Commercial Deer Repellent

Commercial Deer Repellent

This article will cover the effectiveness of commercial deer repellent. We will also cover deer damage caused by browsing. We will discuss studies conducted by universities concerning commercial property and application.

The United States and Canada has experienced an explosion in deer population over the past 100 years. According to animal experts, deer populations in the United States alone are estimated to be well over 30 million mark and rising. This is a huge increase when considering that in the early 1912’s white tail deer in the United States were around 450,000. Large white tail deer population will continue to grow out of control, effecting crops, landscapes and commercial property. The deer problem has become a matter of serious concern. Deer damage to new plant growth is a serious problem in many parts of North America including Canada. White tail deer damage is expected to exceed $2 billion nationwide, not including $100 million in agricultural crop damage, more than $750 million to the timber industry.

White tail deer inhabit forest edge consuming crops and commercial landscapes. Deer prefer food sources that contain hardwood, shrub, and crops. White tail deer forage grounds to feed and include an open range, crops, ornamental shrubs, and forest. Deer forage 12 months a year to survive, primarily feeding in late spring and summer. An average deer weighing 125 to 250 pounds requires from 4,000 to 6,000 calories daily. Deer fencing is an option but deer can jump 8 feet high. This type of prevention is typically not feasible due expense and costs of maintaining fenced in areas. Commercial deer repellent have been long been considered an effective method for deterring white tail deer. Commercial deer repellents are probably the most cost effective and widely used method of protecting crops, trees and landscapes.

Commercial repellents used to repel white tail deer are classified as odor or taste repellents. University studies have concluded sulfur odor based or putrescent whole egg solids are the most effective method of repelling deer, protecting crop investment. Repellents are usually applied directly to a plant, creating a foul smell and pungent taste. Commercial deer repellents are effective when applied frequently. There are several factors to detrain when properly protecting commercial farms, crops and landscapes. This is classified by weather, available food, and deer appetite determined by time of day. Commercial deer repellents require frequently application after substantial rainfall. Many deer repellents claim to be effective working for two to three months or longer regardless of the weather. Product effectiveness depends on a products sticking agent. Several university studies have proven commercial deer repellents that containing sulfurous odors were the most effective repellents.

Commercial deer repellent products containing sulfur odor based or putrescent whole egg solids have been proven to be the most effective method of repelling deer, protecting crops and investment.