Looks like my hosta this week, and I’ve assumed it’s deer. Since then I’ve been covering mine at night with open-weave plastic crates, sheets, etc. So far it’s working and crossing my fingers they don’t get brave enough to explore the hosta beds next to my house. Oh, and I fixed the outdoor motion light by this bed.

I’m wondering if they came to the yard looking for water. I have birdbaths I keep filled and one was knocked over last weekend. We are in a drought. So I have stopped filling them.

I'm off to the nursery for deer repellent.

damned things.

We have deer, but no to the extent of you, Marie, fortunately. The combination of local predators and the occassional hunter helps. But, this year even those who lean towards PETA are wishing there were more local hunters. I expect more-than-usual deer damage.

I have a friend here who put up mesh baggies on poles of hair in her garden and SWEARS that suddenly the deer stayed away. I’ve heard of this before. Has anybody else tried it? I’m going to start collecting my hair and see.

I know I have rabbits. Haven't seen any sign of deer in our yard, but we've seen them a few blocks away.

The rabbits have been eating stalks and leaving the upper part of the leaf behind. Except recently I've had damage on one hosta that looks more like yours -- nothing left of the leaves. I can't say for sure that this one of mind was from rabbits, but it seems most likely.

Deer have no upper teeth so they will show a tearing of the leaf or stalk. Rabbits usually make a cleaner cut.

tj

yes my impresdion tsuja. last fall 15 Junes were ripped and torn.

but i didnt know that fact.

So does that look like deer to you?

Yes it does.

tj

I have read where people are having success with these guys.

what are they, love to grow?

Here is a link to a youTube video. These guys jump and dance. Waving arms too. If the link is not there go to : (334) Econo wind dancer air puppet inflatable balloon by Advertising Ideas - YouTube

Genius!! Pure genius. I’m going to get an Air Dancer. Thanks @ilovetogrow z9 Jax Florida!!

Deer spray is the only thing that works in our yard. The deer know just how far a dog can go on a leash--they know we wouldn't let our very large dog near them, they also know how to hop over fences unless they are quite high, and get around barriers. Let us know if they work for you since I have my doubts for my yard.

Yes, looks like deer damage. Deer spray or replace the hostas with plants that are more deer resistant.

The first photo looks like the rabbit damage I see here, we have NO deer in this part of suburbia. The second photo isnt from rabbits, rabbits eat from the outer edge of the plants. A few years ago I had a 2’ diameter hosta loose every leaf to the rabbits. unfortunately that hosta has still not recovered, still very small.

Sherry

Marie, sorry to see that damage to your full hostas. I always wish deer would understand to eat the weeds and leave the rest. I’m lucky mine don’t bother hostas, but the vegetable garden is another story!

tsugajunkie, that’s interesting about deer not having upper teeth.

Ilovetogrow, so funny! I can see that spooking the deer, but it would probably have to be moved now and then so they don’t catch on.

littlebug, pictures please if you get one of these!