These include motion- sensing water and noise devices that are activated by the presence of deer. Always read and follow label directions, particularly if using a product on plants being grown for human consumption.įear Factor: Mechanical and electrical deterrents either frighten or lightly shock deer. The fungicide Thiram not only smells bad, but also tastes bad to deer. Unfortunately, people may also find some odors distasteful! Bad-smelling deterrents include heavily perfumed soap, predator urine, and dried blood or blood meal. They typically come in granules or sprays, and often must be reapplied after rainfall. Taste and Scent: These deterrents make the area smell or the plant taste bad. A combination of different types of products can be more effective than any one method alone, and rotating deterrents is helpful to avoid habituation. These can be classified according to their mode of action. In addition to planting a resistant landscape, you may choose to use one of several different types of repellants. Just remember, no plant is completely deer proof, as a hungry deer will consume almost any plant! Utilizing deer resistant plants in the landscape is a good first line of defense. Even urban gardens are vulnerable to deer damage.ĭaffodils, above left, and iris are good bulbs to plant in deer country.ĭeer typically feed at night, with a single adult capable of consuming from five to ten pounds of garden plants per night. Two species common in Montana – the white-tailed deer and the mule deer – eat flowers and foliage in summer and browse on tender buds in winter.

Purple coneflower deer resistant