Some gardeners and landscape lovers choose to take on their deer problem using a homemade deer repellent. If you’re one of those do-it-yourself type of people you might like to try this deterrent too.

Sprays can get expensive if you’ve got plenty of plants to protect. Most commercial or store bought deer repellent sprays have a foul taste or bad smell to them. Effective deer repellents usually will have both. You can simulate the effects of commercial deer repellent by making your own homemade deer repellent.

The advantages of using a homemade deer repellent include,

• Less expensive
• Household items can be used
• No chemicals to worry about when using on vegetables

While the disadavantages of homemade deer repellent range from,

• Must be frequently reapplied especially after rains
• Homemade deer repellent must be mixed before every use - not ready-made
• Does not include substance which helps it stick to plants

To make the homemade deer repellent mix the following with one gallon of water:

• 5 eggs (Blend them thoroughly if you’ll be using a sprayer to avoid any clumps. You’ll probably need to strain the mixture before using)
• 1 cup of buttermilk, milk, or yogurt (think stink!)
• 2 Tablespoons of hot sauce
• 1 Teaspoon of liquid dish soap
• 1 Tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 15 drops of cinnamon oil - optional
• 2 Teaspoons of finely crushed garlic - optional

Tip: Mix the ingredients in a blender with a quart of water first. Then combine the mixture with additional water. It will help keep your sprayer from plugging.

This homemade deterrent is most effective when sprayed just before your buds appear, but can be used throughout the growing season. You’ll want to change the ingredients occasionally. You can begin without the cinnamon oil and garlic in the mix. Add it later. Randomizing the bad tastes will help confuse the deer. Start in a small area to determine if the repellent is working before making large quantities is recommended.

We also recommend using the homeade deer repellent with another type of deer repellent when possible. Repellent Review has found it highly effective using this homemade deer repellent in combination with the scarecrow sprinkler (a device designed to scare the deer).

Deer are intelligent animals and staying one step ahead of them requires an arsenal of tactics. We hope the homemade deer repellent is a successful tactic for you.

A recent article in the WSJ describing an effective electronic deer repellent peaked the interest of Repellent Review. Some homeowners spend thousands of dollars on their landscaping. Unfortunately, they’re spending it on replacing plants that have been destroyed by deer. If you’re one of those unfortunate victims, and live in one of the New England states, you now have a company in your neighborhood with an effective way to repel deer. The DeerTech 880 keeps these white-tailed pests from eating your prized tulips and everything else in site, or YOUR MONEY BACK.

Nature Technologies, of Pleasantville N.Y. has developed an electronic deer repellent system that they offer with a 90 day money back guarantee. In fact, only 2% of the 1,400 customers have actually asked for their money back. How does Nature Technologies keep deer from invading your garden and eating your flowers? This deer deterrent company has patented an electronic deer repellent device that emits an ultrasonic sound that is claimed to be as loud as a jet engine. While the deer can hear the noise, humans can’t, nor can dogs, cats, songbirds, and livestock according to studies conducted.

Deer are smart animals. They can quickly determine what is a threat, and what is not. Nature Technologies understands this and combines it’s electronic deer repellent device with a handful of sprays which make your plants taste unsavory to this pest.

Offering the DeerTech 880 in 8 of the New England states, Nature Technologies charges an initial setup fee of $1200 to $1500. Monthly maintenance is $99. (If you’re on a tight budget, you may find the scarecrow sprinkler at around $69, a more affordable deer deterrent to suit your needs.) For this, the homeowner receives housecalls and a money back guarantee.

So far, results are positive. The combination of the electronic deer repellent and sprays which make the plants taste like jalapeno or other flavors deer avoid, are working. Here are a few testimonials.

• ‘My confidence in the effectiveness of the DeerTech 880 grew to the point that I resumed planting a broader pallet of flowers, trees and shrubs.
• Now with the Nature Technologies’ system, I am able to protect individual specimen trees and shrubs
• We have installed over 250 DeerTech 880 units on our customers’ properties with great success’

With the success of the DeerTech 880 repellent system, word has spread. Nature Technologies has answered the call. In fact, the company has offered it’s services pro bono to some gardens with landscaping on National Historic sites.

If you’re interested in trying out this deer repellent system, Nature Technologies offers free deer damage assessments and can be reached at 1-800-342-0580.