Unfortunately, I have only solved the problem by planting things they don't like. The deer population is out of control here, and nothing will dissuade them from eating tasty plants.
Post by mrs.jacinthe on Apr 21, 2014 14:38:45 GMT -5
Ugh. We are the only people in our neighborhood with a deer problem, partially because I think we're on their regular rotation and partly because we don't have any fences as deterrent. I would have thought the roses would be self-defending, because they're old-school and have SERIOUS prickers. But nope! The deer are cropping them off at a furious pace. Dagnabbit. They don't touch our heavenly bamboo, though - and I wish they would. Those things are not my favorite plants.
We use a deer repellent spray with some success. It stink to high heaven (like old garlic and rotten eggs). Definitely don't spray it on a windy day. But so far the deer and rabbits are leaving my tulips alone.
I use deer/bunny repellent spray. You should try it, but stay down wind. You do not want to walk around smelling like that all day. I haven't tried it, but I bet it would work as a human repellent, too.
Post by simpsongal on Apr 21, 2014 15:05:31 GMT -5
I used Deer Out or something like that - it works well but it was expensive and you have to keep applying. Deer don't eat my knockouts - would you consider trying different roses?
We raised our garden fence to 8 feet - worked like a charm.
No luck what so ever this year. Bloody deer/rabbits/squirrel were ravenous with this harsh winter. We tried several different products on our shrubs and plants.
Post by mandiespharm on Apr 21, 2014 20:02:26 GMT -5
If you find something I would love to know. Since our winter is just ending I haven't had to worry a lot yet. I've been searching and searching and I've come up with some stuff I want to plant that they don't like and I'm hoping fingers and toes crossed that the plants I'm going to put in work. Stupid deer LOVE apples and pumpkins so they sleep in my yard the whole winter.
How much property do you have? I know they don't like to jump over privacy fences. Something about seeing the spot they're going to land on. Though I don't know anyone that lives in an area with deer who is willing to put one up (and I don't blame them). I don't have them here but did before I moved out of state. I never had good luck with the deterrent sprays. Some well meaning guy at a nursery once convinced me to try cougar urine. Whatever you do, don't do that. I ended up just planting things they disliked.
The most effective thing my mother found growing up was Irish spring soap staked out about every 4-6 feet. It worked really well for a few years, until everyone in the neighborhood started doing it and the deer got used to the smell and stopped caring.