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Best Deer Out Repellents

Updated May 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Deer Out 40oz Ready-to-Use Deer Repellent
Deer Out
40oz Ready-to-Use Deer Repellent
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

A convenient spray bottle of Deer Out's classic safe and effective deer repellent formula.

Pros

With no preparation required, this 40-ounce spray bottle is ideal for homeowners, gardeners, and landscapers. One bottle covers up to 1,250 square feet. Formula won't wash off and smells pleasant to humans while deterring deer, moose, and elk.

Cons

The spray head has a tendency to leak.

Best Bang for the Buck
Deer Out Deer Out 1 Gallon Ready-to-Use Refill
Deer Out
Deer Out 1 Gallon Ready-to-Use Refill
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

With no mixing required, this 1-gallon bulk refill size of Deer Out's deer repellent is a great addition to a spray bottle.

Pros

Large jug is ready to use and works well as a refill for spray bottles. The 1-gallon container covers up to 4,000 square feet, making it ideal for larger properties or multiple treatments on your yard and garden. Has a peppermint scent.

Cons

This jug does not include a spray pump or tubing to apply the product.

Deer Out 32-Ounce Concentrate Deer Repellent
Deer Out
32-Ounce Concentrate Deer Repellent
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This 32-ounce bottle of Deer Out concentrate is a good space saver for those intending to use a lot of repellent.

Pros

Makes about 3 gallons of standard-strength Deer Out to fill spray bottles. Suitable for homeowners, but is a large enough quantity to cover over 10,000 square feet of land. Environmentally friendly formula is safe to store around children and pets.

Cons

Mixing this product may be a hassle for those only needing to cover a small amount of space.

Deer Out 1 Gallon Concentrate Deer Repellent
Deer Out
1 Gallon Concentrate Deer Repellent
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Best for Experts
Bottom Line

This full gallon of Deer Out's concentrated formula is ideal for farmers or those with a lot of land to spray.

Pros

One gallon of concentrate can treat up to 40,000 square feet. Makes up to 10 gallons of regular-strength Deer Out repellent. Ideal for folks who like to buy in bulk or have larger properties. Formula is all-natural, so there's no need to worry about having large quantities of chemicals.

Cons

This volume may not be appropriate for consumers with smaller properties.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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BEST DEER OUT REPELLENTS

Gardening is rewarding, but the joy can be short-lived when deer discover your oasis and treat it like a buffet. To protect your plant investments, you need a reliable deer repellent. With various options on the market, it can be difficult to choose, but the Deer Out collection of deer repellents are well known for their effectiveness.

These products come in different forms and sizes, ranging from ready-to-use sprays to concentrate formulas that must be diluted before use. The best deer repellent is easy to apply and long-lasting, is safe for plants, pets, and children, and effectively deters deer from gorging on your garden.

Remember, the repellent needs to smell unpleasant to deer, but it doesn't have to smell bad to humans. In fact, Deer Out is famous for its fresh, minty scent that most users find quite pleasant.

Our top pick, the Deer Out 40 ounce Ready to Use Repellent, offers an effective solution to deer problems without breaking the bank.

BEST DEER OUT REPELLENTS FOR YOUR GARDEN

Deer Out – 40 Ounce Ready-to-Use Repellent

The Deer Out 40 Ounce Ready to Use Repellent is a perfect choice for small to medium gardens. This product is already diluted, so it's convenient and easy to use straight from the bottle. It is weather-resistant and remains effective for 90 to 120 days per application, even through rain and irrigation.

It's all-natural and made from 100% organic ingredients, meaning it's safe for your plants, children, and pets. With its strong minty scent, deer are deterred from browsing your garden, but your nose will not be offended. For occasional deer visits or smaller gardens, this option will be ideal.

Deer Out – 1 Gallon Ready to Use Refill

If you have a larger garden, the Deer Out 1 Gallon Ready to Use Refill is a good choice. The formula is identical to the 40-ounce version, meaning it's equally effective and has the same pleasant scent. However, this size offers better value for those with larger gardens or more frequent deer visits.

Like the smaller version, it's weather-resistant and lasts up to 120 days per application, depending on the weather and deer pressure. It's safe for plants, children, and pets.

Deer Out – 32 Ounce Concentrate Deer Repellent

The Deer Out 32 Ounce Concentrate Deer Repellent is an economical choice for larger areas or more severe deer problems. The concentrated formula needs to be diluted before use, which might require some extra work, but the upside is that one bottle makes 2.5 gallons of ready-to-use repellent.

The concentrate has the same all-natural ingredients and long-lasting effectiveness, lasting up to 120 days. Plus, it maintains the same minty scent that is pleasant to humans but unappetizing to deer.

Deer Out – 1 Gallon Concentrate Deer Repellent

For the biggest gardens or the most severe deer problems, the Deer Out 1 Gallon Concentrate Deer Repellent is the way to go. This formula needs to be diluted, but one gallon of concentrate makes 10 gallons of ready-to-use repellent, offering significant savings over the long term.

Like other Deer Out products, this concentrate is made of 100% natural ingredients and is safe for plants, pets, and children. It offers long-lasting, weather-resistant protection and features the signature minty scent.

No matter which Deer Out product you choose, remember that proper application is key. Ensure even coverage of your plants and repeat applications as directed.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY A DEER REPELLENT

Types of Deer Repellents

Deer repellents come in different forms. The most common types include sprays, granules, electronic devices, and physical barriers.

  • Spray Repellents: These are applied directly to plants or surrounding areas. The scent or taste of the spray is designed to deter deer from feeding on your plants. They are effective but require frequent reapplication, especially after rain.
  • Granules: Granular deer repellents are sprinkled around plants and gardens. These can cover a large area and release a scent that is unpleasant to deer. They are often rain resistant and last longer than sprays.
  • Electronic Devices: These deterrents use motion sensors to emit sounds, lights, or water sprays to scare away deer. They can be very effective but may not be suitable for all environments or neighborhoods due to their intrusive nature.
  • Physical Barriers: These include deer netting or fencing. They provide a physical barrier to keep deer out of a particular area. While effective, they can be expensive to install and may affect the aesthetics of your garden.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Repellent

Effectiveness: Not all deer repellents work equally well. Some are more effective than others, depending on the number of deer in your area and their habits. It’s a good idea to try a few different types and brands to see which one works best for you.

  • Smell and Taste: Deer are deterred by strong smells and unpleasant tastes. Look for repellents that have a smell that deer find offensive, such as rotten eggs, garlic, or hot peppers.
  • Longevity: Consider how long the product will last before needing to be reapplied. Some repellents need to be reapplied every few weeks or after a heavy rain, while others can last for several months.
  • Non-Toxic: Repellents should be non-toxic and safe for use around pets and children. Always read the label to make sure the product is safe to use in your environment.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A DEER REPELLENT

Ease of Application
The easier a product is to apply, the more likely you are to use it regularly and achieve the desired results. Sprays are generally easy to apply but may need more frequent application. Granules can cover a large area quickly but may not be as easy to spread evenly.

Coverage Area
Look for products that cover a large area if you have a big garden. Sprays and granules usually give a good coverage area, but remember to consider how much product you are getting for the price.

Weather Resistance
Weather can significantly impact the effectiveness of a deer repellent. Rain, in particular, can wash away some repellents, reducing their effectiveness. Look for products that are rain-resistant or have a longer-lasting effect.

Effect on Plants
Some deer repellents may have a detrimental effect on your plants if not used correctly. Always read the label to ensure the product is safe for your specific plants.

Price
Deer repellents can vary significantly in price. Some higher-priced products may offer more comprehensive protection or last longer, so it's essential to consider the overall value for money.

Reviews and Recommendations

Consider the reviews and recommendations of others. Online reviews, gardening forums, and advice from local garden centers can provide valuable insights into which products work best in your area.