How to apply deer repellents best

Some methods of controlling or repelling deer in the past have involved hanging human hair from branches of trees or using bars of soap to repel deer. These are not the most effective methods, deer have benn seen eating bars of soap.

There are two major type of commerically produced deer repellents, contact repellents and area repellents. Contact repellents are applied directly to the plant that is being protected which causes them to taste bad. Area repellents are placed in problem areas and repel by smelling bad.

Following label directions can give you the best effectiveness. Most repellets should be appliedon a dry day with the temperatures being above freezing. Younger trees need to be treat completly as deer love the tender young growth. Older trees are generally treated to a height of 6 feet above maximum expected winter snow depth. Deer browse from the top down so make sure to treat at the bud or new growth level of theplants you want to protect.