How to Keep Deer Away From Patios
- 1). Remove any plants from around the patio that might be attracting deer. Examples include not just fruit trees and vegetables like lettuce, but also flowers like pansies and even English ivy. Anything that is moist and/or rich in protein might attract hungry deer.
- 2). Plant strong-smelling plants that deer don't want around the patio, or place pots with the same plants on the patio. Examples include chives, garlic, lavender and mint.
- 3). Hang wind chimes and deploy motion-activated sprinklers around the patio. These things, especially in concentration, are liable to startle deer. Install a decorative scarecrow if it fits the patio's decor.
- 4). Move your dog house next to the patio, if you have a dog that lives outdoors. Whenever your dog is near the patio, deer won't be.
- 5). Scatter deer repellents over the approaches to the patio and on the patio itself. Examples include everything from wolf urine to flakes and powders laced with capsaicin or ammonium salts. Using such repellents might also repel any pets you have, however.
- 6). Erect a barrier around the patio, but only as a last resort. This could be anything from a privacy fence to a hedgerow, but wherever the barrier goes up, it blocks the view.