Ask the master gardeners

Q: I have never had a problem with deer, but now they occasionally come into my garden. With all the deer repellents available on the market, I am not sure which one to use.

A: The deer population has reached an all-time high. These attractive creatures are invading suburban areas at a fast rate and can destroy a garden very quickly.

Many gardeners seek the help of deer repellents, which discourage deer from feeding by giving the plants in your garden a foul taste or odor. Repellents vary in effectiveness, so it is best to alternate a few varieties.

Deer will almost always stay away from plants that offend two or more senses. In addition, they would stay away from a property where they sense the presence of danger (some repellents contain coyote or bobcat urine, two of their natural predators).

Using two deer deterrents together, one that offends the sense of taste in conjunction with one that offends the sense of smell, and alternating different brands, gives the best results. Several brands of commercial repellents, both in concentrate and ready-to-use form, are available in garden and home centers.

Look for the active ingredients listed on the label. Deterrents are usually applied as a spray and should be applied when rain is not forecast for 24 hours. You should cover all portions of the plants in your garden, making sure you reapply to new growth and after it rains.

No matter what you choose to use, the effectiveness of repellents depends on the number of deer in your area, their feeding habits and weather conditions. If the deer are very hungry due to limited food supplies (particularly in late winter and early spring), the repellents may not work.

Fencing the garden may not be part of your plan, but it remains the most effective defense against these hungry creatures.
— Lonna Panatelli, Tuxedo master gardener, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland