A Christmas tree farmer, Jim Boswell, was having a difficult time with deer eating his evergreen trees. This third-generation farmer had to find a deer repellent that would work, or lose his business. Neighbors frowned on his use of shooting guns, and carrying a crossbow. Deer repellent sprays weren’t working either.

Repellent Review would have told Jim he’d probably need to use a combination of proven deer repellent techniques, as just spraying is not as effective. Well he did find a repellent that worked for him. The Critter Blaster Pro, an electronic repellent that produces annoying sounds such as beeps, whistles and screeching sounds. We searched ebay and found this repellent available for $488 to $594. For that price it should work great. It did!

This electronic deer repellent worked so well that his neighbors took him to court. Not only was it annoying the deer, but the neighbors too! Regarding his use of the repellent Mr. Boswell commented, ‘”I am just trying to make a living the old-fashioned way - by farming.”… Boswell’s family has been growing Christmas trees in the Skippack area since the 1940s. “I just want to sell my trees.”‘

Boswell believed he could legally use the deterrent. ‘Like other farming states, Pennsylvania has laws aimed at protecting agriculture. In 1982, as housing developments began eating away at suburban farmland, the state enacted the Right to Farm Act to protect farmers from new residents who might complain about the smells and sounds of farming in their developing neighborhoods.

The law states that any municipality with a nuisance ordinance must exempt agricultural operations that do not have a “direct, adverse effect on the public health and safety.”‘

The Critter Blaster Pro animal repellent can go as high as 112 decibels. Boswell claims he set it at 55 decibels. He’s still fighting his neighbors in court

Repellent Review would suggest using the Critter Blaster Pro electronic deer repellent device if you reside in a rural area with NO neighbors.

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.