It’s an often-asked question these days, “How do I keep deer out of my yard?”
If you’ve ever watched a group of deer wander by, you know they’re fascinating — especially since most does have twins every year.
The issue of deer encroachment in residential and agricultural landscapes is a significant concern across Ohio and much of the United States.
While white-tailed deer are ecologically important and intriguing — particularly given their high reproductive rates — their burgeoning populations have led to increased conflicts with humans.
Back when I was studying landscaping, my professors never failed to remind us: deer are the most destructive pests out there. No bug or weed even comes close to the damage deer can do in Ohio.
Population data illustrate the scope of the issue. When Ohio was first settled, there were around 20,000 deer here. Fast forward to 40 years ago, and we were down to 17,000.
But then the population exploded — at its peak, we had about 750,000 deer, and even now, we’re still at around 450,000. Across the country, deer-versus-car crashes cause about 2.1 million accidents every year and cost a whopping $10 billion.
The heavily trafficked corridors like I-71, SR-2, and US-30 are especially bad, with most crashes happening in the fall. Just last year, there were about 20,000 deer-related accidents in Ohio, and sadly, seven people lost their lives.
Nationwide, there were 166 deer-related deaths in 2014, and the costs keep climbing.
From an agricultural perspective, the impact of deer browse is substantial. It is not uncommon for Ohio farmers to incur losses exceeding $200 per acre annually due to deer damage, with some operations experiencing up to 50% crop loss.
These economic pressures directly threaten farm viability and, by extension, regional food security. This is an issue that warrants serious attention from all stakeholders, regardless of personal sentiment toward wildlife.
The truth is, there just isn’t enough food for deer in the forests anymore. That’s why we keep seeing them in our yards, gardens, and neighborhoods. And unless something changes, their numbers (and their impact) will only keep growing.
That’s why I think it’s important to support responsible hunting—otherwise, we’ll all end up paying more at the grocery store because of the damage deer do to crops.
Our landscapes will look like a deer’s buffet. The fact that I was taught that deer don’t eat junipers and yet I discovered that deer don’t read landscape books. Over the years I have seen junipers with deer damage especially in winter.
Starving deer will eat many plants that you would not expect. Believe me, I was heartbroken watching Bambi as a kid too, but times have changed.
This trend will continue to elevate economic costs and environmental impacts, including higher food prices and ecosystem degradation. Objective, science-based solutions are essential to address this multifaceted issue.
So, what can you actually do?
For starters, try planting trees and shrubs that deer don’t like — if you want my list of deer-resistant plants, just shoot me an email. Planning ahead for next year is key.
You can also grow your veggies in raised beds surrounded by weeds to throw the deer off the scent.
Got a big dog? They’re great at chasing deer away. Fences work too, whether they’re electric or just tall enough to keep the deer out.
I’ve even planted squash and pumpkins among my corn, since those prickly vines keep both deer and raccoons at bay.
Planting beans with your corn can also help confuse the deer. Strategic planning and integrated management yield the best results.
A variety of chemical and physical repellents are commercially available, though their efficacy often depends on consistent application, especially following precipitation.
Research indicates that rotation of repellents and adherence to manufacturer guidelines optimizes effectiveness. Products such as Bobbex, which utilizes odor-based deterrents, are among those with demonstrated success.
Eliminating supplemental food sources, such as bird feeders, is also recommended to minimize attractants in managed landscapes.
From a technological standpoint, motion-activated deterrents such as The Scarecrow — which emits a targeted spray of water upon detecting movement — have demonstrated high efficacy in deterring deer and other large mammals.
Such solutions, when used as part of an integrated management plan, can significantly reduce deer presence in affected areas.
In summary, a multifaceted, science-driven approach is necessary to effectively manage deer populations and mitigate their impact.
Employing a combination of population control, exclusion techniques, repellents, and technological deterrents will yield the most reliable outcomes for property owners and agricultural producers alike.
If you have any questions about gardening, please e-mail me at ericlarson546@yahoo.com.