If you've ever worked hard to grow a big, beautiful bunch of broccoli, you know how devastating it can be if a deer gets ahold of it. The same is true for spinach, carrots, and any number of other garden vegetables and greens. If you've been losing hard-grown plants to Bambi, it's time to buy the best deer repellent. These are our favorite selections to keep deer away in a safe, humane way.
Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer motion-activated sprinkler
100-percent natural
One of the most natural and humane ways to deter deer and other pests is to use a simple water spray.
Pros:
- Natural and humane
- Only uses water
- Motion activated
Cons:
- It's expensive
Not just for deer, the Orbit Yard Enforcer sprinkler will fend off any furry pest that comes near it, including raccoons and skunks as well as deer. Nearby movement sets off a cascade of water that scares off any animal walking close by. The sprinkler comes in three different sizes to cover as much ground as needed. It works with standard AA alkaline batteries.
Deer Out 32-ounce concentrate deer repellent
Essential oil solution
Using a combination of essential oils and eggs, this all-natural solution produces a smell and flavor that deer find distasteful.
Pros:
- All-natural solution
- Safe for use on vegetables and edible plants
- Fresh, minty smell
Cons:
- May fade with multiple rains
Here's another natural remedy to keep deer away from your garden. Since it only implements essential oils and eggs, you can use it freely on your edible greens and vegetables. Some people like the minty smell and others don't, but the important thing is that deer really don't like the repellent's smell or taste. You may need to reapply after a hard rain, however, and sometimes it does fade faster than the packaging claims.
Easy Gardener 6050AZ netting and fencing
Simple solution
For a more traditional route, you can erect netting around the garden areas you wish to protect.
Pros:
- Simple and uncomplicated
- Easy to erect
- Fool-proof solution
Cons:
- Won't repel smaller animals
If sprays and sprinklers are not working for you, you can always erect an actual deer fence. This netting can easily be attached to posts and trees to surround your precious gardens. Keep in mind that deer are world-class jumpers, so you'll need to erect netting to a full 8-feet high to be effective. One good thing, it's very transparent, so this fence won't hinder your garden view.
AMIATCH solar animal repellent
Techy approach
For those who enjoy a techy solution, this vigilant owl from Amiatch will emit ultrasonic sounds to scare away nearby wildlife.
Pros:
- Emits high frequency sounds
- Natural and humane
- Humans can't hear it
Cons:
- Might not be appropriate for households with dogs
Although you won't be able to hear the ultrasonic sounds emitted by the Amiatch owl, the local wildlife will! You can change the frequency to be more effective on different animals, and it will have deer running for the hills! Dogs generally do not like the sounds emitted by this device either, though, so it may not be appropriate for families with canines.
Bobbex deer repellent
Works for all the cervids
Not just for deer, this spray works to repel all members of the cervid family, including moose and elk as well.
Pros:
- Works on many types of hoofed beasts
- Long-lasting, up to eight weeks
- Doesn't rinse off in the rain
Cons:
- Smell may seem strong to some
Here's a lasting spray that won't wash off in heavy rain! It lasts up to eight weeks in autumn, although it may require applications more often during the growing season. This spray will repel deer and all of their cousins, including moose and elk as well. Keep in mind this spray does have a strong scent, so super-smellers beware.
Nite Guard solar NG-001 predator control light
Night light
The premise is simple; deer don't like bright lights and generally only feed right before or right after sunset. This light will stay on all night to keep them at bay.
Pros:
- Simple night light functionality
- Also repels carnivorous animals
- Solar-powered
Cons:
- Requires multiple lights at once
Deer like to feed in relative darkness, so a few bright lights can be a good deterrent. For this to work, you'll need to suspend four light packs on a pole, pointing in four different directions. One good thing about this solution is that it's solar-powered, so you won't have to worry about it again once the light system is set up. This option can also work to keep predators from your chicken coop!
Liquid Fence deer and rabbit repellent
Quick and easy
Who needs to build a fence when you can use a liquid fence instead? This spray repellent comes ready to use; no mixing is required!
Pros:
- Ready-to-go sprayer
- Ideal for standard yards and gardens
- No need for mixing
Cons:
- Not ideal for large yards or fields
For a quick fix, the Liquid Fence deer and rabbit repellent comes ready to spray in a convenient handheld design. Simply spritz it generously over plants and vegetables that you want to keep safe from nibbles. The taste and smell will keep both deer and rabbits from eating your hard-grown vegetation. This is an ideal solution for smaller spaces.
Enviro Pro 1025 Deer Scram repellent
Go-away grains
If you don't like the idea of spraying an odor-based repellent directly onto your plants, just pour some of this granular repellent on the ground around them.
Pros:
- No contact with plants
- Odor is mild to humans
- Lasts for weeks
Cons:
- May lose effectiveness in dry, direct sunlight
Although the smell of these granules is hardly noticeable to humans, deer won't come near it. In moist, shady conditions, the repellent will continue to work for many weeks. If it's placed in a dry, sunny place, it may need to be replaced more often, though. It comes in large 25-pound buckets to cover expansive areas.
Bye-bye deer
Say goodbye to frustrating days and nights of deer chasing with deer repellent. With such a solution, you don't have to watch your hard-earned garden get nibbled down to the roots. The Orbit Yard Enforcer Sprinkler is an excellent option because it emits a strong water spray whenever a deer comes near.
If you prefer the spray approach, the Liquid Fence deer and rabbit repellent is an easy, quick solution that can last for weeks. Just spray it liberally over any plants or areas that you want deer to avoid. The minty smell will have them steering well clear of your precious veggies. There's plenty of different options on this list, and all of them are perfectly environmentally friendly and humane.
Why trust us?
At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.
