Wildlife Damage Management, Internet Center for
Date of this Version
December 1985
Abstract
Research at the Pennsylvania State University was directed towards finding effective repellents to control damage caused by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and to develop a low-cost alternative to the traditional 2.4 m woven wire barrier fence, considered to be deer-proof, but too expensive for mgt agricultural uses. Fourteen repellents were screened and 9 were found to be more effective than the others. These 9 repellents were further investigated under semi-field conditions and only 1 repellent was found to be consistent in reducing deer feeding. A vertical electric deer fence was effective in excluding deer at field sites containing alfalfa, small grains, vegetables, orchards and young coniferous trees. This fence offers producers a low-cost alternative to the 2.4 m woven wire fence.