Reasons for control

• They may eat plants in your garden, roses and runner beans are particular favourites.
• They may damage young trees when the bucks clean their antlers of velvet by rubbing them against a young tree

Biology

The most common type of deer you are likely to meet is the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). In some areas, you may see the smaller muntjac deer (Muntiacus reevesci).

• Roe deer are approximately 3 feet tall.
• They have black noses and no visible tail
• They have a red coat in summer and a dark brown – grey coat in winter.
• From January to the end of March roe may be found in family groups feeding on any available vegetation.
• Fawns are born in May.
• Fawns are often left hidden by the doe for the first few days of life if you find a lone fawn do not touch or approach it.
• The breeding season takes place from the end of July to early August, Bucks (males) may be seen chasing Does (females) sometimes causing worn circles in the grass.
• Bucks begin to mark their territory from April to August by thrashing their antlers again young trees. This may also cause damage

Prevention & control

There are various ways to prevent deer entering your garden:

Fencing

• A well-designed and constructed fence will exclude all deer from your property and is probably the most cost effective method of damage control.
• Ideally, fencing should be constructed from solid wooden panelling at a minimum height of 6 feet. A chain link or welded mesh netting supported by stout wooden posts is also suitable.
• The use of flimsy or plastic netting should be avoided as it may result in entanglement and injury to the deer.
• Consult with the boroughs planning department before erecting fencing, as approval may be necessary.

Repellents

• The use of repellents may break the deers' habit of living in or browsing through your garden.
• To be effective they need to be continually topped up.
• In times of food shortages the deer may ignore the repellents.
• There are repellents available specifically for this purpose.
• Alternatively there are some home remedies
  • Moth balls scattered around vulnerable plants
  • Sage in boiled water sprinkled around vulnerable plants
  • Small net bags of human hair tied to branches or fencing.

To protect individual plants and trees wire mesh guards can be placed around young trees and shrubs to prevent damage from fraying and browsing. The mesh must be minimum height of 4ft, robust and securely fastened. Remember to remove the guard once the tree or shrub has grown beyond its vulnerable stage.

Culling
Culling is restricted by law and can only be undertaken by a licensed marksman. We do not offer a pest control service for deer.

For more specific information on deer please visit www.bds.org.uk (this page opens in a new window).

Environmental Health and Licensing Services   
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444371
Fax: 01483 444546
Email: environmentalhealth@guildford.gov.uk