Natural Deer Repellent

[caps]

Interesting article about repellents for deer. Deer Deterrents--Scents
Seems some things that may repel them attract other rodents.
Soaps/detergents containing coconut oil may attract deer.

 

[milkman636]

good link caps, thanks.

All four boys and myself got a fresh hair cut today. Our three year old daughter and a neighbor lady also contributed. I spread the trimmings all around the beans, peas, and corn this evening just before dark. Being a deer predator myself, I made a habit of relieving my own bladder at various locations between the garden and the woods all day as well. One more thing my wife was pleased with me about. From what she tells me we occasionally get visitors throughout the day and "they don't need to see that".

It looks like I'll need to decide on the what the next counter measure to will be for later this week.

Thanks for all the suggestions and please feel free to share any additional ones. This battle may continue on into October.

 

[milkman636]

I'm hesitant to mention anything because of ole Murphy, but so far so good. The hair has been working. I'll keep this updated as things evolve.

 

[TomSeller]

.
As for the deer, I have had very good results with Milorganite. It's a fertilizer made from human waste. .

Around the garden? I don't know if I could eat anything if I used human waste. Processed or not. Call me old school, but I want my natural fertilizer to come from the backside of a cow, pig or chicken.

 

[TomSeller]

Try getting a grandpa with a prostrate problem that likes beer and pees outside every half hour. Just make sure you don't have neighbors or a low electric fence.

 

[CliffordK]

I've been heavily "watering" one of my cherry trees. Both "natural" water, and hose water.

The other day I saw a deer foot print right where I had previously watered it :irked:

Perhaps they would pay more attention if I had more venison in my diet.

 

[TomSeller]

Maybe the middle aged single woman at work that is always chasing the young guys can stop by the garden periodically.

 

[milkman636]

I've been heavily "watering" one of my cherry trees. Both "natural" water, and hose water.

The other day I saw a deer foot print right where I had previously watered it :irked:

Perhaps they would pay more attention if I had more venison in my diet.

That's discouraging.

I have been encouraging my boys to go "water" the grass behind the garden by the edge of the woods. Maybe the combination of the natural water along with the increase in regular foot traffic will help keep them at bay a while longer.

If not I may have to recruit one of those cougars that Tom is suggesting. I'm not sure that I am young enough to attract their cooperation though, maybe I'll ask my.........no I better not.

 

[murphy1244]

I'm hesitant to mention anything because of ole Murphy, but so far so good. The hair has been working. I'll keep this updated as things evolve.

Murphy is a good guy!

 

[Dr_Zinj]

"Short of installing fences or moving the stuff back to where it was, what can I do to repel deer from the garden?"

Realistically?
(1) You spend all your time in the garden and sleep there. I have better things to do.
(2) Put a dog out by the garden. I like my dogs as pets and indoors, not an animated robot left outside all the time.
(3) Shoot the deer each time you see one in or near the garden. Fish and Game might get a bit persnickety over this, even if you have a nuisance animal permit.
(4) Bite the bullet and put up a fence. This is what I'll be doing this fall and using the tractor to level the perimeter for it. Just remember, a serious deer can jump a 12 foot fence. However, as long as I have a 5 to 6 foot one around the garden, that's enough due diligence to get a permit to shoot any of them that want to play illegal immigrant games in the garden.