Deer

Deer   Watching the deer peacefully roam around farms while on a drive is one thing and seeing them completely destroy your backyard is another. Unlike rodents who only munch on the greens, deer can also trample the plants, owing to their large bodies. The increasing population of deer in the US are estimated to cause almost $1 billion worth of damage in farms and gardens yearly. Hence, as a gardening enthusiast, it is imperative you block their entry in your garden. White-tailed deer are the most common species found in North America. Depending on the season, they change their coat from reddish-brown in summer and spring to grayish brown in fall and winter. They also have excellent vision which helps them detect movement in low vision conditions, especially at night. Some of the surest tell-tale signs of deer in your garden are rough, ragged, torn leaves and stalks. Since deer are herbivores, they do not have upper incisors, and mainly feed by tearing the plants.   Male deer also rub their antlers on the bark of trees, resulting in scrapes and shredded wood. Here are a few realistic tips on how to deter deer away from your garden. What attracts them to the garden? You will be able to keep the deer away if you know what attracts the deer to your garden in the first place. Like other wild critters, the core reason why deer may be seen visiting your garden is to search for food. But that’s not all! Here are the most common causes of deer invasion in your gardens. Food sources Adult deer need to consume approximately 6-8 % of its body weight daily. This means they spend a major part of their day searching for food and feeding. As herbivores they exclusively feed on all parts of plants, including foliage, stems, flowers, seedlings, berries, and seeds. Thus, your garden with its array of plant choices appears as a feast to these lean mammals. Water sources Water bodies such as fountains and fishponds look great in the midst of gardens. However, they can also be the source of attracting deer and other wild animals to your sanctuary, resulting in complete destruction of the enclosure. Shelter Deer need shelter to stay safe from predators as well as utilize it as a breeding ground. With long trees, shrubs, and grasses; your garden serves as the perfect hideout for these agile creatures. This is the main reason why your backyards in busy towns often see deer incursions, since there are not many peaceful hiding spots. How to deter them away? The only way to keep deer aways from your garden is to implement tactful strategies that allow co-existence, without harming your beloved plants or these critters. Is it possible? Definitely! However, you will need to put in some extra effort if you want to see your plants flourish without getting wrecked by deer. Natural deterrents to keep them away: Fencing The most reliable, affordable, and effective strategy when it comes to safeguarding your plants from critters is fencing. However, there is a slight problem when it comes to deer. Deer can jump up to 8 feet high, which means you have to install extra-tall fences that stand at least 10 feet tall. Installing electric fences or electrified lines on top of the fences provides further protection. You can also put up tall bamboo poles and wrap fishing lines around them to create an invisible fence. If the deer can not see the barrier, they will not attempt jumping over it either. Natural repellants Natural repellents with strong taste and odor are commonly used to keep the deer away from gardens. This includes growing crops such as garlic, onions, and marigold, as well as spraying foul-smelling mixtures made of rotten eggs, cayenne pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Unfortunately, rain and snow can wash away these repellants. Another problem with olfactory repellants is that deer can get used to the smell after some time, rendering this method useless. Nonetheless, there is no harm in trying it out to see if it works for you. Keeping a dog If you already own a pet dog, letting it out in your garden can also aid in deterring the deer away. Firstly, deer are afraid of dogs, hence they will stay away if they smell a dog’s scent in your garden. Even if they enter your garden, the dogs will chase them away, keeping your plants safe and sound. Premise of other deterrents Deer resistant plant species Although deer feed on almost all kinds of plants, there are a few species that may be considered deer-proof. This includes herbs such as mint, rough textured leaves such as succulents, and strong scented flowers such as lavender and marigold. Plan your garden strategically by planting the deer-resistant species on the outskirts and your favorite crops and flowers inside. You can also plant some easy-growing wild species away from your garden beds, so the deer can feed on them and leave your crops alone. Put soap around the plants The scent of soap is known to repel the deer away. Hence, placing small cubes of soap or soap shavings around your crops may help in keeping the deer at bay. This also stands true for human hair. Many people get hair clippings from their local hairdresser and scatter it around their plants to deter the deer. Motion activated lights and sprinklers Even the slightest movement can startle the deer and cause them to flee. Hence, enabling motion activated sprinklers and lights in your garden is a practical option if you want to protect your plants from deer. The only downside is that you may have to bear higher water and electricity bills.