Deer can be quite opportunistic when it comes to their food choices, especially when other sources of food are scarce. As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have witnessed firsthand the damage that deer can do to plants in search of a meal.
When it comes to hot pepper plants, deer have been known to eat them if they are hungry enough. However, it is not their preferred choice. The reason for this is that hot peppers contain a compound called capsaicin, which gives them their spicy flavor. Capsaicin is actually an irritant to mammals, including deer, and can cause discomfort when consumed in large quantities.
That being said, if deer are desperate for food and there are no other options available, they may still nibble on hot pepper plants. I have seen instances where deer have eaten the leaves and stems of pepper plants, especially when there is a shortage of other vegetation.
It’s important to note that some varieties of hot peppers may be more appealing to deer than others. For example, milder varieties such as bell peppers may be less likely to be eaten compared to hotter varieties like jalapenos or habaneros. This is because the higher levels of capsaicin in hotter peppers can make them even less palatable to deer.
In addition to hot peppers, there are certain vegetables that deer seem to prefer. These include beans, lettuce, cabbage, and cole crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. These plants are often targeted by deer and can suffer significant damage if not protected.
To protect your hot pepper plants (or any other plants) from deer, there are a few strategies you can employ. One option is to use fencing or netting to create a physical barrier around your plants. This can be effective in keeping deer out, but it can also be costly and may not be practical for larger areas.
Another option is to use repellents that deter deer from your plants. There are various commercial deer repellents available that can be sprayed on your plants to make them less appealing to deer. These repellents often have a strong odor or taste that deer find unpleasant.
Some gardeners have also had success with using natural deterrents such as hanging bars of soap or human hair around their plants. The scent of these items can help to deter deer from approaching your garden.
While deer may eat hot pepper plants if they have no other options, it is not their preferred choice. The presence of capsaicin in hot peppers can make them less palatable to deer, but hungry deer may still nibble on them. It’s important to take preventative measures such as fencing or repellents to protect your plants from deer damage.
