Deer can be a nuisance for homeowners, damaging gardens and landscaping. Using lights to deter deer from yards and properties is a common tactic. But what color light is most effective at scaring deer away? In this article, we’ll examine the evidence on deer vision and their response to different colored lights.
Deer have very different vision compared to humans. Their eyes are on the sides of their heads, giving them a 310° field of vision with a blind spot right in front. Deer see in monochrome rather than color, and their eyes are most sensitive to blue and green light.
This means deer have trouble distinguishing between reds and greens, but see blues and violets very well. Their vision is also optimized for detecting movement. Understanding deer vision can help determine what color lights they find most startling and deterring.
Deer Vision and Color Detection
Deer have dichromatic vision, meaning they have two types of light receptors (cones) in their eyes. This allows them to see some color, but not the full spectrum like humans. Here are some key facts about deer vision:
| Deer Vision Facts |
|---|
| – See mostly in monochrome, with some blue and green sensitivity |
| – Dichromatic vision with blue and green/yellow cones |
| – Poor red color discrimination |
| – High rod density for low light vision |
| – 310° field of vision with blind spot in front |
| – Eyes on the sides of their head |
Their visual acuity peaks at blues and violets, meaning they see these colors more intensely. But they have trouble differentiating reds from greens or browns. Their vision is adapted for detecting predators, food, and mates rather than color discrimination.
Deer Response to Light Color
So how do deer react to different colored lights? Here is a summary of research on deer behavior under various light wavelengths:
| Light Color | Deer Response |
|---|---|
| Blue | Startle and alarm response |
| Green | Avoided if bright enough |
| Red | Little reaction or deterrence |
| White | Avoided if bright enough |
| Yellow | Some avoidance |
| Ultraviolet | Deterrence increased with UV reflectors |
Studies have shown blue lights elicit the strongest reaction in deer. The theory is that it mimics predator eyes shining in the dark. Green lights can also deter deer but require very bright lumens output.
Meanwhile, red light produces little reaction, likely because deer can’t differentiate it from background colors. White lights and yellow lights have intermediate effects. Ultraviolet reflectors and lights can enhance deterrence when added to other lights.
Best Color Lights to Repel Deer
Based on deer vision and behavior research, here are the best color lights to use for keeping deer away from a property:
Blue – Blue lights provoke a strong startling and fear response in deer. The flashing of blue lights mimics predator eyes and causes deer to flee.
Ultraviolet – UV wavelengths are invisible to humans but stand out to deer. Adding UV reflectors or lights boosts the deterrent effects of other colored lights.
Green – Bright green lights are avoided by deer and can work well if the lumens output is high enough. Green lasers have been used to scare deer away too.
White – Extremely bright white lights have moderate success in deer deterrence. Focus the light directly on areas deer frequent.
Yellow/Amber – Yellow lights have some avoidance effect on deer though not as strong as blue or green. Low cost yellow bug lights can be tried.
The most reliable colored lights for repelling deer are bright flashing blue lights, or blue paired with UV reflectors. Focus lights directly on the areas deer enter or congregate. Light motion sensors can help increase the startling effect.
Deer Deterrent Lighting Products
There are many types of lighting products designed to deter deer using these colors. Here are some top options:
Deer Scram Blue Light – LED blue flashing deer light with random patterns. Runs on AA batteries with adjustable mount.
Havahart Deer Off Flashing Light – Blue deer repellent light delivers 1,000 lumens output. Has motion sensor and adjustable head.
Bell + Howell Ultrasonic Repeller Light – Combination ultrasonic and flashing blue LED light. Covers up to 1600 sq ft area.
Aspectek Blue Night Predator Eye Light – Budget-friendly blue flashing deer repellent light powered by AAA batteries.
Nite Guard Solar Powered Green Light – Solar charged green LED light produces 380 lumens output. Weatherproof and adjustable.
Fright Light UV Reflector Strips – Flexible 12″ strips reflect UV wavelengths to enhance deterrent lights.
The key is finding lights with sufficient brightness, blue or green wavelengths, and weatherproof durable construction. Flashing random patterns and motion sensors help increase effectiveness.
Tips for Using Lights to Deter Deer
Here are some tips for getting the most out of deer deterrent lights:
– Position lights along deer trails and entry points to the yard
– Angle lights directly at areas deer congregate rather than just lighting up the yard generally
– Use flashing lights or vary light patterns to enhance startling effect
– Mount lights at deer eye level (about 3-4 feet off the ground) for best results
– Use motion sensors to activate lights when deer are present to preserve battery life
– Pair blue, green or white lights with UV reflectors to double the deterrent effect
– Move lights occasionally so deer don’t become accustomed to them
Using bright flashing blue or green lights paired with UV reflectors can be an effective deer deterrent. Focus the lights directly on deer entry points and trails to scare them away from your yard and garden areas.
Other Deer Deterrent Options
While lights can be effective, they may not work in all situations depending on deerpressure. Here are some other options to deter deer from properties:
Physical Barriers – Fencing, garden netting, plastic garden grids can create a physical barrier to block deer. Best for protecting small gardens and yards.
Noise & Ultrasonic Repellers – Motion activated sounds, ultrasonic frequencies, or water spray devices startle deer away. Effects are often temporary as deer become accustomed.
Smell Repellents – Deer repellent sprays and granules create unpleasant odors to deter deer. Must be reapplied frequently, especially after rain.
Sprinklers – Motion activated sprinkler systems use bursts of water to scare deer. Need water hookup and occasional repositioning.
Dogs – Loose farm dogs or dogs chained in yards can frighten deer with their scent and noises. But deer may adapt to constant barking.
A combination of deterrents used together often works better than a single repellent. And deterrents must be moved and adapted to remain effective over time.
Why Repel Deer from Your Property?
There are a few main reasons homeowners try to keep deer away from their yards and gardens:
Prevent damage to plants and landscaping – Deer feed on gardens, flowers, shrubs and trees. This damages or kills vegetation.
Avoid deer spreading ticks – Deer carry ticks that can spread Lyme disease. Keeping them away reduces tick exposure.
Stop deer droppings accumulation – Deer poop everywhere and it builds up. This creates an unsanitary environment.
Prevent deer-vehicle collisions – Repelling deer from your property also makes the area near roads safer.
Protect family and pets from aggressive bucks – Male deer can become aggressive during rut and may harm kids or pets.
While occasional deer visitors are harmless, a constant overpopulation causes problems. Using deterrents helps maintain a safe and clean property.
When to Use Deer Deterrents
The most critical times to employ deer deterrents are:
Spring planting season – Freshly planted gardens and new landscaping growth are highly attractive to deer. Deter immediately.
Fall/Winter food scarcity – Deer become desperate for food sources when wild forage is scarce in colder months.
Mating season – Bucks are aggressive and may trespass near homes while pursuing does during rut.
Droughts – Lack of water drives deer to gardens, yards, and farms with irrigation.
Deterrents are most effective when deer are just beginning to explore and feed from your property. Once they become accustomed and dependent on the food source, they are much harder to drive away.
Conclusion
Deer can certainly be a nuisance and cause extensive property damage. But understanding their vision and using well-positioned deterrents can convince them to move on.
Bright flashing blue or green lights create a startling effect and make deer uneasy. Adding UV reflective elements boosts the impact. Focus lights on deer trails and feeding areas to maximize effectiveness.
Used properly alongside other deterrents, colored lights are an affordable DIY method to scare deer away and prevent them from becoming a problem. Over time, the deer will leave your property alone and search for easier foraging grounds elsewhere.
The key is being proactive with deterrents before deer become too habituated. A persistent effort using varied repellent techniques will convince deer your yard is an unpleasant place to linger. Then you can enjoy your garden and landscaping free from foraging deer and the problems they bring.