Doe, a deer, a hungry deer

In Northeast Ohio, June and July are peak months for the birth of fawns. That means both mother and fawn are hungry for nutrition. Unfortunately, our area is also experiencing significant deer overpopulation, which increases the spread of disease, causes surges in dangerous vehicle collisions, results in overbrowsing of local forests, and encourages deer to wander where they do not belong.

In our backyards.

If you have already experienced deer damage, it’s not too late to take action. “Most plant species we select for our landscaping are resilient and still have time to recover this summer,” explains Jeff Ardo, founder of En Garde Deer Defense. “This includes hydrangeas, geraniums, roses and many more.”

Jeff should know. He is an expert on deer behavior and habitat, as well as in horticulture, particularly plants vulnerable to deer damage. “Our spray techs are trained to identify 150 plant species prone to deer attacks,” Jeff explains. “We know which vulnerable plants to spray.”

Unlike over-the-counter deer sprays sold at home improvement stores—and online recipes for homemade concoctions—En Garde is a popular deer-deterrent spray service that actually works. That’s because it’s different.

Really different.

How It Works

“We use our own deer deterrent spray, which is safe, natural and effective. It’s weather-resistant, transparent and virtually odorless to humans. But to deer—with their keen sense of smell—the odor is irritating and triggers an instinct that makes them think a predator is nearby.”

Unfortunately, En Garde’s spray cannot be bought in stores. That’s because the special ingredients that make it so effective also mean it cannot be stored on a shelf. “That’s why we have to mix our spray fresh every morning,” Jeff says. “We can’t package it and store it because it quickly becomes too thick to spray, even with a commercial backpack sprayer.”

An effective spray is just one reason for En Garde’s success. Knowing when, where, how, and what to spray is equally important.

A Growing Staff

En Garde is growing in popularity so quickly that Jeff has added new spray technicians to his team this year. In addition to training these new techs in plant identification, all new employees complete a four- to six-week, hands-on, in-the-field apprenticeship before they are allowed to work alone.

En Garde’s training also includes a final test for certification, covering plants, deer behavior, spraying techniques, and questions clients may ask.

Protecting Your Investment

In recent years, landscaping plants have become much more expensive. Inflation, international trade disruptions and high diesel shipping costs have significantly increased the prices of our favorite trees and shrubs, with some of the most popular varieties up by more than 60%.

“Our service isn’t just about maintaining the beauty of your home,” Jeff says. “It’s also an investment that protects the much larger investment you’ve already made in planting material. You don’t have to settle for bare shrubs and barren flowerbeds,” Jeff says. “Summer is short, and you can enjoy it more with beautiful landscaping and financial peace of mind.”

En Garde Deer Defense

440-447-0022

EGDeerDefense.com