How to Keep Deer Away From Geraniums

Deer are a menace to gardens, especially during leaner seasons, when there is a shortage of food or an overpopulation of deer. Very hungry deer will eat whatever they find and can destroy geraniums and other flowers and plants. There are some specific measures to take to keep deer out of the garden and away from the geraniums.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fencing
• Herb plants
• Soap
• Human hair
• Dryer sheets
• Cayenne pepper
• Eggs
• Water sprayer
• Wind chimes

1. Install a fence. Though this solution is the most costly, a fence at least 8 feet tall around the perimeter of your property is very effective in keeping deer away from your garden. You can also fence in a smaller area around your geraniums.

2. Plant herbs that deer don't like. Strong-smelling herbs like lavender, mint, catnip or thyme are natural deterrents for deer. Intersperse some of these plants with your geraniums to keep deer away.

3. Scatter some of the commercial dryer sheets sold for home laundry, bars of soap or human hair with your geraniums. Deer tend to stay away from these scents. Avoid soap or dryer sheets that are scented like geraniums or other plants.

4. Make a natural repellent by mixing five tbsp. cayenne pepper with one gallon of water. Spray over your geraniums. Try mixing four eggs with a gallon of water and spraying the solution on the plants.

5. Use a store-bought repellent that is not harmful to geraniums.

6. Reapply repellents often, especially after rain. The scent from repellents naturally fades over time, and can be completely washed away by a heavy rain. Reapply natural repellents to your geraniums at least once a month or as needed, and follow manufacturer's instructions on store-bought repellents.

7. Hang a wind chime or other flashy décor near your geraniums. Flashing lights and noises repel deer. A shiny wind chime can accomplish both.

8. Mix up your method. Repellents lose efficacy over time because deer get used to them. Use a few methods at once, and change things up when the deer start coming back.

Tips & Warnings

• If a neighbor is attracting deer to your neighborhood by feeding them or providing salt licks, ask him to stop. Feeding wildlife is illegal in many states.
• Read all instructions and cautions on commercial deer repellents to ensure they will not cause harm to your geraniums, other wildlife, pets or children.

References

• Urban Deer
• Reduce Deer Damage in Your Yard
• Pest Control

Resources

• Deer Repellent Study