11 Best Deer Repellents 2023
Maintaining a healthy vegetable garden or flower bed needs much more than what meets the eye. You have to prepare the garden, plant, water, get rid of weeds, spray, and more. Actually, there are a plethora of activities that come between planting and harvesting.
Among the hurdles you face is keeping away deer and other wildlife. The more appealing and worked on your vegetable garden looks to you, the more likely it’s going to attract deer and other animals. Of course, that’s something you may not want to hear about your garden, especially after all the money, effort, and patience.
Now, if you fear that deer and other animals may nullify all the efforts you’ve directed into your beautiful garden, one surefire way to boost your confidence in gardening is getting a deer repellent.
Just as the name goes, a deer repellent works to keep deer and other animals from getting into your garden. Usually, these repellents are harmless, so they save the species and your farm as well.
Further, most of these deterrents are safe to use near children and pets, meaning they aren’t likely to cause more bad than good. But do they all work the same way? Well, that’s not true. Here are some of the top 11 deer repellents.
11 Best Deer Repellents
1. ASPECTEK Predator Eye Night Time Solar Powered Animal Repeller
Deer are becoming some of the most destructive nocturnal animals. They have a high level of intelligence, and that makes it hard to keep them away from your farm. Now, if you want a device that will protect your garden from animal intruders when night comes, you can consider this animal repeller.
This option comes in a cost-efficient two-pack. Each device will stop deer, raccoons, cougars, and other wild animals up to 457 meters away. Therefore, the two units should provide enough protection coverage for large homes.
Unlike some options that only turn on when they detect motion, these repellents work by flashing LED continuously from dusk to dawn. This way, they won’t even allow the predator to enter your property.
Also, you will appreciate the level of convenience you are getting here. In other words, you can set them to turn on at dusk and then off when morning comes—it won’t take your time in the morning when in a rush.
For a tool that’s intended to serve in the outdoors its whole life, the build quality matters a lot. And yes, this option adopts an IP77 weatherproof design. Therefore, it will stand up to the severest of outdoor conditions for many years.
We know that deer and other wildlife are very destructive. However, wild animals aren’t the only threat to your home. With this in mind, the red light of this unit mimics that of a security CCTV camera. Therefore, this security system will not only keep off animals but also human intruders.
Pros:
- They come in a valuable pack of two.
- Automatic on and off.
- Waterproof design survives inclement weather.
Cons:
- Since they work by flashing red light, you can only use them at night.
2. Deer Out 32oz. Concentrate Deer Repellent
The second repellent works very differently from the first one. In this case, it isn’t an electronic device but a concentrate. To keep deer and other animals of the kind away from the farm, you will need to spray this repellent in your garden.
The product comes in a 32-ounce bottle. It is a single piece, although it’s also available in a two-pack. The one to choose will depend on the size of the area you want to spray. With the 32 ounces of concentrate, you can make 2.5 gallons of solution, enough to cover a pretty large area.
When it comes to effectiveness, there is no doubt that you are getting one of the most reliable products out there. With over 10,000 repeat customers, this deer repellent is among the best-performing products in the industry.
The repellent has a minty fresh scent, one of the smells that deer hate the most. Hence, it keeps deer and other predators at bay but friendly to your nose. Additionally, all the ingredients of this concentrate are natural, so it won’t cause any harm to your plants and the deer.
Unlike some concentrates that will wash off when watering the plants or during rainy moments, this product remains on your plants. That’s because it includes two natural stickers in its composition. Hence, it’s a long-time solution against deer and other animals of the like.
Pros:
- It is a reliable repellent.
- It doesn’t wash off.
- Has a nice scent.
Cons:
- The price point is quite on the higher end.
3. Bobbex B550170 Ready to Use Deer Repellent
Don’t let deer and other threats frustrate your efforts when you can get rid of them using this deer repellent. It is similar to the just reviewed model in that it requires you to spray it on whatever you want to keep safe from predators.
When it comes to reliability, this is one of the products you can count on to keep your vegetable garden untouched even in your absence. It boasts a protective index of 93%, second after that of a physical fence. Therefore, if you want a level of protection closer to that of a physical fence but lack adequate money for it, you can count on this repellent.
The product comes ready for spraying. In fact, it arrives with an e-z pump sprayer, so you won’t need to buy one if you don’t have it already. Also, it’s worth knowing that all the ingredients of this repellent are natural, so it’s planet-friendly.
Although it works effectively to repel deer and other wildlife, this product settles fine with humans, pets, aquatic life, plants, birds, and other members of your home. That’s because it doesn’t contain petrochemicals like some of the models out there.
The product comes in a 48-ounce bottle. That means you may need to grab several of them if you want to spray a large area. After you spray, the product remains on the plants even during rainy seasons, so you may not need to re-spray.
Pros:
- It comes with a pump.
- Impressive protective index.
- The product comes ready for use.
Cons:
- Tough on the nose, especially the day of spraying.
4. Enviro Pro 1025 Deer Scram Repellent
No products found.The Enviro Pro 1025 Deer Scram Repellent is also highly effective when it comes to keeping deer and other unwanted animals far from your plantation. The product comes in a 25-pound container and works by applying it to the area you want to protect.
This product works by producing an odor that deer, rabbits, and other animals of the like associate with their dead kin. Through the smell, this product eliminates deer before they cause any loss in your beautiful garden.
Although it smells horrible to deer and other unwanted animals, this deer scram repellent doesn’t have an unpleasant smell to humans. Therefore, expect to have an easy time when applying the product to your farm.
When it comes to the ingredients, this repellent is one of the products that come with safety in mind. In other words, it doesn’t contain any synthetic additives or toxic substances. Further, it’s biodegradable and will form high nitrogen organic nutrients. Hence, it’s a product that will protect whatever you already have and improve the fertility of your garden at the same time.
The product is resistant to rain and snow, ensuring that it protects your flowers and plants even during the severest weather. When it comes to frequency of use, the manufacturer recommends reapplication after every 30 to 45 days depending on the weather.
Pros:
- Protects and boosts fertility.
- It resists harsh weather.
- Decent quantity.
Cons:
- Getting the lid off isn’t the easiest of jobs.
5. Messina Wildlife DS-C-032 Deer Stopper
This product comes as a concentrate. It arrives in a 1-quart bottle, although it’s also available in a larger 1-gallon container. As small as the quantity seems, it works big to keep deer, moose, and elks from your garden.
The mixing ratio here is 1:9. Hence, even the small bottle should cover a large area. In fact, with adequate spraying, the 32-ounce canister of concentrate will cover an area of about 10000 square feet.
The product makes use of natural ingredients, making it one of the friendliest products out there. Also, it has a pleasant scent. With that said, unlike with some products, you won’t have to work on restoring your appetite after spraying this repellent.
After you apply, allow up to 20 minutes for the product to dry before watering. When dry, this deer stopper doesn’t stain or discolor the leaves. Thus, it’s one product that will protect your plantations when still keeping your garden looking beautiful and well-watered.
After it dries, the product will offer 30 days of protection. What’s more, it won’t lose its effectiveness when watering, snowing, or raining. And with that said, it’s a product you can rely on to provide all-year-round protection for your valued plantations.
Pros:
- Available in two bottle sizes.
- It doesn’t stain.
- Instructions are clear.
Cons:
- Not the best for use on edible crops.
6. Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler
Keep all deer and other animals away and your garden looking greener using this repellent. The deterrent here comes in the form of a motion-activated sprinkler. However, in this case, you are using a combination of sound, motion, and harmless spray of water to keep the unwanted animals away from your farm.
The unit features three detection modes. I mean, you can choose whether you want it to work during the day, night only, or 24-7. Hence, the Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer does the work when you need it, no matter the time of the day.
The infrared sensor works exceptionally well at detecting intruders up to 40 feet away. Furthermore, the sensor boasts a wide viewing angle of 120 degrees. Hence, a single device will offer 1600 square feet of protective coverage, a pretty large area.
Also, it’s worth acknowledging that the sensor utilizes intelligent technology. I mean, the infrared motion sensor of this sprinkler differentiates animal motion and tree limbs blowing. Therefore, it won’t activate unless necessary, ensuring that it doesn’t overwater your garden.
Since this deterrent uses a sprinkling mechanism to keep animals off your garden, it’s more than just a mere repellent. I mean, you can use it for watering your plants—you now don’t have to switch between enforcers and sprinklers when your plants need watering.
Pros:
- Adjustable line of sight.
- Expandable spray zone.
- Intelligent infrared motion sensor.
Cons:
- The material doesn’t retain its color with extended exposure to the sun.
7. Liquid Fence Deer & Rabbit Repellent 32-Ounce
The next repellent on the list is available in two container sizes—32 ounces and 1 gallon. It works well on deer, although it can also keep away rabbits and other wildlife that are more likely to find their way into your garden.
Unlike some repellents that will only work when the animal eats the plant, this product uses scent to keep all the unwanted animals away. Therefore, leave alone eating, deer and other animals won’t even come close to your garden.
The product comes ready to use with a sprayer. That means there’s no more reading of instructions on how to mix the product. However, we must also admit that the ready-to-use formula doesn’t cover a large area. With that said, you may need to spend more on this product than you would on a concentrate.
The deer repellent works well for shrubs, trees, vines, flowers, and more. Additionally, it is harmless to plants and animals. However, be sure to follow to the letter the usage and storage instructions.
The high-effective formula begins to work immediately after spraying. Also, it won’t wash off with watering or rain. And with that said, if you are looking for a deer repellent that will work even during the rainy days, you won’t go wrong with this product.
Pros:
- It first repels by scent.
- Ready-to-use formula.
- Instructions are comprehensive.
Cons:
- The nozzle clogs, although rarely.
8. Liquid Fence HG-71136 Deer & Rabbit Repellent Concentrate
As aforementioned, a physical fence is the only surefire way to keep deer and other unwanted wildlife away from your garden. Now, the next repellent on the list serves more like a fence, just as the name suggests.
The product comes in a 40-ounce bottle of concentrate. With this amount, the repellent will cover up to 6000 square feet. Therefore, as small as it looks, a bottle of this concentrate will keep you busy for quite some time.
The product works under the slogan, “hit them hard in the nose so they won’t come back.” By that, it uses an unwelcoming smell to keep all the four-legged pests away from getting close to your beautiful garden— you won’t even lose a leaf!
Like the just-reviewed sibling, this product won’t cause any harm to humans or pets with appropriate use. Therefore, if you want an effective deer repellent for use in a home with furry friends, you won’t go wrong with this option.
The long-lasting formula ensures that the product retains its effectiveness through the heaviest rains. Further, unlike some products, the animal’s natural aversion to this repellent won’t reduce with time.
Pros:
- Pet-friendly formula.
- It retains its animal aversion ability for long.
- The product covers a large area.
Cons:
- There are no variety of sizes.
9. Bobbex B550200 Ready-To-Use Deer Deterrent Refill
No products found.Bobbex remains one of the most reliable names when it comes to deer repellents. And yes, like the earlier sibling on the list, the Bobbex B550200 Deer Deterrent features a highly effective formula for best-in-class protection.
The effective spray remains on the plants for a very long time and won’t wash away even when the rain comes. Therefore, if you live in areas that experience heavy rains or want a deer repellent for use in the rainy season, you can count on this product to help.
The product uses natural ingredients to produce scent and taste that repel deer, elks, rabbits, moose, and other intruders that are more likely to come into your garden. What’s more, even with the high effectiveness, the deterrent is plant and animal-friendly.
For the gardeners who are using this product for the first time, getting the most out of this repellent is no rocket science. In fact, the product comes ready to use. Hence, unlike with concentrates, you don’t even have to worry that you may mess up when mixing it with water.
When it comes to price, this 1-gallon repellent doesn’t cost much. However, since it isn’t a concentrate, you may have to grab several containers if you want to spray a large area. That may mean spending more than you would on concentrate.
Pros:
- Reputable manufacturer.
- The bottle is of decent size.
- Easy to apply.
Cons:
- It doesn’t come with a spray nozzle.
10. Broox Solar Animal Repeller
Whether you are battling with deer, raccoons, elks, rats, moles, moose rabbits, skunks, or any other intruders, this animal repeller brings you victory. The device uses advanced technology to scare away deer and other unwelcome animal guests.
The Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR) accurately detects motion and activates an ultrasonic speaker. The high-frequency sound and the flashing LED light will instill fear and make the animal uncomfortable, causing them to run away.
The electronic device comes with a solar panel at the top. That gives you the liberty to set it up in the most appropriate spots without the hassle of having to run cables to the place. The ability to use solar energy makes it an ideal option for gardeners living in areas that experience frequent power outages.
At times it may remain cloudy all day. That would render this repeller useless by default. With that in mind, the manufacturer provides an alternative way of powering up this device. I mean, it comes with a port where you can connect to charge it with a USB cable.
For a device that’s intended to spend most of its life in the garden, we expect it to be super tough. And yes, this device is of top-grade ABS plastic material. This construction is weatherproof and UV-resistant, so it should retain its pristine appearance for many days.
Pros:
- A variety of frequency modes.
- It can also charge with a USB.
- Effective PIR technology.
Cons:
- The detection distance of up to 25 feet is short.
11. Hoont DSFGDS Cobra Animal Repeller
Although it comes last on the list, this animal repeller is still one of the products you can count on to help you win your battles against deer and other animal intruders. It is a device, so no more awful smell in your garden.
The unit has a motion sensor that reliably detects motion when the four-legged pests get into your garden. The device will then respond by shooting water when making a clicking noise at the same time. This way, it creates fear and scares away intruders.
The motion detector will sense any motions that are up to 30 feet within the motion detection angle. Further, you can increase or decrease the arc angle depending on the nature of your intruders. At maximum arc width, the device has a protective coverage of 1000 square feet.
The unit runs on two AA NiMH rechargeable batteries. The cells come in the package, so you can set it up for the task after arriving. Also, it’s worth acknowledging that this energy-efficient product has a solar panel for reliability even during power outages.
Generally, this animal repeller works to scare away without killing. Also, since it doesn’t use any toxic chemicals, the planet-friendly repeller works well near children, pets, and edible plants. Lastly, it connects to the water hose using a standard quick-fit hose connection.
Pros:
- Safe and cost-effective.
- Optional height is a plus.
- It is easy to install.
Cons:
- The batteries don’t keep going for long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ultrasonic deer deterrents work?
Ultrasonic deterrents use sound to scare away deer and other animals. As seen on the list, we have a few models that work well to keep your garden free from uninvited beings. However, ensure that you position it ideally.
What smell do deer hate the most?
Most repellents use scent to repel deer. In fact, that’s the best idea as they don’t have to bite for them to go away. So, what smell keeps the herd away? Well, repellents that use mint scent, spice scent, and sulfur-like scents have proven to be more effective at keeping deer and other animals away.
Should you use sprays or animal repellers?
At times you may wonder whether to go by repellents that require spraying or those that come like an electronic device. Well, the fact is that they all work fine, if you employ each where it works perfectly. For non-edible plants, the chemicals should work fine. However, if you are safeguarding a garden with edible plants, avoid the chemical repellents. Instead, opt for electronic animal repellers.
Does vinegar repel deer?
Deers don’t like the scent of vinegar even when dry. In fact, other than repelling deers, vinegar may also keep other animals like rabbits, foxes, raccoons, and more. However, there is a catch—vinegar neither settles well with pets.
What attracts deer the most?
At times you may wonder why your garden seems to be the most favorite spot for deer. Now, if you see them in your garden more than in your neighbors, it’s because something is attracting them to the farm. Orchardgrass, chicory, peas, soybeans, red clover, kale, corn, turnips, and alfafa are some of the plants that will keep a herd of deer coming back to your garden.
Final Verdict
When let, deer can cause a great deal of loss in the garden. That’s why you need a deer repellent to keep them away. Fortunately, most of these repellents don’t cost much.
However, one area you have to be keen on is the repellent to choose. It’s one job that’s easier said than done. But with our reviews, we believe that you can now pick the ideal repellent with minimal to no trouble at all.
