The Kitchen Staple That'll Help Keep Deer Out Of Your Yard

Deer are beautiful creatures, but their presence in your yard can wreak havoc on your carefully cultivated plants. These animals are naturally attracted to gardens because they offer a buffet of fresh greens and tasty flowers. Their remarkable sense of smell is a significant factor in this attraction; deer can smell at least 1,000 times better than humans, thanks to having around 250 million olfactory receptors compared to our mere 5 million. This heightened ability allows them to detect food sources from considerable distances, making it crucial to implement strategies that deter them from targeting your plants.

One effective method is to create a DIY milk spray that can mask the appealing scents of your flowers and vegetables. The pungent aroma of this spray can confuse deer, making them less likely to approach your garden. Interestingly, products like Irish Spring soap have also been known to repel deer due to their strong fragrance. By combining these ideas into a homemade solution, you can create a barrier that keeps these foragers at bay.

When encountering deer in the wild, it's important to remember that if you get too close, the best course of action is to back away slowly while facing the animal. Maintaining a distance of at least 50 meters ensures safety for both you and the deer. This principle applies when trying to keep them out of your yard as well; but by creating an environment that is less appealing, you can encourage them to seek food elsewhere.

Creating a DIY milk spray is both straightforward and budget-friendly. You can use any kind of milk, whether it's whole, 2%, skim, or even buttermilk. For optimal effectiveness, allow the milk to sit out of the refrigerator for at least a day. This process encourages the milk to develop a strong odor, which is essential for repelling deer. Once the milk has aged appropriately, pour half a cup into a 16-ounce spray bottle, along with a tablespoon of cooking oil, and a tablespoon of dish soap. From there, you can fill up the bottle halfway with water. 

For an extra kick, consider adding a beaten egg to your mixture. This addition enhances the smell significantly; when combined with the aged milk and exposed to sunlight on your plants, it creates an overpowering scent that deer find highly unappealing.

To apply your homemade spray effectively, target areas in your garden where deer tend to graze. Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times for application since these are peak hours for deer activity. Spray generously around the edges of your garden and directly onto plants that are particularly attractive to deer. Reapply after rain or every few weeks to maintain its effectiveness. As an added bonus, you can also incorporate this fishing line hack, which functions as an additional deer-repellant.