Deer: Identification, Control & Prevention in the Garden

Deer leap most fences to browse arborvitae, fir, alfalfa, roses, fruits, vegetables. Spring is peak damage: does pregnant/nursing, bucks growing antlers (1/2"/day), all replacing winter nutrients. Feed at dawn/dusk on woodland edges. Selective eaters—target most nutritious parts. Favor soft, high-water plants (hostas), buds, roses, rhododendrons. Avoid coarse, fuzzy, spiny, aromatic plants—but eat anything if hungry.

Identification

Reddish-gray-brown coat. Bucks: antlers, 200–300 lbs. Does: 120–175 lbs. 3–4' tall. White-tailed deer: foot-long white-underlined tail raised when alarmed. Quiet; does mew/grunt; both "whoosh" when startled. Cloven hoof prints, bean-shaped droppings.

Damage

Jagged leaf tears. Distinct plant preferences—monitor favorites closely.

Control

• Commercial repellents: dried blood, sulfured eggs, garlic.
• Homemade: 1 raw egg + 1/2 cup milk + 1 tbsp detergent + 1 gal water (respray after rain). Or 2 tbsp Tabasco/gal water.
• Scare tactics: metal posts + pie tins (clack in wind); all-night radio (change stations); motion-activated noisemaker.
• Fabric netting over plants.
• Dog/human hair (barber clippings) scattered or in pantyhose on trees. For apples: hair-filled nylons 4' up; replace often.
• Deodorant/cheap soap bars (Irish Spring recommended); wrappers extend life.
• Rotten eggs in water (dozen/5 gal) perimeter spray.
• Kitty litter border.
• Lysol-soaked socks on perimeter/limbs.
• Smelly shoes on tomato stakes (reader tip: lasts mid-May–mid-August).
• Unwashed laundry on low fence or as scarecrow.
• Predator urine (wolf/coyote)—humane source only.

Prevention

• Trim lower tree branches—make browsing inconvenient.
• Clean yard: remove acorns, rotted fruit, leaves.
• Plant deer-resistant: forsythia, lilac, marigolds, zinnias, daffodils, lavender, snapdragons. Check extension for local lists.
• Strong-smelling/unpalatable plants on perimeter; vulnerable inside.
• Best: 8' tall solid metal fence.

Plants Affected

Many ornamentals and edibles; see resistant plant lists.