If you’re an avid gardener or take great pride in your landscaping, you may struggle with pest control and keeping deer out of your yard. Deer repellent scares deer away, preventing them from entering your property, eating your plants, and destroying your lawn.
You can expect to spend between $15 to $40 on average for most deer repellents, while larger or more permanent repellents can cost $100 or more.
Overall, my pick for the best deer repellent is the Deer Out Concentrate Deer Repellent, which is pet-friendly and has a peppermint scent that’s pleasant for humans but drives deer away. Read the guide below for more of my top picks.
Top 7 Deer Repellents
- Deer Out Concentrate Deer Repellent: Best Scent
- Bobbex Concentrated Deer Repellent: Longest Lasting
- Liquid Fence Deer and Rabbit Repellent: Most Versatile
- Orbit Motion-Activated Sprinkler Set: Best Sprinkler
- Nite Guard Predator Control Light: Best for Nighttime
- I Must Garden Deer Repellent Spray: Best Spray
- Predator Guard Repellent Plants Pouches: Easiest To Use
Compare Top Deer Repellents
| Product | Targets | Repellent Type | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
Deer Out Concentrate Deer RepellentCheck Price | Multiple species | Liquid concentrate | 32 ounces |
Bobbex Concentrated Deer RepellentCheck Price | Multiple species | Liquid concentrate | 2.5 gallons |
Liquid Fence Deer and Rabbit RepellentCheck Price | Deer and Rabbits | Granules | 5 pounds |
Orbit Motion-Activated Sprinkler SetCheck Price | Multiple species | Sprinkler | 2 units |
Nite Guard Predator Control LightCheck Price | Multiple species | Light | 4 units |
I Must Garden Deer Repellent SprayCheck Price | Deer only | Liquid spray | 32 ounces |
Predator Guard Repellent Plants PouchesCheck Price | Deer only | Pouches | 10 pouches |
Best Scent
Deer Out Concentrate Deer Repellent
Good for: Homeowners looking for a repellent without harsh chemicals that’s affordable and works on a variety of large mammals.
I like that this 32-ounce bottle of concentrate repellent has a peppermint scent that’s both pleasant and safe for people but repugnant to wildlife. This natural deer repellent keeps deer, moose, and elk away from your flowers, shrubs, and vegetables.
Pros and Cons of Deer Out Concentrate Deer Repellent
- Works well in every season
- Features nontoxic, natural ingredients
- Effectively deters deer, elk, and moose
- May need to be applied again after heavy precipitation
- Requires frequent application throughout the year
What People Are Saying About The Deer Out Concentrate Deer Repellent
I found that customers liked that this product had a pleasant scent, covered a large area, and was easy to apply. However, I also noted some unsatisfied customers claimed that it was ineffective even with frequent application. Others were unhappy with the packaging, claiming that the bottle leaked easily.
Longest Lasting
Bobbex Concentrated Deer Repellent
Good for: Homeowners with a large properties looking for a year-round repellent that will last a long time.
This deer repellent can be used year-round, deterring deer with both its taste and smell. It’s also effective at keeping elk and moose at bay. I like that this five-gallon container of concentrate can make gallons of repellent for years of use.
Pros and Cons of Bobbex Concentrated Deer Repellent
- Nontoxic formula is animal- and human-safe
- Safe for use on most plants
- Available in several sizes
- Doesn’t work on edible plants
- Gives off a strong odor
What People Are Saying About The Bobbex Concentrated Deer Repellent
I team found that those who were happy with this repellent liked that it had a simple application, worked quickly to repel deer, and was long-lasting. However, those that were unhappy said that it had an overwhelming scent. Others claimed that Bobbex changed its formula, leading to a less effective product.
Most Versatile
Liquid Fence Deer and Rabbit Repellent
Good for: Homeowners dealing with deer and rabbits in their yard.
If you’re also dealing with rabbits in your lawn in addition to deer, this repellent can work to repel both with one easy application. This granule is completely safe for pets and plants, as it uses a scent to drive away deer and rabbits and does not require them to eat the vegetation. These granules are also rain-resistant and can be applied year-round.
Pros and Cons of Liquid Fence Deer and Rabbit Repellent
- Covers up to 2,500 square feet
- Is safe to use for dog owners
- Uses a scent to drive animals away that does not harm them
- Only works on low-lying vegetation up to 24 inches
- Can’t be applied to wet vegetation or leaves
What People Are Saying About The Liquid Fence Deer and Rabbit Repellent
We found that customers who gave this repellent a positive review liked that it worked quickly and was easy to apply. Several noted how it was particularly effective at keeping vegetables and other plants from being eaten by deer. However, some users complained of the harsh smell of this product, and others said it didn’t always work at keeping deer away as sometimes they ate the plants anyway.
Best Sprinkler
Orbit Motion-Activated Sprinkler Set
Good for: Anyone seeking a motion-activated deer deterrent that doesn’t require any maintenance.
Sold in two packs, I was impressed that these sprinklers turn on when their motion sensors detect nearby movement from animals. This grass-friendly deer repellent stakes into the ground and has a long-lasting battery life that provides over 7,500 activation cycles with as little as 2 cups of water per activation.
Pros and Cons of Orbit Motion-Activated Sprinkler Set
- Features an adjustable range to cover small or large areas
- Can detect animals up to 40 feet away
- Offers three detection modes
- Sensor is extremely sensitive to motion
- Some users reported leaking
What People Are Saying About The Orbit Motion-Activated Sprinkler Set
Happy customers liked that this sprinkler was sturdy, warded off various species, and had a large motion-detection range. However, I also noticed that customers who left negative reviews for this sprinkler said that its parts were made of cheap materials. They also said that its sensor was too sensitive, activating when it wasn’t supposed to.
Best for Nighttime
Nite Guard Predator Control Light
Good for: Homeowners looking for a way to repel deer and other animals that come in during the night.
This light can help keep barns, campsites, gardens, and more protected from nocturnal animals. Besides deer, it makes predators feel like they’re being watched by providing a constant flash of light, which I think makes this useful if you’re worried about protecting your yard or campsite from raccoons, coyotes, and other animals. I also like that it’s also sold in a pack of four to protect your yard from multiple directions.
Pros and Cons of Nite Guard Predator Control Light
- Made from weatherproof materials
- Automatically turns on at night and off at dusk
- Attaches easily to a pole, tree, or sign
- Requires multiple units facing different directions for full effectiveness
- Only works at night
What People Are Saying About The Nite Guard Predator Control Light
I found that customers liked that these lights lasted for long periods of time, were easy to install, and didn’t stop working after rainfall. However, I also noted that those who were unhappy claimed that the lights weren’t always effective at scaring off deer or raccoons. Others were displeased that they weren’t motion-activated.
Best Spray
I Must Garden Deer Repellent Spray
Good for: Homeowners looking for an easy-application spray repellent that’s safe around pets and plants.
Unlike the deer repellent concentrates in this review, this deer repellent comes in a ready-to-spray bottle, which I think is great for a quick and convenient application. The formula is long-lasting and safe to apply directly onto plants without harming them, and it’s also safe for your pets.
Pros and Cons of I Must Garden Deer Repellent Spray
- Has a pleasant mint scent
- Does not need to be reapplied after an average rainfall
- Safe for plant pollinators, such as bees
- Isn’t designed to repel multiple types of animals
- Some customers reported that the deer repellent spray wore off quickly
What People Are Saying About The I Must Garden Deer Repellent Spray
The majority of customers I found who reviewed this deer repellent spray said that it was effective in warding off deer and protecting their plants. Customers also liked that the spray was easy to apply and spray as needed. However, I also noted that several users complained that the spray didn’t last as long as they wanted it to, requiring frequent reapplication.
Easiest To Use
Predator Guard Repellent Plants Pouches
Good for: Homeowners who want a consistent perimeter of repellents around their garden beds or other plants.
This set of 10 deer repellent pouches can help protect your flowers and plants from deer for up to 12 months. They can easily be hung or staked by your garden to consistently drive deer away as they find the scent that the pouches give off unattractive. These pouches are rain-resistant and safe to use around pets.
Pros and Cons of Predator Guard Repellent Plants Pouches
- Uses a natural oil-based scent
- Come pre-packaged and ready to use
- Is safe to use around plants and pets
- Pouches can be knocked down or fall off branches easily
- Scent may also attract other animals
What People Are Saying About The Predator Guard Repellent Plants Pouches
We found that customers who gave this product a positive review liked that it worked on a variety of plants and that it was also effective at keeping out squirrels. Others liked how easily they tied around trees. However, some said it didn’t last as long as anticipated, and others said it required several pouches to be hung in the same area to see the desired effect.
Deer Repellent Buying Guide
Since repellents come in many forms, it’s not easy to determine which one will work for your deer problem. Before determining which deer repellent is best for your personal needs, you should take time to consider factors such as whether you prefer mechanical, electronic, taste-based, or scent-based repellents. This will largely depend on your budget and how much damage deer are doing to your plants.
After you’ve made that determination, you can also consider factors such as your local climate, the quantity of the repellent, its weather resistance, its longevity, and whether it will also work on other creatures such as raccoons, rabbits, and squirrels.
Read the buying guide below for more information on selecting the best deer repellent for your home.
What are the different types of deer repellent?
Several types of repellents keep deer and other wildlife away from your garden. However, we do not advise using deer repellent to keep deer or other animals from getting into your house.
Mechanical
Mechanical repellents, such as fencing and netting, keep deer out of your yard. This option is typically time-consuming to install. Plus, because deer are crafty, they’re often able to find alternative routes.
Electronic
Electronic repellents, such as sprinklers or lights, startle deer with light, water, sound, or motion. These repellents typically rely on batteries, electrical outlets, or the sun’s rays for power.
Taste-Based
These repellents won’t stop deer from entering your yard, but they will ideally stop them from coming back. They usually come in liquid form and are applied directly to your plants. Their unattractive flavor deters deer after they eat a covered leaf.
Scent-Based
Scent-based repellents target a deer’s keen sense of smell with mint, clove, and other fragrances that are undesirable to them. These sprayers can work on plants and various hard surfaces like wood fencing.
How does climate affect deer repellent?
Your climate may affect the type of repellent that works in your yard year-round. For example, many spray repellents need to be reapplied after precipitation, so if you live in a high-rainfall area, that may not be the right option. Additionally, you typically can’t use a sprinkler system in cold areas because it could freeze.
How do you determine the longevity of a specific deer repellent?
When choosing a deer-repellent spray, look for one that is reasonably weather and rain-resistant. The manufacturer should list how long the product will last between applications.
Additionally, if you opt for an electronic device, keep in mind that deer are intelligent creatures and can often figure out ways around it. To avoid this, try moving your device to different parts of your yard every few months to prevent deer from getting used to a particular placement or pattern.
Do deer repellents fend off other unwanted critters?
Other unwanted critters, such as raccoons, squirrels, cats, skunks, and rabbits, can also cause headaches in your lawn and garden. If you’re experiencing issues with more than just deer, look for a repellent that’s also labeled for repelling other animals.
Choosing Deer-Resistant Plants
While using deer repellent is a great way to keep your garden safe from deer, you can also try planting vegetation that deer aren’t interested in. While I can’t guarantee that deer won’t eat these plants, the following options are among the least attractive to them.
Grasses
Most ornamental grasses can resist deer. Common ornamental grasses that may flourish in your area can include giant reed, fescue, flame grass, sedge, and pampas grass.
Shrubs
Japanese Pieris, Bluebeard, and Eastern red cedar shrubs are either repulsive or at least not attractive to deer.
Planting a “fence” of mini shrubs around precious flowers that deer may like could defend your flowers against deer.
Flowers
Poppies, foxgloves, and daffodils are known to be toxic to deer, so they’re likely to stay away from these flowers when strategically placed around your backyard.
Peonies, pachysandra, irises, and lavender also work well to keep most deer at bay.
Trees
Deer tend to steer away from various flowering trees, including bayberries, cinquefoil, spruce trees, fragrant lilacs, and Japanese flowering cherries.
Deer Repellent FAQs
How do you apply liquid deer repellent?
Liquid repellent can often be applied directly to the plants or areas that you’re trying to protect. If it’s a pre-mixed solution, it often comes with a spray head to apply directly from the bottle. Concentrates, on the other hand, need to be mixed with water and poured into a spray bottle.
Should I water my plants after applying deer repellent?
After using deer repellent on plants, you usually want to wait for them to dry before watering them. However, I would also recommend checking the individual product description to determine the proper amount of time between application and irrigation.
What smells work best at deterring deer?
Some smells that deer react negatively to include eggs, garlic, cloves, and mint. The scent of danger is also effective at driving deer off, so applying predator-related scents, such as wolf urine, may work.
What do deer see in plants?
Primarily, deer are attracted to the smells of plants and view plants as food. They’ll often nibble on plants and may return to eat them entirely. The most effective deer repellent doesn’t just scare them away, but makes your plants unappetizing.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of deer repellents with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.