Deer damage to home gardens and shrubs is the number one complaint in urban and rural landscapes. Using an integrated approach of repelling and/or restricting deer access is the most effective method to reducing damage. Deer damage permits are available to rural landowners, however, urban landowners must rely on other methods to reduce damage.

1. low to moderate deer numbers
2. light to moderate deer damage
3. small acreage
4. no more than 2-3 applications needed for control

1. Make thorough applications. Some repellents may require vulnerable portions of the plant to be covered before applying repellents.
2. Watch the weather and repeat applications after heavy rains or when recommended by the label.
3. With taste-based materials, cover new growth with applications every 3-4 weeks during susceptible stages. With odor-based repellents, monitor the range of influence, and repeat applications when deer begin to approach the periphery of a planting.
4. If using a material to be hung on or near a plant, make placements close enough that deer will likely come into contact with the repellent.

1. Electrify the fence immediately. If your electric fence is not electrified for several days, the deer may learn to go through it. When the electricity is turned on, some of the same deer will continue to go through the fence.
   
   
2. If deer repeatedly go through an electric fence, these animals need to be eliminated or stopped by modification of the fence. Learned behavior can be passed on to offspring. Modifying the fence by attaching aluminum foil with a spoonful of peanut butter smeared on the foil will entice the deer to lick the peanut butter and realize the full charge of an electric fence.
   
   
3. Check your fence every day, if possible, for breaks or any other problems that would permit the deer to enter.
   
   
4. It is beneficial to have a way of testing the voltage on your fence. This can locate problems such as a weak battery, poor grounding, shorting out, or a broken wire.

Although chemical repellents are designed to have no worse effect on animals than leaving a bad taste in their mouths, a word of caution is necessary. Never use more often, or in greater volume, than the label recommends. Chemical repellents are classified as pesticides, and your state pesticide regulating agency or extension service can usually give you pointers on their proper use and storage.

Trade and brand names are used only for the purpose of information and the Cooperative Extension Service of West Virginia University and the WV .Division of Natural Resources do not guarantee nor warrant the standard of the product, nor do they imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which may also be suitable. No advertisement is intended nor implied.

Unforseen and unpredictable changes made by the Environmental Protection Agency affecting names, tolerances, and uses of pesticides may occur between the time this publication was prepared and the time it is in your hands. The information herein is believed to be correct at the time of publication and is offered for purposes of general guidance only.