Tips to Stop Deer from Eating Ivy

Homemade Repellent

• Although a commercial deer repellent that's sprayed on ivy can help protect it from deer, the cost and use of chemicals might not be desired. In this case, use a homemade repellent. Thoroughly mix 4 eggs, 2 ounces of chopped garlic and 2 ounces of hot pepper sauce with 1 quart of water. Run the mixture through a strainer to remove the solids, and spray it on the ivy plant. The smell and taste of this repellent will make deer think twice about continuing to munch on the plant.

Repelling Plants

• Certain plants, especially those that are very fragrant, can repel deer and keep them away from ivy that's growing in your garden. The fragrance of the plants makes it hard to smell nearby predators so deer prefer to stay away from them. Some deer-repelling plants that can grow within ivy's plant hardiness zones include lavender (Lavendula spp.), thyme (Thymus spp.), mint (Mentha spp.), and onion and garlic (Allium spp.). Plant these repelling plants near ivy or around your garden to keep deer out.

Other Repellents

• Some other easy-to-obtain, economical repellents can include clippings of human hair, fragrant soap and mothballs. Cut off the leg of a pantyhose at knee-height and fill the foot area with one of these items. Then, attach the pantyhose to stakes that are about 4 feet long and place them in the garden. When a deer comes across the strong-smelling odor, he'll think twice about going near the ivy. To remain effective, periodically switch up the type of repellent you use.

Fence

• Fencing off your property can be costly, but when done correctly, it can keep deer from getting to your ivy. Deer shouldn't be able to jump over, climb through or crawl under a fence. An 8-foot-tall, wire mesh fence that's installed upward from the soil line is ideal and durable. A 7-foot-high fence that's installed at a 45-degree-angle can prevent deer from jumping over it, and a brick fence that's at least 6 feet tall can also discourage deer. (See References 6 p. 211)