Deer are welcome visitors for many property owners, but may sometimes cause damage to gardens and other landscaping.

Feeding deer is illegal in California. It is unsafe and unhealthy for both people and deer!

Most deer will be discouraged by a 6′ fence, but if they are particularly determined you may need a taller fence to keep them out. Fences built on slopes may need to be taller to keep deer from jumping over them in a downhill direction and becoming trapped.

If you cannot exclude deer with a tall enough fence, you may choose to exclude them from particular plants with a wire cage. You may also have limited success with chemical deer repellents or noise-making devices.

More information on managing deer in urban and suburban areas can be found on the UC IPM Program website.

Page last reviewed: September 1, 2023