Frustrated By Deer Destroying Your Garden?

The Humane Society of the United States has tips to eliminate conflicts

Among the most common wildlife complaints voiced by suburban homeowners this time of year is the destruction of plants and gardens caused by white-tailed deer and woodchucks, reports The Humane Society of the United States. 

Laura Simon, field director of urban wildlife for The HSUS explains, "These two species engender the most frequent and common complaints. However, there are some creative, simple, humane, successful and pro-active ways for people to co-exist with wildlife and have a beautiful garden at the same time."

Woodchucks

• An L-shaped, 3 foot high chicken wire fence keeps woodchucks from feasting on gardens. The trick is to make the top part wobbly since woodchucks are insecure climbers, and to make the bottom part extend along the ground 12 to 18 inches, secured with landscaping staples, to create a "false bottom" they won't be able to dig under.
• Woodchucks find hot pepper-based repellents and human sewage-based fertilizers distasteful and will tend to steer clear of your garden if they smell them.

Deer

• 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.  But be sure to check with your local nursery or garden club about what plants work best in your area since deer palates vary regionally.
• 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. The most effective approach is multi-faceted –alternate which deterrents you use to keep deer nervous and "on their toes."

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.
• To prevent Lyme disease, especially while gardening, wear light colored clothing;  expose as little skin as possible by tucking pant legs into socks and wearing long sleeves; use insect repellent with Deet (adults only) on skin and clothes; and avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass. 
• After outdoor activities, do a full body tick check immediately after removing clothing. 

The HSUS Wild Neighbors Program promotes non-lethal means for resolving conflicts between people and wildlife and cultivates understanding and appreciation for wild animals commonly found in cities and towns. Visit humanesociety.org/wildneighbors for more information.  

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org.