Attract & Repel Deer

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We all enjoy the sight of deer feeding out in a field, but the ability for deer to adapt to human development and their tendencies to eat landscape plants and flowers they are considered to many people a pest. With designated hunting seasons, they are now protected, to a degree, by the government and for this reason deer populations have tripled in the U.S. since the early 80’s.

Deer Habitat

Deer prefer to live on the edge of forested area where they can receive shelter, food, and protection. Deer cannot eat mature trees and must have access to the forest floor where they can find new immature growth. This is why they tend to eat your newly planted shrubs and perennials and sometimes even your annual flowers. Often, if you see families of deer more than once in your yard, it is the same family. Deer do not travel more than 2 square miles in a lifetime. Fall is their most active time.

Changing Seasons

Deer need different foods throughout the year. In spring they are hungry for protein. They consume mostly grasses, peas, and alfalfa. In the summer deer craves leaves from trees, legumes, corn, and strawberries. In the fall, deer lean toward grains, berries, fallen leaves, acorns, andmore evergreens. Winter is the most difficult season for the deer to find food and they will eat dead twigs, evergreens, and fallen leaves.

Attract Deer

Create a dense thicket of trees and shrubs of native plants such as viburnum, dogwood, and elderberry, which can create a protective area. Birdbaths are also used by deer for water. Put out squirrel corn or, Antler King Deer Feed products that can be found in our stores. Ingredients in the deer food includes corn, oats, alfalfa pellets, as well as apple and molasses flavor which is a supplement preferred by deer. Place food on a flat screen for easy feeding. Salt licks are good because deer seek out salt deposits through the year.

Discouraging Deer

You may want to look in your local Alsip Home & Nursery for Plant varieties that deer do not prefer which include allium, foxglove, barberry, and ash. There is a larger list of plants that deer do not like posted in the perennial section in our stores. Line the deer entryway to your garden with plants that they do not like and leave the plants that you and the deer enjoy well within your garden. Hide all their favorite plants from view with a hedge screen that they do not prefer. Keep all wild grassy areas trimmed and cleaned to deter deer from bedding down. Place deer feeders with their favorite mixes and salts close to the entrance of your garden and they will have no need to go any further.

Protection and Chemical Deterrents

There is no sure way to deter deer forever. It may be best to use more than one technique. Protecting your trees by wrapping them with plastic tubes or burlap can help. Starting deterrents in the spring when deer are active is best. Deer walk into the wind so that they can smell what is ahead of them. Place deterrents in many areas of your garden to accommodate different wind directions.

Some Old Fashioned Remedies

Hang scented soap in ornamental trees, which become prey to deer damage. This works within three feet from the bar. Soap can attract rodents to the base of the tree so you may wish to add rodent repellent. Hair in trees and shrubs is known for working to deter deer, but it is not as effective as other proven techniques. A rotten egg mixture can also be spread on plants as a deterrent: 2 eggs, 2 cups water, 4 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons Tabasco sauce. Let mixture sit for a few days and pour over plants.

Store Bought Organic Solutions

Predator urine is one of the best deterrents for deer. Bobcat and coyote are the natural enemies of deer and they will have a fear reaction to the urine. You can purchase this bottled at your local Alsip Home & Nursery. Liquid Fence Company has a complete line of repellents. We recommend Plantskydd which repels deer, rabbits, & more! This is an organic solution that is safe for pets and children. Once again, this can be purchased at your local Alsip Home & Nursery.

Note: Preventing deer damage before it starts is easier than interrupting an established pattern.

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