Missouri’s Columbia. David Trinklein, a horticulture with the University of Missouri Extension, noted that most gardeners understand the frustration of having a lovely garden destroyed by wildlife. Insects, illnesses, and weeds are not always as bad as wildlife.
According to him, deer and other animals are attracted to food that is convenient and good, much like people. The wildlife equivalent of a fast-food drive-thru is a garden. When wildlife cannot obtain food in their natural environments, like during drought, gardens are particularly alluring.
According to Trinklein, prevent animal pests by erecting obstacles in their path. Unpleasant tastes and strong odors might turn off deer and other wildlife. Chemical repellents with foul smells are the choice of some gardeners. Apply them all around the garden’s perimeter. When evaluating these possibilities, take into account factors like cost, plant toxicity, and the safety of people and pets, he advised.
There are several homemade ways to keep wildlife away. A blend of 20% whole eggs and 80% water is among the simplest. Every month, reapply. The molecule that gives spicy peppers their fire, capsaicin, is an ingredient in certain commercial repellents. Sachets of dog hair and strongly scented soap are examples of other home-made cures.
Deer, raccoons, rabbits, and other pests can be discouraged with items like scarecrows, foil, aluminum pie plates, predatory bird figurines, and mirrors. According to Trinklein, these work best when moved often. If animals are kept in the same location, they grow acclimated to them. Additionally, by producing unattractive noises, bird bangers, ultrasonic devices, and recordings that resemble animal distress calls can discourage wildlife.
Fences, netting, and tiny cages over individual plants, like tomatoes, are more extreme techniques. According to him, these can be costly but also effective. Smaller animals like rabbits and squirrels can be kept out by using 36-inch-high chicken wire that is buried 6 inches in the ground. Fences for deer need to be at least eight feet high in order to be effective.
There is also the option of electric fences. Use two strands of electric fencing that are 2 and 4 inches above the ground to deter tiny species. Taller fences are necessary for larger animals. Trinklein advises that any electric fencing be properly labeled to prevent unintentional human contact.
Another strategy to discourage wildlife is to choose plants. Ageratum, geranium, marigold, morning glory, nasturtium, salvia, snapdragon, Shasta daisy, canna, liatris, petunia, phlox, verbena, vinca, and yarrow are common garden flowers that are thought to be deer-resistant. A more comprehensive list can be found in the MU Integrated Pest Management article Spring Deer Feeding on Shrubs and Trees.
