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If you’re an avid gardener or take great pride in your home’s landscaping, you may struggle with keeping deer out of your yard. Deer repellent scares deer away, preventing them from entering your property, eating your plants, and destroying your lawn.
From sprays to lights, there are a variety of deer-repelling options on the market. To help you sort through them, the This Old House Reviews Team took a look at the best deer repellents available today.
In this review, we compare top-rated repellants, discuss features and options to consider, and answer a few common buyer questions. Here are our recommendations.
Compare Top Deer Repellents
| Product | Targets | Repellent Type | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer Out Concentrate Deer Repellent | Multiple species | Liquid concentrate | 32 ounces |
| Bobbex Concentrated Deer Repellent | Multiple species | Liquid concentrate | 2.5 gallons |
| Orbit Motion-Activated Sprinkler Set | Multiple species | Sprinkler | 2 units |
| Nite Guard Predator Control Light | Multiple species | Light | 4 units |
| ZOVENCHI Ultrasonic Animal Repellent | Multiple species | Ultrasonic alarm, LED | 1 unit |
| I Must Garden Deer Repellent Spray | Deer only | Liquid spray | 32 ounces |
| Product | Targets | Repellent Type | Quantity |
Top 6 Deer Repellents
- Best Scent: Deer Out Concentrate Deer Repellent
- Longest Lasting: Bobbex Concentrated Deer Repellent
- Best Sprinkler: Orbit Motion-Activated Sprinkler Set
- Best For Nighttime: Nite Guard Predator Control Light
- Most Versatile: ZOVENCHI Ultrasonic Animal Repellent
- Best Spray: I Must Garden Deer Repellent Spray
Best Scent: Deer Out Concentrate Deer Repellent
Deer Out Concentrate Deer Repellent
- $40.94
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ 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 Customers Are Saying
Customers liked that this product had a pleasant scent, covered a large area, and was easy to apply. However, 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
Bobbex Concentrated Deer Repellent
- $212.6
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ 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 Customers Are Saying
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.
Best Sprinkler: Orbit Motion-Activated Sprinkler Set
Orbit Motion-Activated Sprinkler Set
- $141.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ 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 Customers Are Saying
Happy customers liked that this sprinkler was sturdy, warded off various species, and had a large motion-detection range. However, 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
Nite Guard Predator Control Light
- $24.98
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ 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 Customers Are Saying
Customers liked that these lights lasted for long periods of time, were easy to install, and didn’t stop working after rainfall. However, 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.
Most Versatile: ZOVENCHI Ultrasonic Animal Repellent
ZOVENCHI Ultrasonic Animal Repellent
- $40.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features a two-tone light
✔ Stakes into the ground
✔ Comes in an owl-inspired design
✘ Scope of deterrence is somewhat limited
✘ Alarm can also be detected by humans
What Customers Are Saying
Customers said that this ultrasonic deer-repellent device was effective against numerous species and easy to install. However, customers who were unhappy with this product claimed that it wasn’t waterproof and had a smaller radius than was advertised.
Best Spray: I Must Garden Deer Repellent Spray
I Must Garden Deer Repellent Spray
- $19.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ 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 Customers Are Saying
The majority of customers 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, several users complained that the spray didn’t last as long as they wanted it to, requiring frequent reapplication.
Buyer’s Guide
Since repellents come in many forms, it’s not easy to determine which one will work for your deer problem. The below buying guide gives you more background on deer deterrents to help inform your purchasing decision.
Type
Several types of repellents keep deer and other wildlife away from your garden.
Mechanical
Mechanical repellents, such as fencing and netting, physically 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 in.
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 sun 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 sprays can work on plants and various inanimate surfaces like wood fencing.
Climate
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.
Longevity
Fences and walls can be permanent, while sprays run out quickly and must be reapplied frequently. When choosing a deer-repellent spray, look for one that is reasonably weather-resistant.
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.
Versatility
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 works on multiple types of animals.
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 into. While we 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.
The below video offers tips on how to deer-proof your shrubs.
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. Below, you can check out how to protect your small trees from deer.
Frequently Asked Questions
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, check 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.
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