Attracting and Repelling Deer

(and some other critters, too)

I get funny reactions from different people regarding this subject. Invariably, the gardeners and farmers ask, "Why in the WORLD would I want to ATTRACT deer?!" Those pests DESTROY my plants!, while the hunters say, "Gee, why would I want to REPEL deer? I want 'em nearby so they'll be around for hunting season."

Now, my wife falls into the first category, and I (if you're at all familiar with the rest of my web site) obviously fall into the second. In fact, my wife has come very close to threatening me with death (an exaggeration, but not by much) if I ever planted 'deer candy' anywhere NEAR her gardens - ornamental or vegetable. Obviously, she wants to keep the 'pests' away, while I want deer to be nearby for hunting.

It was for both our sakes that I started doing research on how to both repel and attract deer. Happily, these techniques generally work on other critters, too - edible ones like rabbits and squirrels that would be happy to destroy my wife's gardens. By applying these repellant techniques and products near the house and my wife's gardens but also growing food plants for deer further away on our property, I can make both my wife and myself happy regarding critters in the great outdoors.

Deer Attractants

OK, you hunters. This section is for YOU. By planting what is commonly known as 'deer candy' in the area, you will keep the deer, rabbits, and squirrels nearby come hunting season. Additionally, they will be healthy and if you plant the right foods, the bucks will have beautiful racks. Also - in general, plants that are succulent (have a high water content) with a soft texture tend to be highly favored by deer. Just remember one important thing if you value your health -- DO NOT PLANT 'DEER CANDY' ANYWHERE NEAR WHERE YOU DON'T WANT DEER - like your WIFE'S GARDEN!!

Plants that Deer LIKE TO EAT

alfalfa, American arborvitae, apple, atlantic white cedar, balsam fir, blackberry brier, beech, catawba rhododendron, clematis, clover, cranberry, eastern redbud, English ivy, English yew, european mountain ash, fraser fir, gaillardia, golden rain tree, hickory, hosta, Japanese Yew, Norway maple, pumpkins, sweet corn, winged euoymus, winter creeper.

acorns (esp. from White Oaks), corn

SEED and FOOD PLOT INFORMATION

Deer Repellents

OK, gardeners, farmers, horticulturists. This section is for YOU. Here, I will list different 'potions' and chemicals (natural, and non-toxic) that have a good reputation for repelling deer, as well as various plants, natural repellents, and physical techniques that have proven successful in keeping deer out of ornamental and vegetable gardens.

Basically, the philosophy behind saving your plants is to (a) DO plant what deer DON'T like, (b) DON'T plant what deer DO like [covered above under 'Deer Attractants'] near plants you want to save, (c) create physical and chemical barriers for the deer, and (d) create chemical confusion in your garden.

Homemade Potions

Here is a list of easily found household items that have been successfully used to combat deer: castor oil, cayenne pepper, citrus rinds, cumin, dry mustard, fabric softener (sheets & liquid), garlic, human hair, dog fur, mothballs (naptha), onions, rotten eggs, scented shampoo, scented soap, tobasco sauce, and tobacco.

Plants that are Deer-Resistant or that Deer DO NOT LIKE

These plants tend to have strong aromas or tastes, or they have imposing physical barriers, such as THORNS.

Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs *

Asparagus, barberry, bearberry, blueberry elder, broad beans, cedar, chives, coriander, daffodils, date palm, dusty miller, edible fig, fennel, ferns, garlic, garlic chives, globe artichoke, hellebore, hemlocks, hydrangeas, ivies (except English ivy), jerusalem artichoke, junipers, lilac, leek, marjoram, myrtle, pawpaw, persimmon, onion, oregano, Oregon grape varieties, parsley, pomegranate, poppies, pines, potato, prickly pear, red elderberry, rhubarb, rock cress, rosemary, rowan, russian olive, sage, salal, squash, sweet basil, tarragon, thyme, yarrows, yukka, walnut, willows, zinnias.

* plants in bold are especially effective

Here are some Planting Techniques:

Physical Barriers and Techniques

Other Natural Repellents

Links

Here are some links to companies that sell products for deterring and/or repelling deer.