Although browsing deer are charming to watch, they can cause extensive damage to yards and gardens by feeding on plants and rubbing their antlers against trees--they pose a serious aesthetic and economic problems. In urban areas, home landscapes may become their major source of food. Damage is most commonly noticed in spring on new, succulent growth. Because deer lack upper incisors, browsed twigs and stems show a rough, shredded surface. Damage caused by rabbits, on the other hand, has a neat, sharp 45-degree cut. Rodents leave narrow teeth marks when feeding on branches. Deer strip the bark and leave no teeth marks. It is difficult to move deer out of areas where they are not wanted, and not all strategies are practical for every homeowner. A hungry deer will find almost any plant palatable, so no plant is "deer proof." Frightening deer with gas exploders, strobe lights, pyrotechnics or tethered dogs typically provides only temporary relief. More practical management strategies include selecting plants unattractive to deer, treating plants with deer repellents, netting and tubing, and/or fencing. The placement of plants in part determines the extent of damage. More susceptible species should be planted near the home, in a fenced area, or inside a protective ring of less-preferred species. Also, a plant species may be damaged rarely in one area but damaged severely in another. There are two types of deer repellents that may provide some results in discouraging the animals--contact repellents and area repellents. Contact repellents are applied directly to plants, causing them to taste bad. Area repellents are placed in a problem area and repel animals by their foul odor. Repellents are generally more effective on less preferred plants. They should be applied on a dry day with temperatures above freezing. Young trees should be treated completely, while older trees may be treated only on the new growth. Since deer browse from the top down, trees should be treated to a height six feet above the maximum expected snow depth. Hang or apply repellents at the bud- or new-growth level of the plants to be protected. Home-remedy repellents, such a bags of human hair or bar soap hung from branches of trees are questionable, but a spray of 20 percent whole eggs and 80 percent water is one of the most effective weather-resistant repellents. However, it must be reapplied about every 30 days. Materials that work in one area or for one person may not work at all in an area more highly frequented by deer. For more information on use of netting, tubing and fencing; effectiveness of repellents; and a list of plants and their susceptibility to deer damage, see the fact sheet Preventing Deer Damage.

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