Do Deer Eat Hostas? How to Protect Them

Do Deer Eat Hostas?

Yes. Hostas are often called deer candy. Deer can strip a bed of hostas down to bare stems in a single night.

Why Deer Target Hostas

Hosta leaves are large, soft and full of moisture, and they grow in shady spots near the woodland edges deer use for cover.

When Damage Happens

Damage starts as soon as shoots unfurl in spring and continues all summer. Deer also eat the flower stalks in midsummer.

Signs Deer Are Eating Your Hostas

• Leaves eaten down to the stem, leaving bare petioles
• Ragged, torn leaf edges
• Missing flower stalks
• Damage overnight rather than slowly over days (slug damage shows small holes instead)

How to Protect Hostas From Deer

• Begin protection as shoots emerge, before deer find the bed
• Reapply as new leaves unfurl through late spring
• Keep coverage through summer for flower stalks
• Interplant with ferns or other plants deer browse less, but do not rely on it alone

What Does Not Work Well

Soap bars, human hair, wind chimes and motion lights may work for a few days. Deer get used to them quickly, especially when food is scarce. Store-bought sprays help, but most need reapplying after rain and every new flush of growth is unprotected until the next spray.

Get Professional Protection

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