With Michigan’s deer population rising 15% in the last decade to around 2 million,1 gardeners are facing increasing challenges protecting their plants.
But fear not! There are some unusual yet surprisingly effective methods to keep those pesky deer at bay. Get ready to turn your garden into a fortress that even the most determined deer won’t dare to enter.
1. Hang Bars of Soap
Believe it or not, the strong scent of Irish Spring soap can deter deer. Drill a hole in the soap, attach it to a string, and hang it among your plants. The odor will confuse their sensitive noses and send them running.
2. Create a “Deer-glar” Alarm System
Channel your inner MacGyver and set up a DIY deer alarm using fishing line, tin cans, and fence posts. When a deer trips the line, the cans will clang together, startling the intruder and alerting you to their presence.
3. Spray Cologne around Your Plants
Deer hate the smell of humans, so take advantage of this by dousing rags with a strong cologne like Calvin Klein Obsession and placing them around your garden. The pungent aroma will make deer think twice about snacking on your plants.
4. Plant Prickly, Fuzzy, or Strongly Scented Plants
Incorporate plants with textures and smells that deer dislike, such as lamb’s ear, barberries, cleome, garlic, chives, mint, and lavender. These natural barriers will make your garden less appealing to hungry deer.
5. Create a “Stinky” Perimeter
Combine rotten eggs, essential oils, and water to create a homemade deer repellent spray. Apply it around the perimeter of your garden to create an invisible, smelly barrier that deer won’t want to cross.
6. Surround Plants with DIY Tomato Cages
Protect individual plants by enclosing them in homemade tomato cages made from concrete reinforcing wire. The rusty brown color blends in with your garden while keeping deer from reaching your prized plants.
7. Hang Ammonia-Soaked Rags
Deer are repelled by the strong smell of ammonia. Soak rags in ammonia and strategically place them around your garden’s entry points. The pungent odor will deter deer from venturing any further.
8. Use Predator Urine Granules
Take advantage of deer’s natural fear of predators by using coyote urine granules around your garden. The scent will trick deer into thinking a predator is nearby, making them too scared to enter your garden.
9. Plant a “Deer Resistant” Herb Garden
Many herbs have strong scents that deer dislike, such as rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, and mint. Plant these herbs around the perimeter of your garden to create a natural, aromatic barrier that will discourage deer from entering.
10. Use a Motion-Activated Sprinkler with a Deer Decoy
Set up a motion-activated sprinkler near a life-size deer decoy. When a real deer approaches, the sprinkler will startle them, and the presence of the “other deer” will make them feel like they’re encroaching on claimed territory.
11. Create a “Deer Fence” Using Fishing Line
Deer have poor depth perception(ref), so a simple fence made of fishing line can confuse them and deter them from entering your garden. Install posts around your garden and string the fishing line between them at varying heights, creating an invisible barrier.
12. Make a Deer-Proof Hedge
Plant a thick, thorny hedge around the perimeter of your garden using plants like holly, hawthorn, or blackberry. The dense growth and prickly texture will deter deer from pushing through to reach your plants.
Source:
- https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2024/04/03/dnr-deer-opinion-survey-management-overpopulation/73193585007/
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles. Also an aspiring cook we he researches and tries all kinds of different food recipes and shares what works best.