Deer are cloven-hoofed mammals found in Europe, Asia, and the United States.

There are 40 species of deer in the world. The largest is the North American Moose. Sadly many species are becoming extinct as man continues to encroach upon this woodland mammal.

Although to some, deer are creatures of beauty, to others they are simply pests that raid gardens, flower gardens and destroy lawns.

Deer are foragers, they eat the buds and the tips of small growths on the trees and bushes. They have the same grazing ability of a billy goat and within just a short time can munch themselves through the most prolific of gardens. Since they do not have incisors the plants show ragged chunks as the deer tear up the plant. They are also a danger to humans and pets because they carry the deer ticks that in turn carry Lyme Disease. Once they have moved into your area, how to you get rid of them, as most of the species are now on the Endangered List?

Pest Control Tips in dealing with Deer

One way to stop the home garden invasion is to put up a fence. You need to make it a tall fence however, for these creatures can leap amazingly high. They can jump at least five feet high.

One tip offered by Jerry Baker in his book Bug Off! Is to stretch an electric wire acoss the area being raided, then spread peanut butter over the whole wire. Turn the current on. The scent of the peanut butter will attract the deer and when they reach for the treat the zap will startle them.

Other deterrants:

mountain lion urine-available at sporting goods stores
human hair- you can get the trimmings from your local barber
catnip- the deer dislike this smell intensely, but you might have some happy feral cats rolling around your property.

Talk to your local fish and wildlife official and get some other ideas about how to keep deer off your property. Shooting the deer is not advisable.