How to Keep Deer and Other Pests Away from Your Hostas

Updated on Jan. 23, 2023

Deer, rabbits and other animals love hostas just as much as gardeners. Here are some easy ways to keep these critters from eating them.

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Electronic Repellents

Ultrasonic devices emit a noise designed to keep pests like deer, mice and insects away from designated areas. The frequencies don’t disturb humans or pets and can be placed next to plants. Other options include electric fencing and motion-activated sprinklers. Do your research; not all products have the same ability to keep pests away.

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Chemical Repellents

A year-round treatment option like liquid fence repels deer, rabbits and other pests without damaging your hostas. A chemical repellent is a popular option because it won’t block the view of your plants and doesn’t need frequent application like some other common household products.

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Repelling Scents

Garlic, eggs and urine of predators offer strong fragrances that deter deer and other animals from making a meal of your hostas and other garden plants. Just remember, you need to periodically reapply fragrance deterrents so they continue to work.

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Repelling Tastes

Rotten eggs, Tabasco sauce, cayenne pepper and other strong spices are not tasty for those garden intruders. However, like odors that repel pests, you need to continue reapplying those deterrents.

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Fences

Fencing is a good option to keep small animals like rabbits away from your hostas, but it might not be the perfect solution. For one, larger animals, like deer, could hop over the fence. Also, a fence will block the view of the plant.

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Netting

Garden nets have many of the benefits and drawbacks of a fence. Netting is an inexpensive way to keep smaller animals out, but might lack some of the security for larger pests.

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Decoy Animals

Another option to ward off large pests are decoy statues. You can buy the pictured Coyote on Amazon for $61.

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Raised Beds and Planters — jgolby/shutterstock

Plant Containers or Raised Garden Beds

If all else fails, because hostas are shade-loving plants, you can relocate them to an area animals can’t access. A garden container or raised garden bed can house your hostas. Find some design inspiration here.