Wildlife Deterrent - Ask Extension
Any suggestions for deterring wildlife from a new vegetable garden area that is intended to include a fruit orchard, too? This country area has LOTS ...
Knowledgebase
Wildlife Deterrent #925802
Asked March 10, 2026, 5:20 PM EDT
Any suggestions for deterring wildlife from a new vegetable garden area that is intended to include a fruit orchard, too? This country area has LOTS of wildlife - including deer & bear and other north-central Minnesota wildlife.
What type of fencing would deter ALL nearby woodland neighbors?
TIA
Hubbard County Minnesota
Expert Response
Strong fencing.
The lowest two feet should have less than one inch spaces to deter rabbits and be fastened to the ground to prevent them from digging under it. Metal fencing like hardware cloth because rabbits can chew through plastic mesh.
https://ianrnews.unl.edu/fencing-most-effective-method-keeping-rabbits-away-gardens
7 or 8 feet high fencing will deter most deer unless they are very frightened and jump.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/deer_barriersfencing_repellents_dog_restraint_systems_e2672
https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/fencing
For bears, electric fencing
https://garybees.cfans.umn.edu/sites/garybees.umn.edu/files/files/bear.pdf
https://extension.psu.edu/hive-protection-bear-fence-design
Sprays, etc., will need to be frequently renewed and may not work for bears. Noise makers will work for deer until they get used to them and ignore them. Good Luck!
The lowest two feet should have less than one inch spaces to deter rabbits and be fastened to the ground to prevent them from digging under it. Metal fencing like hardware cloth because rabbits can chew through plastic mesh.
https://ianrnews.unl.edu/fencing-most-effective-method-keeping-rabbits-away-gardens
7 or 8 feet high fencing will deter most deer unless they are very frightened and jump.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/deer_barriersfencing_repellents_dog_restraint_systems_e2672
https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/fencing
For bears, electric fencing
https://garybees.cfans.umn.edu/sites/garybees.umn.edu/files/files/bear.pdf
https://extension.psu.edu/hive-protection-bear-fence-design
Sprays, etc., will need to be frequently renewed and may not work for bears. Noise makers will work for deer until they get used to them and ignore them. Good Luck!
