If you’re reading this, then chances are you’re either a curious nature lover like me or someone who’s just had their bananas disappear from your banana tree. Who did it? Wait, do deer eat bananas?

Do Deer Eat Bananas?

Deer do not typically include bananas in their natural diet. However, they have been known to consume bananas when the fruit is made available to them. Bananas are a source of carbohydrates and sugar, which can make them appealing to deer. While not a staple food for deer, bananas may be consumed as a treat or supplement to their natural diet. It is important to note that feeding wild animals, including deer, can have negative consequences and is generally discouraged.

Additionally, the potent aroma of a ripe banana can attract deer from a considerable distance!

How To Keep Deer Out Of Your Yard

Are you tired of waking up to find your beloved banana tree decimated by deer? Fear not, my friend, for I have compiled a comprehensive list of strategies to keep these pesky critters out of your yard and away from your precious fruit.

Fence them out

One of the most popular ways to keep deer away is to put up a sturdy fence. Make sure it’s at least 8ft tall, and install motion sensors that activate lights or water sprays to deter them from trying to jump over it. You can also place chicken wire at the base of the fence, below the soil line. This will prevent any potential breaches of the perimeter.

Make your yard less attractive to deer

Another strategy to keep deer off your property is to remove their food source. Beyond your banana tree, deer are also lured in by pretty much any other vegetation you may have growing in your yard. Consider creating a hardscape or rock garden, or planting deer-resistant shrubs and plants like lavender, daffodils, and rosemary.

Get scary

Deer are skittish creatures and will avoid places that they perceive to be dangerous. There are a few ways to create this illusion. One is to hang shiny CDs or aluminum pie plates from trees or stakes. The reflective light may scare deer away due to the sudden movement of light. Additionally, motion-activated noise makers can be installed that will emit sounds of animals in distress or even human voices.

Use scent-changing sprays

Deer rely heavily on their sense of smell, and certain scents will actually discourage them from coming in your yard. Try spraying a repellent with scents such as garlic, hot pepper, rotten eggs or even predator urine around your banana trees. This repellent can then mask the scent of your banana tree and protect it from these hungry creatures.

Delay fruiting

Bananas have a high sugar content that attracts deer, so it’s recommended to delay the fruiting stage of the bananas until after the peak deer season. Deer are most active in the summer and early fall, so pruning your trees in the early spring can push back the time when your banana tree bears fruit, giving your tree the chance to grow before the deer have the chance to chow down.

Can Deer Eat Bananas?

Deer can eat bananas, and there are no known harmful effects of feeding them bananas in moderation. However, it is essential to ensure that the bananas are ripe and not spoiled, as spoiled fruit can harm the deer. In addition, bananas should be given to deer only as a treat, as too much fruit can upset their stomach and cause digestive issues.

It is also important to keep in mind that feeding wild animals, including deer, can become a habit, and they may start to depend on humans for food. This can lead to conflicts with humans, as deer may start to approach people in search of food or start raiding gardens or farms. To prevent such conflicts, avoid feeding wild animals, including deer, and let them fend for themselves in their natural habitat.

Are Banana Peels Toxic to Deer?

It has been observed that deer exhibit a willingness to consume bananas in their entirety, inclusive of the peel. However, this behavior should not be encouraged as the peel can cause gastrointestinal issues for the animal when consumed in excessive amounts due to their intractable nature in the digestive system. Furthermore, banana peels do not furnish any noteworthy nutritional value for deer and therefore should not be considered a dietary supplement for them.

Other Foods That Deer Eat

Deer are herbivores and feed on a variety of plants, leaves, fruits, and nuts. Their diet varies depending on the season and the region where they live. In the summer, they prefer soft plants and leaves, while in the winter, they switch to more fibrous plants and shrubs. Some of the common plants and fruits that deer eat include acorns, apples, corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa. Deer also browse on woody plants, such as twigs, bark, and buds.

Acorns
Apples
Corn
Soybeans
Wheat
Alfalfa
Twigs
Bark
Buds

Although deer can eat bananas, they are not a significant part of their diet, and it is essential to avoid feeding them in large quantities. Feeding wild animals can also have negative consequences, and it is best to let them fend for themselves in their natural habitat.

FAQ

What fruits do deer prefer?

Deer have a particular fondness for certain types of fruit trees like persimmons, plums, pears, and apples. They enjoy snacking on the sweet, juicy flesh of these fruits, making them a popular target for deer in the wild.

What are deer not allowed to eat?

When considering feeding deer, it’s important to avoid using horse feed. This type of feed is not ideal for deer as it contains too many soluble carbohydrates which they cannot properly digest. Additionally, horse feed lacks sufficient protein necessary for antler growth. Moreover, supplementing deer’s diet with additives may increase the risk of diseases amongst the deer population. Instead, consider their natural diet and offer them a variety of forbs, browse, and mast, which will provide them with the necessary nutrients.

Can deer be given fruit as food?

While it may seem obvious that deer enjoy gobbling up fruit trees like persimmons, apples, and plums, it’s crucial to remember that not all types of fruits are necessarily good for their health when feeding them.

While fruit trees can be a good supplement to a deer’s natural diet, it is best to research and understand what types of fruit are safe to feed them. Additionally, it is important to note that horse feeds, which are sometimes mistaken for deer food, are not beneficial for deer and may even be harmful to their health.

Does feeding deer have negative effects on them?

Feeding deer can pose a risk of disease transmission and may not provide the necessary nutrients for their overall health, including antler growth. While some may believe that feeding deer is a helpful gesture, it can actually be harmful to the deer population in the long run. Instead, providing suitable habitats and promoting natural forage options can ensure their sustainability and well-being.

Do deer consume carrots?

Deer tend to gravitate towards certain fruit trees like apples and pears. While horse feed is not ideal for their growth, they do enjoy a variety of forbs, browse, and mast. As for carrots, it is unclear if deer commonly eat them. It is important to note that supplemental feeding can be risky for disease transmission among deer populations.

What do deer enjoy eating most?

Deer are known to have a specific fondness for certain types of fruit-bearing trees, including apples, pears, persimmons, and plums. Additionally, they benefit from a varied diet consisting of forbs, browse, and mast. However, it is important to avoid supplemental feeding in order to prevent the spread of diseases among deer populations. Horse feeds, while not suitable for deer, are also not a preferred food source for these animals.

Conclusion

So, do deer eat bananas? The answer is yes and no. While bananas are not a part of their natural diet, they may indulge in the fruit if it’s made available to them. However, it’s important to keep in mind that feeding wild animals can have negative effects and is generally discouraged. So if you’re ever tempted to offer a banana to a deer, it’s best to resist the urge!

At the end of the day, it’s fascinating to learn about the eating habits of wild animals like deer. While they may not have a sweet tooth, they may still enjoy a banana from time to time. But let’s remember to respect their natural diet and environment so we can coexist peacefully with these beautiful creatures. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll even discover what other unexpected snacks they enjoy!