Most Effective Deer Repellent
There are effective deer repellents that target both the sense of smell and sense of taste, and they contain only natural ingredients, making them ideal for use in gardens.
The most effective deer repellents are liquid solutions that target both the sense of smell and taste of deer, which are highly developed. While there are many liquid deer repellents available today, most only target one sense, and they are less effective.
When using alternative deer repellents, use in conjunction with a liquid deer repellent that targets both senses for optimal success.
How Effective Liquid Deer Repellents Work
Effective liquid deer repellents work by targeting the deer's highly developed senses of smell and taste.
To target the deer's sense of smell, the repellent contains putrescent egg, garlic, and other ingredients, mimicking the smell of a decaying animal. The deer detect this smell and register it as a predator being nearby. This causes them to flee the area.
To target the deer's sense of taste, the repellent contains capsaicin. Capsaicin is the active component of chili peppers. It is an irritant for mammals, including humans, and produces a sensation of burning in any tissue with which it comes into contact. Capsaicin and several related compounds, called capsaicinoids, are produced as a secondary metabolite by chili peppers, probably as deterrents against certain herbivores and fungi. Pure capsaicin is a hydrophobic, colorless, odorless, and crystalline to waxy compound. (Capsaicin)
Because of these characteristics, capsaicin makes for an excellent deer deterrent. Deer repellents use capsaicin as one of the active ingredients. An effective mixture of capsaicin, garlic, and putrescent egg solids is a more effective alternative to potentially harmful, chemical repellents on the market.
Deer repellent is available that targets both the taste and smell senses, using these primary ingredients. Deer find the taste of capsaicin and garlic repulsive, and the smell of putrescent eggs fools them into believing that predators are close. Fortunately, this repellent cannot be smelled by humans once it’s dry.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers
An alternative to liquid deer repellent is a motion-activated sprinkler. These systems have at least one sprinkler, which produces a sudden jet of water to frighten the deer. Normally these are impulse sprinklers, which produce a series of pulse sprays. There is a connection to the water supply via an electronically operated valve. This high-tech system includes an infrared proximity sensor, which is set off when deer enter the area. Once the deer is in proximity, the shut-off valve is opened and jets of water scare the deer away.
The action of the flying water and the “tic tic tic” noise of the sprinkler deter deer from the proximity, and even outside this area within range of the sound. This automated method installs quickly and requires little user maintenance. Plus, this electronic deer repellent also repels pesky dogs, raccoons, groundhogs, opossum, skunks, cats, rabbits, squirrels, birds and geese. (Burmann)
Electronic Deer Repellent
Another alternative to liquid deer repellent is an electronic deer repellent. Electronic deer repellents work by emitting annoying sounds or producing a harmless shock, which deer find annoying and startling.
Electronic shock deer repellents are similar to an electric fence, but without the need for wires and troublesome installation. These electronic repellents will lure the animals that have wandered on your property to posts. Unable to resist temptation, deer will touch the posts and receive a shock, much like the static shock you incur when you walk across a carpet and touch a doorknob. This gentle shock will condition the deer to stay clear of your yard providing you with 24-hour protection so you don’t have to stand watch over your prized petunias. The best electronic shock deer repellents run on batteries and set up fast. (Havahart Electronic Deer Repellent)
Fertilizers
Fertilizers can also be used as liquid deer repellent alternatives, although not recommended.
Milorganite
Milorganite is a processed sewage sludge that’s the residue from organic matter generated as a byproduct of wastewater treatment. Milorganite fertilizer is not approved as a deer repellent by the Environmental Protection Agency, although the fertilizer’s musky smell repels deer. Plus, this method is not as effective during the winter months when deer’s source of food is unavailable or scarce. (Milorganite For Deer Control)
Blood Meal
Another type of fertilizer is blood meal. This high-nitrogen fertilizer is composed of dried, powdered blood that is a slaughterhouse byproduct. To use as a deterrent for rabbits and deer, this liquid fertilizer can be spread on gardens. Caution must be taken because blood meal contains ammonia, which could “burn” your plants. It can be purchased in powder or liquid form, and stops being effective after rain. (Blood Meal)
Works Cited
Blood Meal. 7 February 2010. 22 April 2010
Burmann, Barry A. Animal Deterrent Apparatus. United States: Patent 5009192. 18 Sept 1991.
Capsaicin. 19 April 2010. 22 April 2010
Milorganite For Deer Control. 22 April 2010
Havahart Electronic Deer Repellent.31 May 2010
Guest Post Provided by Havahart®
Comments