Deterring Deer and Rabbits

A Multitude of Methods to Try

Linda Whitlock from the MSU Extension office shared with several us her knowledge about deterring Deer and Rabbits from your garden. There are no guaranteed ways to keep these animals away from the plants that you enjoy, but there are some helpful ideas. Probably the best advice she provided was to keep rotating different methods to prevent the deer and rabbits from learning how to get past the obstacle.

Some ideas to try:
•Plant strongly scented plants around the edge of the plants that you want to keep the deer and rabbits away from. Allium, Oregano, and Santolina, Marigolds and several others are potential choices.

•Have a dog or pretend to have a dog. Put dog hair in a glove on a stick in the garden.

•Fencing is an option. There are extreme fences. Another option is to use a light, plastic type fence that you can lay on top of the plants you want to protect or use it to make a temporary barrier around the plants. This type of fence "disappears" from your view when far away so you can
still enjoy the beauty of the plant while it is being protected. Fishing line is a similar option.

•Irish Spring Soap in a mesh bag hanging by the plant will deter some deer and rabbits.

•Hot Pepper Wax has a disgusting smell and "burns" their mouth when eaten. It needs to be reapplied during the season but will last longer than some other types of sprays.

•Liquid Fence is popular. It does need to be reapplied frequently.

•The Scarecrow which is a motion activated sprinkler was my personal favorite. I had not seen this one before but will try to get it for next spring. Linda said she ordered it from an on-line source. When the sensor detected motion, the sprinkler would ossilate for 15 seconds. The trick is to move the sprinkler frequently. What a great idea!