Even one or two deer can become a major problem for people with outdoor plants or gardens. This is because they’re attracted to and will destroy most types of plants, from prickly rose bushes to blossoming fruit trees. Once they come, chances are they’ll keep returning until they’ve eaten through most — or all — of your garden. Luckily, there are several types of deer repellents, ranging from liquid and granule repellents to nets and electronic posts.
Deer are attracted to many things, including:
However, they’re not easily deterred and can also chew through things such as raspberry plants and rose bushes.
Most deer repellents use a combination of the following things to deter them from entering a yard or garden:
Some repellents can keep deer away by simply blocking them from reaching whatever it is they want to eat. For example, netting around a plant can prevent them from chewing on the leaves or budding fruit.
Here are the most popular types of deer repellent.
Most repellents, including odor, taste and mechanical ones, are nontoxic. However, some use harmful chemicals to keep vermin away from plants. These chemicals include:
Although they’re highly effective, these repellents can also be dangerous to household pets and humans. They can also poison deer, rather than simply deter them.
Deer Out Deer Repellent Concentrate
Offering several months of protection, this concentrate makes up to 2.5 gallons of liquid repellent. It’s available in one or two bottles, as well as a combination that includes a spray bottle for convenient application. It doesn’t wash off with the rain and can be used any time of year. Unlike most repellents, it has a minty scent that’s appealing to people but keeps vermin away. It’s also nontoxic to animals and people.
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Liquid Fence Deer and Rabbit Repellent Concentrate
Available in a 32-ounce ready-to-spray bottle, this repellent keeps away deer, rabbits and other vermin, but won't harm them. It’s resistant to water and lasts several weeks or more before needing reapplication.
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Deer Out Ready-To-Use Deer Repellent
This 40-ounce bottle comes ready to use. It’s formulated with all-natural ingredients, making it safe for the environment, people and animals. It’s also resistant to water and has a pleasant minty scent.
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HoontCobra Jet Spray Animal Repeller
This solar-powered device is motion-activated to keep deer, rabbits, bears, opossums, dogs and other animals out of the garden. It hooks up to a standard garden hose and uses only as much water as is needed to repel vermin.
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Nite Guard Solar Predator Control Light
This four-pack of control lights flashes to scare off deer and other nocturnal animals when they cross in front of the sensors. It’s solar-powered and resistant to the elements.
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All-natural with a plant-based formula, this liquid repellent comes with a convenient applicator and lasts for up to 30 days. It’s effective on moose, deer and elk.
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Measuring 7 by 100 feet, this roll of netting goes over medium and large plants and fruit trees to keep out deer, birds and other vermin. Each square is 3/4 of an inch, making this netting effective at keeping plants safe.
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Bobbex 32-Ounce Deer Repellent Ready-to-Use Spray
Long-lasting and all-natural, this formula is safe for the environment, people and animals. It’s also highly effective at keeping deer away from plants. The bottle comes with a convenient trigger for easy application.
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Angela Watson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.