Deer Control, Deer Culling, Deer Problem, Deer Management

Deer are on the increase in the UK, with populations reaching record numbers. There has been a significant increase in Road Traffic Accidents caused by deer collisions as well and more deer being seen at unusual times of the day in unusual places.

As man move into more green and brown land with new housing and building developments, these problems are bound to occur.

At Rapid Pest Control, we have many years of experience in managing deer populations in woodland, agricultural and urban situations. The most common deer we come across are the Roe Deer and Muntjac deer in the Berkshire area, but we also get involved in managing Fallow Deer in more agricultural situations.

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)

The most common of the UK deer, the Roe Deer is usually seen in early morning and late evening. Roe deer are browse feeders which basically means they nibble the best bits off plants like flowers, shoots and young leaves. They also do graze as well. They are reddish brown in colour, standing approx 1 metre high to the shoulder. Roe Bucks (males) have antlers from Spring to late Autumn, when the shed them. They are generally very shy and like quite areas.

Why Control:

Roe deer numbers have increased dramatically over the last 10 years and as more land is being developed, their habitat is shrinking. Many road accidents involve deer and the results of accidents are quite major with serious injury to drivers and passengers common place. Roe, once in an area, will devastate young trees, shrubs and saplings. They have a fondness for rose bushes in particular.

Signs of a Deer Problem:

Browse lines at shoulder height on bushes, trees and shrubs, hoof prints in soft soil, tree bark shredded at knee height from antler rubbing, especially on young trees.

Usual Deer Control Measures:

In gardens, the best form of defense is a high stock fence to keep them out. If this is not possible shooting is the only viable option, however strict legislation and safety practices must apply – a detailed assessment will be required by professional deer managers from Rapid Pest Control Services.

Contact Rapid Pest Control now on Newbury 01635 247192 or Contact us now

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Muntjac Deer (Muntiacus reevesi)

The Muntjac Deer is a small stocky deer approximately 50cm in height, reddish brown in colour with very pointed head and shoulders, ideal for pushing through bushes. The female Muntjac Deer has a dark diamond shape pattern on her face, whilst the male Muntjac Deer has a distinct V shape pattern (and antlers from Sept to March). They were introduced in the 1800′s in Bedford and have spread across the South of England. Both male and female have a deep dog-like “bark” alarm call and is often mistaken for a dog barking.

Why Control:

Muntjac Deer breed very rapidly, having 3 babies within 2 years. The are extremely shy but very territorial and will “bark” and defend a territory aggressively. They will devastate a garden or woodland, eating both flowers and shoots and even up-rooting bulbs and roots to eat.

Signs of infestation:

Browse lines at knee height on bushes, trees and shrubs, hoof prints in soft soil, tree bark shredded at knee height from antler rubbing, especially on young trees. Entry and exit “tunnels” created in shrubs and bushes.