DE ER AND RABBIT CONTROL WITH CHEMICAL REPELLENTS 



DEER CONTROL : 



With Winter approaching, the problem of DEER browsing on fruit trees may 

 become acute in many orchards. There are various means of controlling deer, 

 depending upon the situation and the economics involved. If the financial 

 expenditure can be justified, deer-proof fences can be used. Fencing affords 

 year-round and long-term protection. A second means of minimizing damage is 

 by using chemical repellents. Basically, there are two types of repellents: 

 area repellents; and taste repellents. 



To date, area repellents have proved unsatisfactory. Taste repellents are 

 more practical and effective. The function of a taste repellent is to make the 

 treated material less desirable and palatable. Taste repellents are divided 

 into two groups: Winter or dormant season; and Summer or growing season. 



It is appropriate that we discuss the dormant season repellents at this 

 time. The duration of effectiveness of any repellent is primarily dependent 

 upon weather conditions. Usually under normal conditions a repellent, with a 

 sticker, will last for 2 or 3 months; one without an adhesive material tends to 

 wash off or become diluted more readily. 



The NEW IMPROVED, Z.I. P. is a ready-to-use concentrate which contains a 

 sticker. One gallon of NEW IMPROVED Z.I. P. should be mixed with one gallon of 

 water and stirred thoroughly, 



ARASAN 75 is another effective repellent. For brush application , mix 1 

 pound of Arasan 75 with 1 quart of Rhoplex AC-33 or Latex 512R and 2-1/2 quarts 

 of water. For spray application , use Arasan 75 with 0.5 millimeter orifices or 

 larger and 50-mesh strainer. Stir this mixture frequently. 



When ARASAN 42-S is used, mix 1 quart of Rhoplex AC-33 or Latex 512R with 

 2 quarts of water and add 1 quart of Arasan 42-S. Mix these ingredients thoroughly. 

 When using Arasan 42-S, mix only enough material for immediate use as the solids 

 in the finished preparation settle after standing several days and are difficult 

 to mix into suspension again. This mixture may be applied as a spray or by brush. 



Arasan contains Thiram. Other commercial products containing Thiram as a 

 repellent agent are available. However, if any of these materials are used, 

 close adherence to the directions on the label should be followed. 



When applying a repellent, treat all the terminal tips to at least 6 feet 

 above the expected snow line. If difficulty is encountered when trying to get 

 the material to adhere to the smooth bark of young stock, add 1/4 ounce 

 Methocal (1500 c.p.s. viscosity) per gallon and 3/4 ounce of Hexadecanol-ethanol 

 per gallon. The weather-resistant qualities of the mixture are also increased 

 by the addition of these materials. 



Applications of repellents should be made before snowfall; and frequent 

 checks should be made throughout the area to determine how well the material is 

 standing up to the elements. If an area has had a past history of damage, plans 

 should be made to treat this location. 



