How to Deter Deer Without Chemicals
- 1). Spread a thin layer of lightly aged horse manure around vegetable plants that are vulnerable to deer. Do not let the manure rest against the stems of the plants but ensure that they are completely surrounded with the manure. Deer have an aversion to horse manure and will not eat in its vicinity. This does not hold true for chicken or cow manure.
- 2). Spray vulnerable plants with a squirt bottle filled with water that has been steeped in crushed garlic. Deer dislike the smell of garlic and this makes your plant leaves undesirable. Reapply the garlic spray after a heavy rain.
- 3). Purchase a motion-activated sprinkler. Search on the Internet for one of these devices. They send a spray of water when the laser sensor is tripped by an intruder, including a deer. The spray can shoot for 10 feet or more and the suddenness of the assault will deter deer from coming back. Change the location of the sprinkler now and again to keep even the most persistent deer off-guard.
- 4). Create a physical barrier to your garden by fencing it on the sides and top. Deer can jump 6 feet so keep the fence at least that height and lay chicken wire over the top to discourage jumping. If a deer does get into the fenced area, however, it may do more destruction trying to get out than it would if the area were not fenced at all.
- 5). Hang perfumed soap bars on plants around the garden with twine. Drill a 1/4-inch hole in the center of the bar and string twine through the hole and form a loop for hanging. The smell signals to the deer that this is not food. The bars should last all season but replace once they get dissolved by rain.