Farmers use various methods to repel deer from their crops and gardens. One effective approach is the use of area repellants, which are applied directly on or around the plants that need protection. These repellants work by emitting strong odors that deer find unpleasant, discouraging them from approaching the area.
One commonly used area repellant for white-tailed deer is putrescent egg solids. These are derived from processed eggs and have a strong, unpleasant smell that repels deer. Farmers can spray or spread the putrescent egg solids around their crops to create a barrier that deer will avoid. This method is particularly effective for smaller areas or individual plants that need protection.
Another option is ammonia soaps of higher fatty acids, which are made from a combination of ammonia and fatty acids. These repellants release a strong odor that deer find offensive, causing them to stay away from the treated area. Ammonia soaps can be sprayed directly on plants or used in a concentrated form to create a perimeter around the desired area.
Predator urine is another popular choice for repelling deer. The scent of urine from predators such as wolves or coyotes signals danger to deer, prompting them to steer clear of the area. Farmers can purchase predator urine from specialized retailers and apply it strategically around their crops or gardens. It is important to periodically reapply the urine as the scent may fade over time.
Some farmers also use blood or meat meal as a deer repellent. These products contain the scent of blood or decaying meat, which triggers deer’s instinct to avoid potential danger. Blood or meat meal can be sprinkled around the plants or mixed with other repellants to enhance their effectiveness.
Human hair is a natural deterrent for deer as they associate the scent with human presence and potential danger. Farmers can collect hair from salons or barbershops and spread it around their crops. The hair should be replenished regularly to maintain its potency.
Lastly, bar soap can be used as a simple and cost-effective deer repellent. Farmers can hang bars of strong-smelling soap, such as Irish Spring, around their gardens or tie them to stakes near crops. The scent of the soap can help deter deer from approaching the area.
It is important to note that no single method is guaranteed to work for all situations and deer populations. Farmers may need to experiment with different repellents or use a combination of methods to achieve the desired results. Additionally, it is advisable to rotate the use of repellents to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a specific odor and rendering it ineffective.
Farmers have found success in repelling deer by using area repellants such as putrescent egg solids, ammonia soaps, predator urine, blood or meat meal, human hair, and bar soap. These methods utilize odors that deer find offensive, helping to protect crops and gardens from deer damage.
