Deer repellent and pollinators - Ask Extension
I have deer that stroll through my front yard most evenings. For a long time I covered the lilies, and other flowers in cayenne pepper, which saved th...
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Deer repellent and pollinators #880095
Asked August 04, 2024, 8:17 AM EDT
I have deer that stroll through my front yard most evenings. For a long time I covered the lilies, and other flowers in cayenne pepper, which saved the flowers. However, I recently saw that cayenne pepper hurts pollinators, and I planted my flowers specifically for them. I saw something that I sprinkle on the ground that makes the plant spicy, but I can't use that near the milkweed, nor am I sure it won't hurt pollinators. Irish spring soap doesn't work on these deer. What can I use to repel deer, but is also safe for pollinators in my front yard? Thank you!
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Eloise,
Deer damage is one of the most frustrating problems facing the home gardener. I do believe that gardeners can still have a beautiful landscape, but they may have to look for different plants that they haven't considered before.
The following links from MSU Extension, one an article and the other a video, give some excellent advice about plant selection and methods to control damage caused by deer.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/smart_gardening_to_deter_deer
https://www.canr.msu.edu/videos/smart-gardening-to-deter-deer-1
The following site from Rutgers University Extension lists a variety of plants and ranks them according to deer resistance.
https://njaes.rutgers.edu/deer-resistant-plants/
About products that harm pollinators, manufacturers have to list whether their product harms bees, so always read the label carefully. Home remedies may help but are not very effective and must be applied often, especially after rainfall. The following link from Iowa State Extension discusses this problem.
https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=555323
I hope you find this useful and helps you plan for next year. Please don't hesitate to contact us again if you have more questions or need additional information.
Enjoy August!
Deer damage is one of the most frustrating problems facing the home gardener. I do believe that gardeners can still have a beautiful landscape, but they may have to look for different plants that they haven't considered before.
The following links from MSU Extension, one an article and the other a video, give some excellent advice about plant selection and methods to control damage caused by deer.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/smart_gardening_to_deter_deer
https://www.canr.msu.edu/videos/smart-gardening-to-deter-deer-1
The following site from Rutgers University Extension lists a variety of plants and ranks them according to deer resistance.
https://njaes.rutgers.edu/deer-resistant-plants/
About products that harm pollinators, manufacturers have to list whether their product harms bees, so always read the label carefully. Home remedies may help but are not very effective and must be applied often, especially after rainfall. The following link from Iowa State Extension discusses this problem.
https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=555323
I hope you find this useful and helps you plan for next year. Please don't hesitate to contact us again if you have more questions or need additional information.
Enjoy August!
