Lilies: deer and lilies, 0 by cathy166

cathy166 wrote:
If you live in the northeast, deer are not the only lily problem. As soon as it warms up some, I can always count on the invasion of the lily beetle.

We use deer netting, which is much easier to handle than barbed or any other kind of wire. As soon as their noses feel the netting, it deters them. Otherwise we end up with no tomatoes. Beside tomatoes and hosta, deer also like tulips and brunnera.

As to the lilies and similar plants, like fritillaria, you have to start early spraying. Bitter apple for pets works ok, however, rain washes it off and you have to be very careful that you don't get it on your lips or hands or everything you touch will be bitter.

For the pat 2 seasons I have been using a safe spray called Super Repellent from Country Fare LLC. It is a mix of essential oils and the resulting scent is oil of clove. Unaffected by rain, it comes mixed or in a refill to dilute and put into a spray bottle.