Do you have a garden and are plagued by deer? If so, you’re not alone. Deer can be quite destructive when they start grazing on plants and flowers. The good news is that there are ways to keep them out of your garden – and one of the most functional methods is using fishing line. In this comprehensive guide, we will answer common questions about keeping Deer Out of Garden Fishing Line, as well as provide some useful tips to get you started. Let’s get started!
Keeping Out Deer with Fishing Line
One of the best ways for keeping deer out of the garden is by using fishing line. You may use a clothesline to build an undetectable barrier that deer will avoid by hanging the line around your yard. Plus, it’s a very inexpensive way to protect your plants!
Here are some tips:
- Tie the fishing line around your garden’s perimeter at a height of roughly four feet. Make sure that there are no gaps in the line so that deer can’t slip through.
- Use wooden stakes or metal posts to support the line. This will prevent it from sagging over time.
- Every few feet, attach a small bell to the line. This will create a noise deterrent that will further discourage deer from entering your garden.
- Check the line regularly to make sure that it is still in good condition and hasn’t been damaged by weather or animals.
Pros of the Fishing Line Deer Fence
The greatest benefit of utilizing a fishing line fence is its low cost. This is a wonderful option if you’re searching for a low-cost solution. It’s also straightforward to set up and doesn’t require any unusual tools or equipment. Another plus is that it is virtually invisible, so it will not detract from the natural beauty of your landscape.
If you are looking for a low-cost, easy-to-install deer fence, a fishing line fence is a good option.
Cons of the Fishing Line Deer Fence
One downside of a fishing line fence is that it might not be strong enough to keep out bigger animals such as elk or moose. Also, if the line breaks, it can be difficult to repair. Finally, because it is made of plastic, it will eventually degrade in sunlight and will need to be replaced more often than other types of fencing.
The fishing line can break easily and needs to be replaced often, which can be costly. Also, if the fence is not installed properly, deer can easily jump over it. Finally, this type of fence does not keep other animals out of the garden, such as rabbits or rodents.
If you live in an area with a lot of deer, the fishing line fence may not be the best option for you. There are other options available that may be more effective, such as electric fences or netting. These types of fences are more expensive upfront but will last longer and be more effective in keeping deer out of the garden.
If you’ve chosen the fishing line deer fence for your yard, there are a few things to keep in mind while putting it up. Ensure to install the fence properly. The posts should be at least six feet tall and the fishing line should be strung tightly between them. Second, use durable fishing line that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Third, check the fence regularly and replace any broken lines promptly.
Setting up a Fishing Line Deer Fence
Setting up a fishing line fence is one approach to keep deer out of the garden. This type of fence is simple to construct and can be made from materials you may already have around your property. Here’s how to do it:
- First, you’ll need to find a suitable location for your fence. It should be at least six feet tall and extend around the perimeter of your garden. You’ll also need to make sure there are no gaps or holes that the deer could squeeze through.
- Next, you’ll need to gather your materials. For this type of fence, you’ll need plastic or metal fencing posts, fishing line, zip ties, and something that can weigh down the bottom of the fence is rocks or bricks.
- Once you have all of your materials, you can start setting up your fence. Begin by driving the fencing posts into the ground around the perimeter of your garden. Make sure they are spaced evenly and that they are all the same height.
- Next, attach the line to the posts using zip ties. Start at the top of the posts and work your way down, making sure that the line is taut as you go.
There are a few things to bear in mind when using this method. Ensure that the fishing line is always taut. If it isn’t, the deer will be able to push through or over the fence. Second, this type of fence won’t work if you have a lot of deer in your area. In that case, you’ll need a more sturdy fence.
But if you have just a few deer that are occasional visitors to your garden, this method should do the trick. So give it a try and see how it works for you!
Protecting Your Garden from Deer with Lavender or Strong Smelling Plants
Deer have a very strong sense of smell, so planting things like lavender or other strong smelling plants can help keep them away from your garden. You can also try using essential oils to make a natural deer repellent. Just mix some water with a few drops of oil and spray it around your garden.
Plants that Protect Your Garden from Deer
Deer love to munch on tender young plants, and will often strip a garden bare in a single night if left unchecked. But there are some plants that deer find unpalatable, and planting these around the perimeter of your garden can help keep them out.
Some of the best plants for deterring deer include:
Mint
Mint is a strong-smelling herb that deer find offensive.
Be sure to plant mint in a pot or container, as it can spread quickly and take over your garden if left unchecked.
Dill
Dill is another herb that deer find unpalatable. Deers will often avoid areas where dill is growing.
Like mint, dill can spread quickly, so be sure to plant it in a pot or container.
Bee Balm
Deer despise bee balm, which is a mint species.
Chives
Alliums, such as chives, are also disliked by deer.
Cosmos
Cosmos are beautiful flowers that come in a variety of colors. They’re also one of the few flowers that deer will avoid.
Garlic
Garlic is a great plant to grow if you’re looking to keep deer out of your garden. The strong smell will deter them from entering the area.
Oleander
Oleander is a poisonous plant, so it’s best to keep it away from pets and children. However, deer will also stay away from oleander due to its toxicity.
Rosemary
Rosemary is an evergreen shrub with fragrant, needle-like leaves. Deer avoid rosemary because of its strong scent.
Russian Sage
Russian sage is a perennial herb that produces small, blue flowers.
Deer find the scent of Russian sage to be unpleasant and will avoid areas where it’s growing.
Thyme
Thyme is a low-growing herb with tiny, fragrant leaves. Deer avoid thyme because of its strong scent.
Hyssop
Hyssop is a perennial herb that produces small, blue flowers. The fragrance of hyssop is unpleasant to deer, who will avoid regions where it grows.
By planting some or all of these plants around the perimeter of your garden, you can deter deer from coming in and eating your plants. But sometimes, even these plants aren’t enough to keep them out.
Double Layer Anti-Deer Fencing
The cheapest and easiest way to keep deer out of your garden is by creating a double-layer fence. All you need is some fishing line and posts or netting.
To create a double-layer fence, simply tie the fishing line around the posts or netting at different heights. The deer will not be able to jump over the fence and will be deterred from entering your garden.
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you can install an electric fence. While this may be more expensive upfront, it will definitely save you money in the long run as you won’t have to keep replacing your fencing material.
Installing an electric fence is relatively simple and can be done in just a few hours. Simply run the fence around the perimeter of your garden and connect it to an electrical source. When the deer touch the fence, they will receive a mild shock that will deter them from entering your garden.
If you have a serious deer problem, you may want to consider hiring a professional trapper.
Professional trappers will use humane methods to trap the deer and relocate them to a different area. [2]
How to Build a Double Layer Fence
You can build a double-layer fence by following these steps:
- Find the property line and mark it with flags or paint. This will be the outermost layer of your fence.
- Dig post holes every six to eight feet along the property line. The depth of the holes will depend on the height of your fence.
- Set posts in concrete and let them cure for 24 hours.
- Attach fencing material to the posts. We recommend using a woven wire fence with a mesh size no larger than two inches square.
- Install an electric fence charger at one end of the fence line. Be sure to follow all manufacturer’s instructions when installing the charger.
- Test the fence by walking around it with a metal rod. If the fence is properly charged, you should feel a shock when you touch the fence with the rod. [3]
By following these steps, you can build a double-layer fence that will effectively keep deer out of your garden.
Comparing Methods to Keep Deer Out of the Garden using Fishing Line
Deer can wreak havoc on gardens, causing damage to plants and flowers. Using fishing lines as a deterrent is a common approach to keep deer away. This table compares different indicators of effectiveness for various fishing line methods used to deter deer from entering gardens.
| Method | Visibility | Cost | Installation Difficulty | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon Monofilament | Low | Low | Easy | Moderate |
| Reflective Tape Barrier | High | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
| Double Line Fence | Medium | High | Difficult | High |
| Vertical Line Pattern | Low | Low | Easy | Low |
Here’s an explanation of the indicators used in the table:
- Visibility: Indicates how easily the fishing line method can be seen by both humans and deer. A low visibility score means the method is less noticeable.
- Cost: Reflects the expense associated with implementing the fishing line deterrent. A low cost indicates affordability, while a high cost implies a greater investment.
- Installation Difficulty: Describes how challenging it is to set up the fishing line method. An easy installation is quick and straightforward, while a difficult one may require more time and effort.
- Effectiveness: Measures how well the fishing line method keeps deer out of the garden. High effectiveness implies that the method is successful in deterring deer, while low effectiveness indicates that it may not be very reliable.
Key Takeaways:
- Nylon Monofilament: This method is easy to install and has moderate effectiveness. It is less visible and affordable but may not deter deer as effectively as other methods.
- Reflective Tape Barrier: While highly visible, this method has a moderate cost and installation difficulty, but its effectiveness is relatively low.
- Double Line Fence: This method is effective in keeping deer out but comes with a high cost and installation difficulty. It’s also quite noticeable due to the double line setup.
- Vertical Line Pattern: An easy and low-cost option, but its effectiveness is limited. It is less noticeable but might not provide reliable deer deterrence.
The choice of fishing line method depends on factors such as budget, visibility concerns, and the desired level of effectiveness in keeping deer out of the garden.
FAQ
Does putting fishing line around a garden keep deer out?
Yes, fishing line can be an effective deer deterrent. When stringing the line around your garden, be sure to tie it tautly between posts or other sturdy objects, and keep it at least four feet off the ground. You may also want to attach shiny objects like old CDs or pie pans to the line, as deer are easily alarmed by movement and noise. Finally, remember to check the line regularly and replace it if it becomes frayed or broken.
What is a good homemade deer repellent?
There are a number of homemade deer repellents that you can try. One popular recipe calls for mixing together one quart of water, one tablespoon of liquid dish soap, and two tablespoons of Tabasco sauce. Another effective repellent can be made by boiling one egg in water for three minutes, then adding the egg to two cups of water and spraying the mixture on your plants.
Of course, the best way to keep deer out of the garden is to build a fence around it. A good-quality fence should be at least eight feet tall and made of sturdy materials like welded wire or stone. If you live in an area with a high deer population, you may also want to consider installing an electric fence. Whatever type of fence you choose, be sure to maintain it regularly and keep it in good repair. [4]
What smell will keep deer away?
Try and mask the smell of your plants with another strong scent. Deer have a very keen sense of smell, so anything that smells strongly to us will likely be even more pungent to them. Some people recommend using products like deer repellent or human hair clippings around the perimeter of your garden. Others say that placing bars of soap or fabric softener sheets in the middle of your planting beds will do the trick.
You could also try spraying your plants with a mixture of water and garlic or peppermint oil. This won’t necessarily mask the smell of your plants, but it will make them taste bad to deer. And if they get a mouthful of that, they’re likely to stay away from your garden in the future.
There are a few other things you can do to keep deer away from your garden. You could try installing a fence around the perimeter of your property. This will obviously take some time and effort, but it will be very effective in keeping deer out. Just make sure the fence is high enough – deer can jump pretty high! – and that there are no gaps or holes that they could squeeze through.
You could also try using netting or chicken wire around your plants. This won’t necessarily keep deer out completely, but it will deter them from eating your plants if they have to work a little bit harder to get to them.
Lastly, you could try using scarecrows or motion-activated sprinklers in your garden. These won’t necessarily keep deer away permanently, but they can be effective in deterring them for short periods of time. [5]
What can I put in my garden to keep deer away?
There are a few things that you can put in your garden to keep deer away. One is to plant certain types of plants that deer do not like. Another is to put up a fence around your garden. And lastly, you can use repellents.
Certain plants that deer do not like include: lavender, marigolds, and garlic. You can also try planting certain herbs, such as rosemary and thyme.
Putting up a fence around your garden is probably the best way to keep deer out. A good height for the fence is at least six feet tall. The fence should also be made of a material that deer cannot easily jump over or through, such as chicken wire or wire mesh.
There are a variety of different deer repellents that you can use. You can buy these at most hardware stores or online. The most common type of deer repellent is a spray that you apply to the plants in your garden. Another type of deer repellent is a granular form that you sprinkle around your garden. Whichever type of deer repellent you choose, make sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully.
Can I use monofilament fishing line to deter deer from my garden?
Yes, monofilament fishing line can be an effective method to deter deer from your garden. When strategically placed at different heights around your garden, the fishing line creates a barrier that deer find difficult to navigate.
How do I set up the fishing line to keep deer out of my garden?
To set up the fishing line, start by tying one end to a sturdy post or tree at a height of about 3 feet. Then, run the line at various heights around your garden, tying it to other posts or trees. Create a crisscross pattern to confuse the deer and discourage them from entering.
What spacing should I use between the fishing lines?
For optimal effectiveness, space the fishing lines approximately 2-3 feet apart vertically. This spacing helps create a visual barrier that confuses and deters deer from entering your garden.
Will the fishing line hurt the deer?
No, the fishing line is not meant to harm the deer. It serves as a visual deterrent, making it uncomfortable for the deer to approach your garden. The goal is to create an obstacle that discourages them from entering while keeping them safe.
How often should I replace the fishing line?
Check the fishing line regularly for signs of wear, damage, or sagging. Replace any damaged or sagging sections promptly to maintain an effective deer deterrent. Depending on weather conditions and wear, you may need to replace the fishing line every few months.
Can I use fishing line in addition to other deer repellent methods?
Yes, combining fishing line with other deer repellent methods can enhance your garden’s protection. Consider using it alongside scent-based repellents, motion-activated devices, or physical barriers for a more comprehensive approach to keeping deer away.
Are there any specific types of fishing line that work best?
Monofilament fishing line with a higher pound test (thickness) is generally recommended for this purpose. Thicker lines are more visible and can create a stronger visual barrier. However, any sturdy fishing line can be effective in deterring deer.
Can I use this fishing line method for other animals?
While fishing line can deter some animals, it’s primarily effective against deer due to their height and movement patterns. For other animals, such as rabbits or groundhogs, you might need to consider different deterrent methods tailored to their behaviors.
Is the fishing line method suitable for all types of gardens?
The fishing line method can be used in various types of gardens, including vegetable gardens, flower beds, and ornamental gardens. However, consider the aesthetics and overall layout of your garden before implementing this method, as the fishing line might be more noticeable in certain settings.
Useful Video: Cheap and Easy Deer Proof Garden Fencing using Fishing Line
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping deer out of the garden with fishing line is a cheap, effective, and humane method. It is also low-maintenance once you have it set up.
So, those are our tips on keeping deer out of your garden with fishing line! We hope you found this article helpful and that you’ll give this method a try. Happy gardening!
References:
- https://offgridpermaculture.com/Permaculture/Ways_to_Keep_Deer_Out_of_the_Garden_that_Actually_Work.html
- https://practicalselfreliance.com/cheap-deer-fencing/
- https://www.ehow.co.uk/how_6299457_build-double-sided-wood-fence.html
- https://www.deerbusters.com/blog5-diy-deer-repellent-recipes/
- https://dengarden.com/gardening/how-i-saved-my-garden-best-deer-deterrent-ever
