Animal wildlife is a splendor to see in your garden. Unfortunately, in some instances they can be a nuisance to your plants and property. To solve this problem people turn to different repellent systems that deter animals from selected areas.
There are a variety of different forms of animal repellent ranging from natural irritants, electronic systems, and other biochemical compositions that deter animals. While most have some effectiveness, they all have distinct contexts in which they are best applied. In general, most homeowners agree that investing in an electronic repellent system is the most effective and poses the least risk to your garden, animals, and health.
Types of Animal Repellents
Liquid Spray Repellents
One of the most classical forms of animal repellents is applied as sprays on the foliage of your plants and the surrounding gardens. They usually contain irritant properties that trigger unpleasant sensations in the taste, odor, or touch of the animals. Many of these contain natural ingredients like Chili, Garlic, Black Pepper, Clove, and other essential Oils. There are many different formulas and brands of this product, some for targeting specific animal species while others have a wide-spectrum effect. Liquid Spray Repellents are typically applied as a spray directly onto or around plants and property you want to be protected.
Pros: Generally effective directly after application and can last for several months in some settings. Products containing only natural and biodegradable ingredients are readily available.
Cons: Becomes less effective as a deterrent with time after application. Length of effectiveness may be much lower in certain climates. This means that you will have to routinely apply it on your property. It is also not recommended to use for fruits or edible parts of plants as they can alter their flavor. While most aren’t “toxic” they can cause unpleasant sensations to the individual applying it. Obviously if sprayed into eyes or other sensitive parts they could be dangerous. Certain brands do contain toxic chemicals so read the labeling if this concerns you!
Effective Against: Rodents, Deer, Skunks, Racoons, and other Mammals. Also can repel certain pest insects!
Granular Repellents
Granular Repellents work like liquid repellents by causing uncomfortable odors, tastes, and touch to target animals. They are typically applied by sprinkling the granules in selected target areas or around the border or entrances of your garden. After applying they are usually gently watered into the soil.
Pros: Easy to apply! No need to deal with spray bottles and funnels! In ideal settings, granular repellents can work for 1-2 months. Most granular commercial repellents are made from natural ingredients.
Cons: Like liquid repellents, the effectiveness of the product is reduced with time after application. In particular with rainy climates and certain soil types. This means you may have to regularly reapply this product during the growing season if you wish to effectively keep repelling animals. Some may be made from harmful chemicals, so make sure to read the packaging if you wish to avoid this.
Effective Against: Deer, Racoons, Rodents, Groundhogs, Cats, Dogs, and other Mammals.
Covered Repelling Stations
Covered Repelling Stations are small devices that emit odors that deter animals from the general area. The devices are designed to protect the repellent from rain or other environmental factors that may reduce its effectiveness. They are usually staked into the ground or hung from poles or branches. They are said to deter animals 6-10 ft from the repelling stations, but this largely depends on the product. Many use mothballs as the primary repellent but there are other repellents for targeting specific species.
Pros – Easy to use just by placing in your garden, no need to deal with handling the repellent directly. Since the repellent itself is protected in the device, it typically lasts an entire season. Works well for small spaces or placed near entrances.
Cons – Effectiveness is varied and not always successful. Brands that use mothballs create unpleasant odors and contain toxic chemicals. Not convenient for large open areas.
Effective Against: Depends on the brand. Deer, Rodents, and even Insects.
Fencing
Fencing isn’t a form of repellent but it does prevent wildlife from entering your yard. There are many different types of fencing but you will likely need tall or eclectic fencing if you wish to repel large animals like deer. For many homeowners, only fencing prized plants and selected areas of the garden is another option.
Pros – Extremely effective against most large animals when properly designed. Also works as a home-safety mechanism.
Cons – Fencing may not be practical, aesthetic, or wanted by the homeowners. For most homeowners installing an animal-proof fence is a large project that might serve as a final option if other repellent methods fail. Fencing won’t work against small animals or birds. Electric fencing can be dangerous.
Effective Against: Deer and other large mammals.
Wireless Electric Fence
Wireless electric fences are small stakes that are placed into the ground and release an odor that is attractive to deer. This attracts them to the stake and when touched it releases a harmless but frightening electrical shock that scares them away. The flight response of a single deer can cause the entire herd to flee with it!
Pros: Easy to install and reasonably effective at first. A single frightened deer will usually also scare away the rest of the herd.
Cons: Not always effective and some animals may learn how to avoid these systems with time. It’s recommended to switch their locations regularly if the deer seem to start avoiding the stake. While they usually have a warning label and bright red color the possibility to shock yourself, small children, or domestic animals exists. While highly unlikely, left unattended in tall dry grass could pose a fire hazard.
Effective Against: Deer
Animal Traps
There are many types of animal traps designed to capture specific animals. Mouse and Rat traps are common and come in a variety of designs. Snap Traps, Sticky Traps, and Electronic Traps are all common for small rodents. Electronic traps which shock the rodents are considered some of the easiest and safest trapping methods for rodents. Traps for larger animals like Racoons are also common.
Pros: Often Effective at Eliminating the Animals
Cons: In most cases another animal of the same species will likely come and take the place of the exterminated individual. Trapping a live animal can also be extremely dangerous. Some traps could potentially injure children.
Effective Against: Rodents, Racoons, and possibly other small Animals.
Ultrasonic Repellent
Ultrasonic repellents are devices that emit sound at a higher frequency than is perceivable to the human ear. While we can’t hear it, other animals are repulsed by it! This deters them from the general area of the device. Many devices include motion detectors, lights, and lower frequency sound that further aid in the deterrence of unwanted animal life. Many models are also solar-powered, making them maintenance-free and easy to use in remote locations!
Pros: The best part about it is that it’s incredibly easy and safe to use! It’s chemical-free and causes no harm to humans or wildlife. Placed in your garden they will repel any animals that enter within 10 feet or more of the device!. Their simplicity means there’s no need to reapply deterrents or deal with unpleasant odors.
Cons: Its upfront cost might be a bit more than other repellent systems but they will end up saving you time and money in the long run! Not effective on pets.
Effective Against: Rodents, deer, skunks, raccoons, groundhogs etc.
Motion Activated Sprinklers
Motion Activated Sprinklers work by scaring animals from your yard with an automated sprinkler triggered by motion. They are installed just like an ordinary sprinkler and typically have different sensitivity settings. Different sprinkler systems also have different ranges and coverage.
Pros: Since these only use water they are safe and require no harmful chemicals! The automation makes it easy to use and low maintenance once installed. They are also highly effective against most animals. Most models also double as a normal sprinkler to use for irrigation in dry climates.
Cons: The plumbing work associated with sprinkler installation may not be ideal for larger pieces of land. Cheaper models of motion activated sprinklers tend to be less effective, so it’s worth investing in a good system if you want results!
Effective Against: Deer, Birds, Racoons, Cats, Dogs, and other medium to large Animals.
Scarecrows, CD’s, and other DIY Repellents
There are many different types of DIY repellents one could make from materials at home. Some make scarecrows while others hope the sun’s reflection from hanging CD’s will scare away the pests. While these strategies are fun, they are unfortunately much less effective than most commercial products. Even DIY liquid spray solutions will rarely be as effective or long-lasting as a commercially designed brand. In most cases, if you want REAL results, don’t bother with these types of repellents.
Pros: Cheap, Fun, and Resourceful.
Cons: Rarely effective.
Effective Against: Not 100% effective against any animals.
Conclusion
Deciding the best repellent system is something you must consider based on your unique setting and context. Animals can quickly destroy your ornamental plants or harvest, so investing in high-quality repellents that are well-targeted for the animals in your region is key. Pest Control Experts agree that using high-quality repellent systems is the only real way to repel animals in areas with large populations of problematic creatures.
In general, most people find that low maintenance easy-to-use electronic repellents like Ultrasonic Repellents or Motion Activated Sprinklers tend to be the most effective. In particular, we recommend Ultrasonic systems that are motion activated and equipped with LED lights.
Our observations have shown that for maximum effect you can combine both the Ultrasonic Repellents and a Motion Activated Sprinkler. This combination is highly effective at repelling most pest animals. After a 1-2 weeks of applying both systems together the automated sprinklers can be deactivated for practicality reasons. By using them in combination at first the animals learn to associate the Ultrasonic System with the fear response of the sprinklers and thus will continue avoiding your yard!
Since there is no need for reapplication they work year-round and 24/7! They also have the benefit of being chemical-free, odor-free, and easily hidden. If you’re still struggling with animals after using non-electric repellent methods it may be time to finally make the switch.