Pure Solutions Blog

How to Check for Signs of Deer Damage

Written by Athena Hadjipanayis | Jun 26, 2023 3:00:00 PM

Deer seem harmless and nice to look at, but when they eat your expensive landscape they can cost you thousands of dollars of lawn damage!

Deer reduce the growth rates when browsing buds. They can also create multiple-stemmed trees or even kill the tree entirely when they nip at the base and rub their antlers on the stems. Most homeowners try to fence off desired trees or plants, but this option is expensive and most deer can just jump over them and continue destroying their property. By far, the most effective method of protection is deer repellent. So why not opt for Pure Solutions' all-natural, organic treatment solution instead of the toxic, harsh chemicals contained in other sprays? Not only is it better for other wildlife and ecosystems, but it is also safer for your family, children, and pets!

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How Deer Destroy Your Property 🏡

Deer damage is a result of deer browsing on or trampling plants. This type of damage occurs year-round but is most common in the spring. The deer population today exceeds 25 million which makes it easy to understand why we see them on our properties so often. They have had the opportunity to grow unchecked due to the suburban environment; Consequently, they are a nuisance in many communities. Deer are herbivores and eat over 500 species of plants. A male deer consumes around 4 to 10 pounds of forage daily.

Deer can quickly eat down your lawn, leaving bare patches or areas of thin, damaged grass. They are known to dig up a lawn in search of grubs--a fall favorite of many forest animals! They also enjoy strawberries, many veggies, flowers, and the tips of young trees. This becomes a big problem when they can access your yard regularly since they will continue to graze on it and cause further damage over time. Most home landscapes and yards are easy access for hungry deer so it's important to protect your property organically!

 

Some Possible Signs of Deer Damage 🌳

  • Browsing
    • Branches, leaves, and twigs browsed by deer have a rough, torn, or shredded appearance. Deer don't have upper teeth so they must grasp and tear leaves and buds from plants!
    • Because they don't have upper incisors, there won't be tooth marks in bark or plants and such
    • Deer usually browse branches less than one inch in diameter
  • Antler Rubbing
    • Male deer will damage or shred the bark of small trees by rubbing their antlers to remove the velvet during the fall breeding season or rut. Antler rubbing can be a bigger problem than browsing and can occur even if you don't see browsing!
  • Droppings
    • If you see deer droppings, chances are that a deer was present
  • Tracks
    • Deer tracks are shaped like 2 halves of a broken heart and are about 2-3 inches long

It may be hard to understand what deer damage looks like just from a description. Here are some pictures so that you can get an idea (Click the arrows to scroll to a different picture!):

Deer Repellent FAQs 🙋‍♀️

Do deer deterrent sprays work?

A: Deer repellent works by emitting a scent and/or taste that is unpleasant to deer, causing them to avoid the area where the repellent has been applied. The active ingredients in deer repellent can vary depending on the product, but they commonly include natural compounds such as putrescent eggs, blood meal, garlic, or capsaicin (a chemical found in chili peppers). These compounds have an undesirable smell and taste to deer. The blood meal invokes a sense of death and decay, which signals to the deer that a predator could be nearby. Additionally, some deer repellents contain ingredients that create an uncomfortable sensation for deer, such as a burning or tingling feeling on the tongue. These sensory compounds are not dangerous or harmful to deer.

What is the most effective deer repellent?

A: The best deterrent to keep deer off your property is an all-natural product to avoid environmental damage and to offer the safest solution to your family. We use OMRI-listed, all-natural deer repellents to deter deer from entering your property, eating your plants, and depositing ticks on your property.

What time of year should you use deer spray?

A: Damage to landscape plantings and ornamentals may occur year-round, but is usually most severe in the winter and early spring when natural food sources are limited. Ticks are carried to your yard by deer and other wildlife. By deterring deer from your property, you also decrease the risk of contracting tick-borne illnesses near the home.

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How Can Pure Solutions Protect Your Property From Deer? 🦌

Receive a FREE deer repellent spray upon full-season sign-up! 🎁

Deer identify a plentiful landscape and tend to stay close until the food sources are depleted. Pure Solutions' natural deer repellent service lets you enjoy the beauty of your backyard by providing integrated, natural solutions that deter deer from feeding on your property.

Our organic, all-natural deer-repellent solutions do not harm deer and are biodegradable, so they protect the environment too. Repelling deer with our spray is a safe and effective method to keep them out of your garden or yard. It can be applied directly to plants or around the perimeter of the area you want to protect. They work by emitting strong smells and unpleasant tastes, which deter deer from approaching. It is important to reapply the organic sprays regularly, especially after rain or watering, to ensure they remain effective.

Interested in learning even more about how our services can prevent deer on your property? Get in touch!

Sources

https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/white-tailed-deer-damage#:~:text=Deer%20usually%20browse%20branches%20less,you%20do%20not%20see%20browsing.