6 Best Deer and Rabbit Repellent | 7 Months of Coverage per Scoop

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This granular works long after you have forgotten you applied it.

You want this if you are tired of reapplying sprays after every rain shower. Unlike a surface spray, these granules are absorbed through the roots. They deliver a natural hot pepper concentrate at the molecular level throughout the plant — so even new growth is protected. The maker claims protection can last up to one full year from a single scoop per square foot. That is dramatically longer than any liquid option on this list.

Owners mention it requires monthly reapplication to stay effective at peak pressure, especially when deer are hungry, but they also note it works as a deterrent even in those tough conditions. One reviewer noted it works moderately well for hostas and petunias, though not as strongly for impatiens. Unlike the Liquid Fence concentrate, which relies on a stinky surface coating, this systemic approach means the protection cannot wash off in rain or degrade in sunlight.

The granules are ready to use right out of the bag with a pre-measured scoop. The formula also deters squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, skunks, and birds — so you get multi-species coverage without buying separate products.

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A mint-scented granular that works through fear and smell, even on top of snow.

What sets this apart from the Repels All granules is the dual-action formula. It repels by both fear and smell, which means it breaks feeding habits faster by hitting animals with two deterrent cues at once. It is also specifically formulated to last longer in rain, snow, and freezing temperatures — a real advantage if your winters are harsh. The 5-pound shaker jar makes it easy to broadcast around garden beds. The maker claims it contains more active ingredients than any other repellent on the market for longer-lasting protection.

Customers note mixed results on deer. One buyer mentioned, “Deer don’t care,” while others have found it effective against groundhogs in particular. One mentioned it stopped about 9 out of 10 groundhog holes after application. Unlike the Safer Garden spray (which relies on an odorless-to-humans formula), this granular has a pleasant mint scent that you can smell yourself, so there is no unpleasant egg or sulfur odor around your yard. The natural ingredients and biodegradable formula are safe for pets and people.

It is trusted by hundreds of professional landscapers and gardeners, according to the brand. The fact that you can apply it at any temperature — even on top of snow — makes it a solid winter option when liquid sprays would freeze or fail to stick.

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This heavy-duty liquid protects up to 600 plants and only needs two applications per growing season.

The formula is rainfast in just 24 hours. That means a single downpour the day after application will not wash it off. During the growing season you need to reapply every 2-4 weeks and spray new growth. During the dormant season one application lasts 3-6 months.

Reviewers point out it works well on hostas. One owner reported it kept deer away with just two applications per growing season in the Midwest. Another buyer said, “Bunnies hate this!” and that it was the only product that saved their plants from rabbits after trying multiple others. The catch, as shoppers say, is that it has a strong odor during application that can make you gag, though it fades within a few hours to 12 hours. Also, the jug does not come with a spray trigger, so you will need a separate sprayer. Some buyers report the liquid can clog sprayers, recommending you apply it by splashing from a bottle instead.

Compared to the I Must Garden granular (which had mixed deer results), Plantskydd has more consistent positive reviews specifically for deer and rabbit deterrence across a wider range of plant types.

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The stinky spray that smells terrible for 12 hours, then goes to work silently for weeks.

This concentrate hooks directly to your garden hose. You can treat a large area without mixing buckets or refilling a sprayer. The key insight: deer and rabbits have a natural aversion to the scent — they do not need to eat the plant for it to work, unlike some taste-based repellents. One buyer described the smell as a “strong egg-white odor initially,” noting it fades after soaking into the plants. Another reviewer reported it saved their hostas: “The Salad bar seems to be closed, my Hostas have survived three weeks and are coming back.”

There is a serious catch to know about. A handful of owners mention that the hose-end sprayer can malfunction. One reviewer warned that their entire 32-ounce bottle emptied in under one minute through the sprayer, covering only about 5 feet and producing a smell so strong it ruined a backyard BBQ. That appears to be a defect rather than normal operation, but it is worth noting. Compared to the Safer Garden spray (24 fluid ounces), the Liquid Fence concentrate at 32 ounces gives you more value per ounce. The Tomcat product at 128 fluid ounces (1 gallon) is the better volume deal if you have a large property.

Customers note the strong smell lasts about 12 hours, then becomes odorless to humans but remains effective for weeks. One customer observed it even briefly deterred a woodpecker, which is an unexpected bonus.

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The gallon-sized spray that smells good to people but keeps deer away for up to 30 days.

This is the only repellent on the list that comes with a battery-powered Comfort Wand for application. That makes spraying a large garden much easier on your hands compared to a traditional trigger sprayer. At 128 fluid ounces (1 gallon), it gives you far more ready-to-use liquid than the Safer Garden spray (24 oz) or Liquid Fence concentrate (32 oz). However, the Liquid Fence concentrate technically makes more total spray when mixed with water in the hose-end sprayer.

Buyers are enthusiastic about the scent. One reviewer called it the “only deer repellent used for years” and noted it “smells good to humans, deer dislike it.” Another long-term user said it is effective for an unfenced property near a nature preserve. It is long-lasting when applied after rain or new growth. The formula uses essential oils that deliver a smell and taste that animals naturally hate, and it is rain-resistant. One user highlighted that deer have to taste the plant to find out it does not taste good, so it is not 100% effective — some damage may occur before the deer learns to avoid the area entirely.

There is a quality-control issue to flag. Several reviewers reported that the battery-powered sprayer on their unit did not work properly — the motor ran but no spray came out. One buyer solved this by pouring the liquid into an old bottle from a previous purchase. If you get a defective sprayer, the repellent itself is still good; you just need a different spray bottle to apply it.

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This entry-level spray repels up to nine animal types from a single bottle.

This is the most affordable option in the lineup. It is the only one that claims effectiveness against birds, cats, dogs, groundhogs, raccoons, skunks, AND squirrels on top of deer and rabbits. The dual-action formula dries odorless to humans but irritates animals’ senses of smell and taste, sending them elsewhere. One bottle treats up to 375 square feet. The manufacturer says it provides up to 30 days of protection — though reviewers point out the strong smell lasts about 3-4 weeks under normal conditions before needing reapplication after heavy or prolonged rainfall.

Buyer reviews are split. Some people swear by it: one shopper added it effectively protected their azaleas and hydrangeas from deer. Another said it was a safe, castor oil-based repellent that protected their phlox and stargazer lilies from squirrels and rabbits. Others report it does not work at all. One reviewer noted cats did not care about it at all, and another said it did not stop quail. Compared to the Tomcat gallon, which has more consistent positive reviews, this spray is more of a gamble but at a lower entry cost. It is also safe for use around children and pets when used as directed. The manufacturer notes it should not be applied to food crops or near pollinators because it is unregistered with the EPA.

At 24 fluid ounces, it has 33% less volume than the Liquid Fence concentrate. The Liquid Fence concentrate, when mixed with water, goes much further. But if you only have a small flower bed or a few plants, this is a straightforward, no-mix option.