is the only 100 percent solution.
• In order for repellents to work best, use them before (or as soon as) you see damage.
• Repellents must be reapplied every two weeks and after heavy rains to be effective.

Deer "Resistant" Plants

- Proven Winners