How to Scare Deer Away

Deer are notorious for appearing in inconvenient places at the worst of times, whether you're tending to your garden or driving down the highway. Getting deer to leave, however, is not quite so simple. According to Clean Air Gardening, deer are always searching for a safe place with ample food and several escape routes. So, to scare deer away, you have to make your presence as a predator known. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to frighten deer into leaving.

Things You'll Need

• Bloodmeal fertilizer or deer spray, optional
• Flashlight
• Water gun, hose or sprinkler, optional

Instructions

1. Spread deer-repelling odors. Deer have a very strong sense of smell, and certain scents, such as human, blood and predator urine, will cause them to flee. Home improvement stores often carry fertilizers and sprays containing bloodmeal and urine, while human hair and sweat are very potent.

2. Create loud, intermittent noises. Clapping your hands, shouting or using nearby items to make agitating sounds will make deer think they are in danger.

3. Make big, erratic movements. Waving your arms and jumping around will startle deer into running away.

4. Shine a bright, piercing light at the deer. Lights, especially blinking ones, can trick deer into thinking they are being stalked by predators.

5. Spray water at the deer from a safe distance. Toy water guns, hoses and sprinklers will not harm the deer.

Tips & Warnings

• Irregular, moving stimuli is the most effective in scaring deer away.

• Do not approach the deer, especially if there are young deer present. Does are very protective of their young and have been known to assault those in close proximity.

References

• Clean Air Gardening: How to Make your Yard Deer Proof
• Backyard Deer Deterrents: Scare Tactics