Alicia's Famous Deer Repellent Recipe

If you're tired of deer treating your flower beds like an all-you-can-eat buffet, this simple homemade deer repellent might become your new best friend!

I have used this recipe for years to help protect hostas, flowers, and ornamental plants from deer damage. While nothing is 100% foolproof, this has dramatically reduced the amount of munching in my garden.

Important Disclaimer

Do NOT use this spray on vegetables, herbs, fruit plants, or any edible plants. This recipe is intended for ornamental plants such as hostas, flowers, shrubs, and other landscape plants only.

What You'll Need

• 1 empty gallon milk jug
• 1 cup milk (spoiled milk works great!)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• Water
• 1 to 2 tablespoons dish soap

Directions

1. Add 1 cup of milk, 1 egg, and 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to an empty gallon jug.
2. Put the lid on and shake well until everything is fully combined.
3. Fill the rest of the jug with water, leaving a little room at the top.
4. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of dish soap.
5. Replace the lid and shake again.
6. Set the jug outside in a warm location for a day or two.
7. Wait until the mixture becomes nice and "ripe."
8. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle or pump sprayer.

How I Use It

I spray my hostas, flowers, and other landscape plants in the evening. The main reason? I do not want to smell it during the day!

By the next morning, the odor is usually gone, but the deer still seem to remember it.

After a heavy rain, I simply reapply.

Occasionally I may see a small nibble here or there, but it is nothing compared to the damage I used to have before using this recipe.

Optional Tip

Some gardeners add cayenne pepper to the mixture for an extra layer of protection. I have not needed to do that yet, but it is an option if your local deer are especially persistent.

Final Thoughts

Gardening should be enjoyable, not frustrating. If deer have been turning your beautiful landscape into their personal salad bar, give this homemade repellent a try.

I'd love to hear how it works for you!

Provided by Alicia Garner | Mainstream Realty Pros