Bambi, Thumper, Mickey and their friends may not be so cute in parks and gardens. The growing herds of deer, for example, are unwelcome in New York. The influx concerns parks department officials because the animals can destroy a forest understory and chip away at the bark of trees, explained The New York Times recently.
Browsing deer are problem enough in summer. But when there is no longer lush, foliage within easy reach, deer will reach up to eight feet on their hind legs to tear off evergreen trees. When that is finished, they, like rabbits and mice, resort to off stripping bark.
Orchard owners and plant nursery operators know this behaviour threatens their liveliehoods. It can also play havoc not only in rural gardens but also to urban landscapes as deer and rabbits move into cities to take advantage of easy pickings without fear of ending up as dinner.
Technically, two fungicides, thiram and ziram, are used as deer repellants along with bone oil. The first two also repel rabbits, along with blood dust, naphthalene and nicotine. Properly formulated, the first two require only a single application in late fall to last all winter. Widely available ‘Skoot Animal Repellant’ contains thiram paint or spray for the trunks of trees and shrubs, repelling deer, rabbits, mice, and dogs, is distasteful but non-toxic to these animals.
The others – blood dust, naphthalene and nicotine – degrade rapidly under environmental conditions. Nicotine is also a highly toxic. Rain and cold are also enemies of home formulations, which may include any one or more of hot peppers, garlic, milk, oil of cloves, and hair clippings along with egg, oil or liquid detergent to make the mixture adhere to branches and foliage.
On a limited scale, bars of scented soap suspended in ties of old pantyhose from branches offer short-term protection until the animals become accustomed to them. Some enthusiasts, however, claim that the secret is to regularly exchange switch brands of soap. Hanging similar bags of human hair is also said to achieve the same effect.
Those seeking the ultimate in natural solutions might wish to try available commercially coyote or other predator urine in gel form. It is also said to deter cats . . .
Another natural, if short-term discouragement, as any experienced camper can vouch for, is male urine. Copious consumption of liquid beverages is suggested followed by nocturnal application lest neighbours notice. It only needs to be added that such urine is an excellent source of fertilizer.
