Tips To Keep Deer Away From Your Yard

This winter sure has been long and cold. You may have noticed that more and more deer are herding up in your yard. Maybe your bushes have been eaten, or your bird is feeder getting low?

Even with hunting and natural causes of death, the deer population numbers seem to be getting bigger in parts of Western New York. North Tonawanda has announced that it will resume its "Bait and Shoot" program in an effort to reduce the deer numbers in that part of Niagara County. But what can you do as a home/land owner to keep them off your property?

I have a neighbor that uses a fence to keep them away from his bushes. In his words, "All I have to do is keep them out of my yard and drive them to your yard!" Although funny, it actually worked. The deer seem to have been eating my bushes and the other neighbor's as well.

Here are some ideas to help keep the four legged foragers from destroying your landscaping.

Fences

Just like my neighbor has done, a good fence that is tall enough to protect your bushes can be a great tool. However, make sure it is sturdy. Deer are pretty crafty and powerful and when they get hungry a wimpy fence is no match.

Burlap

I have seen this old trick many times. Not only does tying up bushes with burlap keep the deer away, it also helps the bushes to stay nice through a long, snowy winter like we have had.

Strips Of Mylar

This is a sound device that you can make at home. As long as the area you use them in gets sufficient wind. The flapping Mylar has been known to scare away deer before they even get to your house.

Hair

Sounds nutty, but I have heard people get success with using human hair sprinkled around their bushes to keep deer away. The natural oils/scents deter deer from getting near your plants! Experts suggest getting a bag or two from a barber.

Garlic

Using a homemade mixture of scents/herbs such as garlic can be a great way to keep deer from eating at your shrubbery. The taste and smell not only keep vampires away but, turns out, is great for protecting the area around your house and garden from being destroyed by deer.

These are just a few quick ideas that may help to ease the loss of foliage around your home. One thing is for sure: A deer that is hungry will try to find the easiest source of food. Your backyard may be the perfect table setting for a meal, and until the programs like the "Bait and Shoot" start to reduce the numbers in the herds around Western New York, villages in some areas have their hands full. Not only are the deer-related car accidents an issue, so is the loss of vegetation around houses, businesses and parks and golf courses.