How To Keep Deer Out of Your Yard

Jul 13, 2018 by Victoria Moore

How To Keep Deer Out of Your Yard
Learn how to keep deer out of your yard and away from plants effectively and safely. 


Keeping deer out of your garden and away from plants can feel like a losing battle at times.

As beautiful as they are, they can quickly become a nuisance to homeowners, homesteaders, and gardeners alike. We want to admire them, from afar that is. 

Are deer ruining your garden? If you're wondering how to to keep deer from eating plants, we have 17 tips for you. More often than not, it is the combination of these methods that yields the best results.

14 Tips To Keep Deer Out of Your Yard
1. Avoid Certain Flowers and Plants


Unfortunately, there are some plants that deer will go to great lengths to get to, included roses, daylilies, and hostas. As beautiful as they are, they're often not worth the trouble unless you have fences, repellents, and dogs around to keep the deer away.

Plants That Deer Love: 
  • Azaleas
  • Indian Hawthorn
  • Pansies
  • Violas
  • Blueberries
  • Japanese Aucuba
  • Tulips
If you just can't stand to part with certain flowers or shrubs, plant them close to your home.

2. Put Up Fencing


Fencing is one of the most effective ways to keep deer out of your yard. If you already have a fence and they're still getting through, consider upgrading. Ideally, the fence should be at least 8 feet high, without space for them to see through.

When the deer can peer through and see all of the delicious goodies your yard has to offer, they're much more likely to attempt to break in. 

3. Use Human Hair As A Deterrent

Some people swear by sprinkling human hair around their property, specifically around their garden. The scent of humans deters deer from coming into your yard. You can also put the hair in a stocking and hang it around the area.

This doesn't always work for everyone. If you live in a more urban or semi-urban area, the deer might be accustomed to smelling humans in which case it might not scare them away at all. But it's still worth a shot. 

You can also try using your dog's fur, if they shed a lot while you brush them.

4. Keep Your Yard Clean

A yard full of debris and clutter is inviting for deer. Tall grass looks like the perfect place to bed, and any fruit that has fallen in your yard makes for a yummy snack. 

You should also discard your crops after harvest. Deer like the plants just as much as the fruits and vegetables they produce. 

5. Get A Dog


Having dogs around can be quite effective in keeping deer out of your yard. Not only will their presence and loud barking scare them off, the scent lingering around your property can keep them away as well. 

6. Use Deer Repellent Pouches


These deer repellent pouches are affective, all-natural, and long-lasting. You simply hang the pouches near plants or trees that you would like to protect and the scent will deter the deer from eating your plants or snooping through the area. 

7. Make A Scarecrow

Making a scarecrow will often keep deer out of your yard, for obvious reasons. If they suspect someone is outside, they will more than likely be too skittish to approach. Unless, of course, they're used to being around humans. 

8. Take Your Birdfeeders Down

I know, I know. No one wants to part with their beautiful birdfeeders. But the fallen seed is tempting to deer. If you can't stand the thought of not having birdfeeders in your yard, at least make sure they're set up out of the deer's reach.

9. Try Homemade Repellents

Homemade repellents can work well for keeping deer out of your yard. The main downside is that homemade repellents are scent based, and will easily wear away. It takes frequent application, especially after it rains. 

You must also use a variety of recipes. Once the deer catch onto your trick, they won't hesitate to come through and eat your plants. Cycling through different homemade repellents is the best way to keep them at bay.

10. Make Some Noise
Because deer are so skittish, adding wind chimes or even the static from a radio can be enough to scare them away. Anything unfamiliar will throw them off and make them too nervous to come any closer. 

11. Plant Things That Deer Don't Like

Adding plants that deer dislike can keep them from exploring other areas of your yard. Deer avoid different plants for different reasons. For example, daffodil is poisonous to deer. Don't worry, they won't eat it. They'll just avoid it!

Deer also shy away from flowers with a strong scent, such as lavender, and they're not fans of prickly plants like cacti or spider flowers.

Deer Resistant Plants:
  • Daffodil
  • Yarrow
  • Lavender
  • Peony
  • Salvia
  • Barberry
  • Spider Flower
  • Cacti
  • Boxwood

12. Put Up Motion Activated Sprinklers
Having motion activated sprinklers in your yard can keep deer out, as the sudden mist of water will scare them away. It's extremely convenient because you won't have to worry about keeping an eye on your yard. 

13. Add Uneven Ground or Levels To Your Yard

If deer have the perception that getting into your yard is difficult, they often won't bother. Simply creating the appearance of uneven ground will often be enough to deter deer, as they are not avid climbers.

If they think they have to climb in and out to get into your yard, they'll move on. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Moth Balls Repel Deer?

Moth balls should never be used in a garden because they're highly toxic and yield minimal results. It's dangerous for pets, wildlife, and children in the area. Besides, any effectiveness moth balls provide will be short-lived because they vaporize into a toxic gas as they dissipate. 

What Smells Repel Deer?

The floral scents from the deer resistant plants listed above are offensive to deer, as well as cayenne, cinnamon, and garlic.
Some soaps have been found to repel deer as well, but you'll want to be sure to stay away from soaps with coconut oil, as this seems to attract them even more.
The scent of other animals and predators work as well.

Do Coffee Grounds Repel Deer?

Some people swear coffee grounds repel deer, but there's little evidence to fully support this. If the soil in your area is naturally acidic, it might be wise to skip the coffee grounds and opt for human hair and deer repel pouches.


Are you struggling with deer eating your plants? Have you had success with a method not mentioned in this article? We'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment below!

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