Deer and Rabbit Protection: What Actually Works

A Mississippi gardener loses fruit to deer and rabbits and asks for repellent plants.

Hard Truth: No Plant Repels Them

In 20 years of practice: deer and rabbits eat what they like. No chemical or plant reliably deters them.

Effective Measures

• Motion-activated sprinkler: Startles and conditions animals to avoid the area. Example
• Dog: A pet patrolling the yard is highly effective.
• Fencing: 8-foot woven wire for deer; 2-foot chicken wire buried 6 inches for rabbits.

Don't waste money on "deer-resistant" plant lists—they're guidelines, not guarantees.

— Sean