problem solver
Deer
IDENTIFICATION — Deer have adjusted well to urban and suburban living. In fact, their populations are growing because of the lack of predators. That means you may spot them just about anywhere. They devour your plants — and they aren’t picky eaters! Deer can carry diseases and their droppings are messy on patios and lawns. Also, deer are a dangerous traffic hazard on streets and highways.
CONTROL — Grow deer-resistant plants wherever possible, although if they’re hungry, deer have been known to eat items on the resistant list. Having a dog outdoors is a good deterrent and 8- to 10-ft.-high fences are quite effective at keeping them out of gardens. Here’s a list of good sources for fences and other deer products. Many kinds of scent or taste repellents, both homemade and commercial, also work, provided they are reapplied frequently.
At this time there is no method that is 100 percent effective on all deer all of the time. It’s a good idea to rotate your tactics occasionally to keep the deer uncertain about what they may encounter. And unfortunately, what works on one animal may not work on the next.
