How To Handle Deer In The Backyard
Here’s how to deter wildlife from your home with an Arlo security system.
Here’s how to deter wildlife from your home with an Arlo security system.
Imagine you’re getting ready for bed. It’s a cold winter night, with a thin layer of snow draping your driveway. You hear some rustling outside, and your Arlo Secure app just buzzed with a motion alert.
Thanks to your Pro 3 Wireless Floodlight Camera, you notice a family of white-tailed deer walking down your driveway. A couple of fawns even pause for a cursory glance at an open gate leading to your neighbor’s backyard:
What should your first response be when seeing deer in your driveway? And most importantly, how can you prevent deer from eating your foliage? We’ve done the research, and here’s what to do.
According to World Deer, a trusted source of information about deer, these animals are generally gentle and docile, not inherently aggressive. In encounters with humans, they are more likely to hide or flee. However, deer can exhibit aggression if they are injured, feel scared, or perceive a threat. Simply put, deer can be harmless. Unless they are injured, leave them alone until they wander off your lawn.
There are approximately 36 million deer in the United States, found in every state, according to the latest data. With such a dense deer population nationwide, safeguarding your backyard is a good idea. Let’s explore key solutions to repel these animals from your property and protect your plants 24/7.
As temperatures rise during spring and summer, mother deer tend to seek out food for their fawns. They are fond of vegetables and fruits, so if you have a garden or fruit trees, harvest produce as soon as it’s ready.
The best way to prevent deer from eating your plants? You know it: avoid planting deer-attractant plants (here’s a list). If you must have these plants, consider planting them close to your home. These are skittish animals and tend to avoid getting too close to buildings.
While some plants attract deer, others have the opposite effect. A wide variety of flowers, bushes, and trees can bring life to your backyard while keeping them away (here’s a handy list). You can even find deer-resistant wildflower seed mixes online, ready to plant in your home and minimize deer damage.
A security camera will not only alert you of incoming wildlife. It can also be used to keep animals away. For instance, the Arlo 2nd Gen Essential Security Camera comes with 2-Way Audio. Use this feature to startle deer from afar, using the Arlo app. This camera also features an Integrated Spotlight and Color Night Vision.
Want to save your footage? All Arlo cameras come with a free trial of Arlo Secure. With an Arlo Secure plan, you can react faster and take immediate action. Receive smarter alerts with Object Detection and upgrade from local storage to cloud storage.
Deer have a keen sense of smell and will avoid areas with unpleasant odors. To deter these animals, consider hanging bars of soap around your yard. Human hair is also effective when placed around bushes and garden beds, out of sight.
Another option is using rotten eggs, either as an ingredient in some commercial repellents or in a DIY solution. (Although, be aware, you may dislike the smell of rotten eggs just as much as they do).
Most wildlife will be deterred by any bright light or loud noise outside your home. Options like the Pro 3 Wireless Floodlight Camera offer all-in-one security to protect expansive areas. Upgrade your existing outdoor floodlight with a powerful 2K security camera built right into a bright LED floodlight. Or consider other options, like Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera with bright motion-activated lights to protect your property.
Deer love using densely planted areas as cover. Be sure to trim trees and shrubs to eliminate cover—and discourage deer from settling in for the night. Fencing in your space also helps. Want to go the extra mile? Consider installing an electric fence.
An outdoor security camera can be useful for monitoring when trees or bushes are becoming overgrown. Options such as the Arlo 2nd Gen Essential XL Security Camera feature extended battery life, making them perfect for your vacation home or for when you’re preparing for an extended vacation.
As mentioned, deer are skittish animals. One effective method to scare them away is investing in a motion-activated sprinkler or floodlight. Options such as the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera feature a powerful 2K security camera built right into a bright LED floodlight. With Motion Detection and a Built-in Siren, deer will be scared away as soon as they’re detected.
A floodlight will also be helpful in identifying which plants are attracting the local fauna, keeping an eye on your perimeter, and, most importantly, deterring potential criminals.
Whether it’s wildlife or a potential criminal, Arlo helps you protect your home and keep unwanted visitors away. Install a reliable security camera to monitor everything from wherever you are. Enhance your home protection with an Arlo Home Security System, capable of detecting and monitoring 8 different threats. And with an Arlo Secure subscription plan, you’ll have access to 24/7 Professional Monitoring, Cloud Storage, and more.
