Deer wander onto personal property for a variety of reasons, but typically it's to forage for food. On occasion, a deer invasion can result in the destruction of your landscaping, garden, or even your home. 

The good news is that a Kentucky independent insurance agent knows all about wild species invasions and how they're covered under home insurance. Here's how an agent can help you with a deer invasion.

What Is the Deer Population In Kentucky?

Currently, about one million deer reside in the state of Kentucky. A majority of the deer population is white-tailed deer, which is also the most common type of deer across the US. The deer population has increased by several hundred thousand over the last few years in the state.

What Type of Property Damage Can Deer Cause to My Kentucky Home?

Nuisance deer and wildlife can be a burden on homeowners, especially Kentucky farm owners. Homeowners can experience damage to their landscaping or gardens if deer are attracted to planted trees and shrubs. 

The risks expand further to farm owners, as deer can damage agricultural crops and attract coyotes and vultures, which become a threat to livestock. 

On rare occasions, a deer invasion can result in physical damage to property like sheds, screen doors, windows, and other structures. 

Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Deer Invasion and Destruction in Kentucky?

Depending on the type of damage that a deer causes, your Kentucky homeowners insurance would help pay to repair or replace the damage through the dwelling and structural coverage.

• Dwelling/structural coverage: Pays to repair any physical damage to your home, walls, flooring, windows, detached structures, garages, or sheds. 

Homeowners insurance has very specific language regarding plants and landscaping that limits coverage to damage from specific perils. Unfortunately, damage by wild species or animals is not a covered peril. Homeowners insurance would also not cover any damage to your personal property like furniture or belongings.

If your Kentucky home is at risk of deer invasion, your independent insurance agent can work with you to purchase additional contents coverage that can provide additional protection.

How Can I Keep Deer and Other Invasive Species Off My Kentucky Property?

It can be difficult to completely remove the threat of deer from your personal property, but there are several steps you can take to minimize how many animals you attract to your Kentucky home.

• Repellents: There is a variety of repellents that you can use in your garden or landscaping that may lessen the attraction of deer to your yard. It's not likely that repellents will work on their own, but they can be effective in conjunction with other options.
• Scare tactics: The most common types of scare tactics that tend to work for deer are dogs, fireworks, propane cannons, loud noises, and bright lights. 
• Fencing: The best way to keep deer off your property is by building a fence that they cannot get through or climb over. For high-risk areas, you can install electrical fencing.
• Deer-resistant shrubs, plants, and trees: Deer are most commonly attracted to things you're growing in your garden. Head to your local garden shop to learn about deer-resistant plants, shrubs, and trees you can plant to reduce deer invasions.

If your Kentucky home or farm is experiencing severe property damage from deer, you can contact your local private lands biologist or conservation officer to request a home visit.

How Can a Kentucky Independent Insurance Agent Help?

For the several million people and 74,800 farm owners that live in Kentucky, deer invasion and destruction is a concern. The best way to prepare for a potential invasion is to understand your risk and homeowners insurance deductible.

Your Kentucky independent insurance agent can help you determine your risks and coverages in your home insurance for deer invasion and destruction. Your agent will chat with you, free of charge, and help you find home insurance that protects you and your property.