Protecting your backyard from deer
With more than 60 species of deer worldwide, there’s a good chance most peoplewill have somesort of interaction with these majestic animals at one point during their lifetimes.
Deer, which live on all continents except Antarctica, can survive in everything from mountainous areas to wet rainforests to suburban neighborhoods. These herbivores are voracious eaters that will search far and wide for their meals. Home landscapes tend to be easy pickings.
Many people are excited to see deer in their neighborhoods and yards because they can be such graceful creatures to behold. However, once deer start to munch on ornamental and fruit trees, roses, annuals and flowering shrubs, the novelty can wear off fast. Furthermore, deer also can carry ticks that spread illnesses like Lyme disease.
Here are some low- cost tips to keep deer at bay:
• Plant plants that produce strong aromas, such as lavender, herbs and marigolds, which emit strong aromas. Deer will be reluctant to walk through because the smell can interfere with their ability to find food and assess their environment via their sense of smell.
• Stock up on soap. The tallow in soap helps keep deer away, according to the University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science. Scented soaps like Irish Spring may be especially good at warding off deer.
• Plant in levels. Raised beds and sunken gardens can discourage deer from coming into the yard because they aren’t avid climbers Employ harmless scare tactics. Deer are skittish, and any unfamiliar movement or sound may scare them away. Cans and old CDs hung from strings, sundials and lights can keep them at bay.
And, finally, there’s always that tall, sturdy fence.