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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (March 22, 2017)
20 Wednesday, March 22, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Draw the lide agaidst deer By Kym Pokorny Oregon State Extension Service CORVALLIS — A gar- den is like a box of bonbons to deer, and homeowners fill it with the candy they love most. “Deer are looking for the highest quality food, and our yards often offer the best smorgasbord,” said Dana Sanchez, a wildlife specialist for Oregon State University Extension Service. “When taking loving care of our plants — watering well and and fertilizing — we’re pro- ducing a really superior plant compared to what’s in the nat- ural environment. They are more tender and have more nutrition and water content.” In the wild, deer and native plants evolved together, so plants developed defenses like waxy leaves or prickles that make them more adapted to surviving grazing. Even when they do get nibbled, natives are more likely to sur- vive than the succulent plants in our gardens. “We’re often select- ing plants from other parts of the world that didn’t get to learn through evolution about the herbivores in our ecosystem,” Sanchez said. “They’re ‘naïve.’ Even roses that have prickles don’t have them around the beautiful blossoms, which the deer just snap off. They easily take what they want.” Choosing native plants – or other plants less attractive to their palate – helps deter deer. Deer explore our yards for more than just plants. They’re delighted with sup- plemental food provided deliberately by humans who believe they’re being kind; a practice Sanchez strongly dis- courages. Feeding deer gives them more motivation to wander into suburban, some- times even urban, yards. The feeling of safety once they arrive makes them want to stay. The large car- nivores that prey on them aren’t around and humans aren’t hunting them. Deer even become desensitized to dogs unless there’s a close confrontation, which usu- ally ends poorly for the dog, Sanchez said. “Places where humans live are a great place for deer to hang out, which makes it difficult to keep them away,” she added. But it’s an effort important to make. As more deer congregate, there’s potential for parasites and disease to spread among them- PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK selves and pos- sibly to humans. They sure are cute – until they eat all the blossoms off your tomato plants! For instance, in some Midwest and East barrier around the entire applied frequently during Coast states deer carrying yard. However, deer fencing, rainy periods or when plants the ticks that pass on Lyme made of a robust mesh mate- have been watered with an disease pose a significant rial, is an expensive initial overhead sprinkler. Even health issue. Plus, the large investment. Another option summer sunshine or extreme carnivores they’re trying to is a single strand of electrical heat can degrade the prod- escape may follow them into wire extended from a regular ucts. It’s also a good idea to vary the types of repellents neighborhoods, setting up a fence. Some people use motion- you use because deer become dangerous situation. “We don’t want large controlled scarecrow sprin- sensitized to the same one plant eaters or the meat eat- klers, which blast water when used repeatedly. And remem- ber, don’t spray them on any- ers that prey on them hang- activated. “That’s more of a shock- thing you might eat: The odor ing around,” Sanchez said. “Keeping wildlife in the wild and-awe deterrent,” Sanchez and taste is just as unpleasant is best for humans and the said. “It protects a limited for us as it is for the deer. area, though. Deer are notori- No matter what you do, animals.” But thwarting the high- ous for figuring out the spray don’t be surprised if you dis- jumping animals takes quite pattern and getting around it. cover munched plants in the an effort. Eventually, many They’re helpful for a corner garden. “Deer are determined and homeowners plagued by deer of the yard or a bed up against persistent when it comes resort to fences, whether an the house.” Deer repellents can be to filling their tummies,” enclosure around a prized rosebush or an 8- to 10-foot effective but need to be Sanchez said. FINEFURNITURE Techn ologyDesign Associates We live in a connected world. Technology can make your home more efficient, more comfortable, more enjoyable — more like home. Technology Design Associates offers home the- ater systems, automated lighting, automated shading, streaming music and more. Energy management can make your home more efficient and save you money. 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