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.

If you’re plagued by mosquitoes and have an area you want to protect, this homemade mosquito repellent may be your answer. This repellent will work best in areas of moderate size (back patios), but can be adjusted for various sized areas.

Find yourself some 5 gal. containers. You want to fill the buckets about 2/3 full of water. Keep the water low enough so birds won’t mistake it as a birdbath. Add household dish soap to the water. Also add some WD-40 to the homemade deterrent. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. (You can read more about the mosquito lifespan later if you’d like). When the mosquito lands on the water it will get stuck. The WD-40 in the water acts to break up the surface tension, impeding the mosquito from flying away. The dish soap will kill any larvae that due happen to hatch from the eggs. If you’d like, decorate the buckets to blend in with your landscape and strategically place them around your property. If you have cats or dogs, be sure to place the homemade repellent out of reach. You’re target is the mosquito, and you’d hate to see your pet drinking it. The homemade mosquito repellent wouldn’t hurt your dog, but it might give him/her a nasty case of diarrhea.

Periodically check the buckets and refill them as needed. You’ll be surprised how many mosquitoes you’ll catch this way.