How to keep deer away from yard this winter

Plants that deter deer

Baby’s Breath

Begonias

Crown Imperials

Daffodils

Dahlias

Forget-me-nots

Goldenrods

Marigolds

Morning Glories

Snapdragons

Tiger Lilies

An entire list of plants that are rarely, occasionally or frequently eaten by deer can be found at www.dnr.state.oh.us/Portals/9/pdf/pub138.pdf.

An increase of deer can be found in suburban areas across Ohio during the winter as they hunt for food.

That’s always been true, but this year there’s more of them.

According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, the deer population statewide prior to this year’s hunting season was estimated to be 750,000 — an increase of 50,000 over last year.

Oakwood resident Ann Couch has noticed deer while she walks around her neighborhood, close to Far Hills Avenue.

“I saw a big buck with big antlers on Harman Avenue limping because of what looked like a broken leg,” she said.

Couch has not seen deer in her backyard, but is worried about the deer’s proximity to busy roads.

Homeowners concerned about deer and the damage they cause can employ several methods to deter deer from visiting their yards.

Rick Jasper, assistant wildlife management supervisor with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, suggests using black netting to temporarily prevent deer from physically reaching plants homeowners wish to protect.

Chemical repellents are expensive and labor intensive, and some deer may not be affected by the taste or odor, cautions Jasper.

Ohio State Wildlife officer Trent Weaver says that deer love certain plants like tulips but will not touch daffodils.

Weaver recommends gardeners make a switch when it comes time to plant for the spring.

He also recommends protecting trees from deer bucks rubbing bark off by wrapping or fencing smaller trees.

Still, there’s no full proof way to prevent a visit.

“We have to realize they (deer) are part of the landscape and learn to live with them,” said Dave Nolin, conservation director for Five Rivers MetroParks.

Like Weaver, Nolin suggests using the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s list of plants rarely eaten by deer.