Fall Deer Control Tips for New York and New Jersey Homes
As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to fall, deer become increasingly active in search of food to get them through the colder months. If you live in New York or New Jersey, fall is the time when deer activity peaks, and they can wreak havoc on your garden, trees, and landscaping. From grazing on plants to stripping bark from young trees, deer are a real threat to the health and beauty of your property in the fall.
In this blog, we’ll share practical deer control tips specifically for New York and New Jersey homeowners. Learn how to protect your home, garden, and landscape from deer damage this fall and ensure that your property stays beautiful and deer-free.
1. Understand Fall Deer Behavior
Before implementing deer control measures, it’s important to understand how deer behavior changes during the fall. As the weather cools and natural food sources begin to dwindle, deer become more likely to forage in suburban and residential areas, especially near gardens and landscaping.
Why Deer Become More Active in Fall:
- Food scarcity: As natural food sources such as acorns and crops become less abundant, deer turn to gardens, lawns, and ornamental plants for food.
- Bucks and does: Fall is also the mating season for deer, so bucks may become more territorial, which increases deer activity.
- Preparation for winter: Deer are actively feeding to build up fat reserves for the harsh winter months, making them more aggressive in foraging.
Understanding these behaviors will help you prepare and implement the right deer control measures to minimize damage to your property.
2. Apply Deer Repellent Sprays Before Deer Start Grazing
Fall is the time when deer are most likely to graze on your plants, trees, and shrubs. One of the most effective ways to protect your landscape is by applying deer repellent sprays before the deer begin foraging. The key is to apply the repellent early in the season to create a protective barrier that deters deer from entering your yard.
Benefits of Deer Repellent Spraying:
- Effective deterrent: Deer avoid areas where they smell or taste unpleasant substances, which is why deer repellent sprays work so well.
- Long-lasting: Our weather-resistant formula ensures that your plants remain protected, even in the rain or wind, for up to 3-4 weeks.
- Safe and eco-friendly: Our sprays use natural ingredients like garlic and peppermint oil, which are safe for your family, pets, and plants.
Starting early with deer repellent sprays ensures that your property stays deer-free throughout the fall months.
3. Protect Young Trees with Tree Guards
In the fall, deer will often strip bark from young trees, especially when food sources are scarce. This behavior can severely damage or even kill young trees, particularly those with thin bark. Tree guards provide a simple, effective solution to prevent this damage and protect your trees through the colder months.
How Tree Guards Help:
- Prevent bark stripping: Tree guards create a physical barrier around the trunk, stopping deer from gnawing on the bark.
- Easy installation: Tree guards are easy to install and can be used on newly planted or young trees to keep them safe from deer throughout the fall and winter.
- Long-term protection: Tree guards provide protection for multiple seasons, allowing your trees to mature without the risk of bark damage.
By using tree guards in combination with deer repellent sprays, you ensure that your young trees remain safe from deer throughout the fall and beyond.
4. Install Motion-Activated Deterrents
In addition to deer repellent sprays and tree guards, you can also use motion-activated deterrents like sprinklers and lights to keep deer off your property. Deer are naturally skittish and will often flee when they are startled by sudden movements or loud noises.
Types of Motion-Activated Deterrents:
- Motion-activated sprinklers: These sprinklers detect movement and emit a burst of water that startles the deer and drives them away.
- Motion-activated lights: Bright, flashing lights can make deer feel unsafe, especially during the dawn and dusk hours when they are most active.
These deterrents are a humane and effective way to discourage deer from entering your yard, making them a great addition to your fall deer control strategy.
5. Use Fencing and Netting for High-Risk Areas
While motion-activated sprinklers and deer repellent sprays are great for general protection, some areas of your property, like vegetable gardens or fruit trees, may need more robust protection. Installing fencing or netting around these high-risk areas will provide an additional layer of defense against deer.
Fencing and Netting Tips:
- Garden netting: Use netting around vegetable gardens, flower beds, or any other plants that deer love to eat. Netting can be draped over garden beds to create an impassable barrier for deer.
- Deer fences: While a full fence around your property may not always be practical, 3-4 foot tall fences around high-risk areas can prevent deer from entering.
- Tree and shrub protection: Wrap young trees or shrubs in netting to keep deer from nibbling on tender branches and leaves.
Combining fencing and netting with deer repellent spraying and other methods offers maximum protection for your landscape.
6. Prepare Your Yard for Winter Deer Activity
In addition to fall deer control, it’s important to prepare for increased deer activity as winter sets in. Deer are more likely to venture closer to homes during the colder months in search of food and shelter.
Winter Preparation Tips:
- Remove fallen fruit: If you have fruit trees, make sure to pick up any fallen fruit that could attract deer.
- Keep paths clear: Trim back any overgrown brush or grasses that deer may use to enter your yard.
- Maintain barriers: Check tree guards and fencing regularly to ensure they’re intact and still providing adequate protection.
By preparing your property in the fall, you can ensure that your landscape remains protected throughout the winter months, when deer are most likely to cause damage.
Why Choose Deer Guys for Fall Deer Control?
At Deer Guys, we understand the unique challenges homeowners face when it comes to deer control in the fall. Here’s why our Deer Repellent Spraying Service is the best option for protecting your property this season:
- Tailored solutions: We customize our services to meet the unique needs of your property, whether it’s young trees, gardens, or ornamental plants.
- Safe, eco-friendly products: Our natural, non-toxic repellent is safe for your family, pets, and plants.
- Long-lasting protection: Our weather-resistant formula ensures that your property stays deer-free throughout the fall, even during rain or wind.
- Ongoing service: With regular follow-up visits every 3-4 weeks, we ensure continuous protection for your landscape.
Related Services
- Deer Repellent Spraying Service – Learn more about how our professional spraying service can protect your landscape this fall.
- Our Products – Explore the natural ingredients in our deer repellent.
- Weather-Resistant Formula – See how our formula withstands harsh weather conditions.
- Contact Us – Reach out today to schedule your first deer repellent application.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Property with Fall Deer Control
Deer activity in the fall can be overwhelming, but with the right deer control measures, you can protect your landscape and plants from damage. By using deer repellent sprays, tree guards, motion-activated deterrents, and fencing, you can ensure that your property remains beautiful, healthy, and deer-free all season long.
Contact us today to schedule your first deer repellent application and protect your property this fall!
