Botanic Garden >> Gardening > >> Question and Answer >> Pests

Daytime Garden Raids by Groundhogs, Deer, and Opossums: Legal and Practical Solutions

Groundhogs

Diurnal and easily live‑trapped or shot (where legal).

Deer

Shooting deer usually requires a state permit; illegal without one.

Opossums & Nocturnal Pests

If damage occurs at night, electronic deterrents (see DC Jincks’ site) can protect gardens. Daytime opossum activity is unusual; verify identification.

Pests: Deer Management: Foresters Aim for Balance, Not Elimination; Deer Damage on Long Island: Fencing, Repellents, and the Deer Shield Device; Deer-Resistant Flowers: No Such Thing, Only Fencing Works; Groundhogs and Cats Using Yard as Latrine: Fencing Solutions; Deer Jumping Garden Fences: Real Solutions; Will Hostas Recover After Deer Browsing?; Deer and Rabbit Protection: What Actually Works; Deer Repellent: Humane, Effective Options for Garden Protection; Deer in the Garden: Prevention and Protection; Milorganite for Deer Control: Does It Really Work?

Garden Articles

Protecting Young Evergreens from Winter Deer Damage

Deer Damage Prevention: Fencing, Repellents, and Shock Devices Compared

Birds in Mulch and Deer on New Trees: Targeted Solutions for Both

Protecting Lilies from Deer: Fencing, Netting, and Repellent Options

When Deer Are Fed by Neighbors, No Plant Is Truly Deer-Resistant

Protecting Newly Planted Trees from Deer in West Virginia with Electronic Deterrents

Deer Bark Stripping on Young Maples: Wound Care and Exclusion

Plants

Protecting Young Apple Trees from Deer Browsing

Are Carnivorous Plants Deer Resistant?

Deer Resistance of Sweet Cream Marigold and Other Marigolds

Deer‑Resistant Perennials to Plant Now: Online Lists for Immediate Planting

Rhododendron Leaf Loss in Winter: Deer vs. Weather Damage

Deer-Proofing a Large Vegetable Garden: Fencing and Deterrent Strategies

Attracting Deer: Food Plots for Rural Property Wildlife Viewing