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Deer deterrent #822739

Asked March 18, 2023, 9:42 AM EDT

Trying to maintain small butterfly garden. (6 ft X. 12 ft) Deer continue to be a problem. Would a perimeter of marigolds be helpful? Perimeter of human hair? Perimeter of human urine? (Like in the wild animals Mark their territory)

Hubbard County Minnesota

Expert Response

Deer behavior is unpredictable.  

Although some people swear by the efficacy of the measures you have mentioned, none is considered reliable by wildlife and horticultural experts. 

Experts at the University of California say this:

"Some home remedy repellents are used because in theory they produce odors thought to frighten or repel deer from an area. Examples are human hair, bars of soap with an intense fragrance, and predator feces or urine. These substances may repel deer for a day or a few days, perhaps more because of their novelty value rather than any inherent repellency. Most such odorous materials, as well as many commercially sold deer repellents, have not proven to be satisfactory in protecting gardens from deer damage." 

Information in this publication may be useful:

https://extension.umn.edu/central/protecting-plants-deer#considerations-1556112

Bob Bystrom Replied March 18, 2023, 12:00 PM EDT

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