If you’ve been gardening for more than a minute, you know the struggle is real when it comes to deer, rabbits, squirrels, and other curious little garden crashers.
One day your tomatoes are thriving, the next—gone! Over the years, I’ve tried just about everything, and here are some of my favorite go-to tricks (and a few oddball ones that actually work). The best part is…most are FREE!
1. Irish Spring Soap Trick
Yup, good ol’ Irish Spring. Just shave the bar into chunks or hang it in mesh bags around your garden. The strong scent keeps deer away. I stick a few in trees or hang them on tomato cages—easy, cheap, and surprisingly effective.
2. Motion-Activated Sprinkler
This one’s a game-changer. A motion-activated sprinkler like the Orbit Yard Enforcer sprays a sudden burst of water when something walks by. It’s like a mini water scarecrow. Great for deer, raccoons, even the neighbor’s cat.
3. Human Hair or Pet Fur
After a haircut or brushing the dog, save the clippings! Sprinkle it around your beds or tie it up in mesh bags. The scent of humans (or dogs) often keeps deer and bunnies at bay. Not glamorous, but hey—it works.
4. DIY Garlic + Hot Pepper Spray
This is my favorite natural deterrent. Blend garlic, hot peppers, and a little dish soap in water. Spray it on your plants (avoid tender greens). The smell and taste are big turn-offs for deer and small nibblers. Just reapply after rain.
5. Plant Strong-Smelling Herbs
I mix in rosemary, oregano, mint, lavender, and thyme around the garden. They smell amazing to us—but deer usually steer clear. Bonus: they attract pollinators and add flavor to your meals! Regrow yours to use for this reason!
6. Aluminum Foil or Pie Pans
Hang a few shiny aluminum pie pans around your garden or tie strips of foil to posts. They catch the breeze and flash in the sunlight, which can spook deer and birds. It’s old school—but effective, especially during windy days.
7. Motion-Activated Solar Lights
Small solar lights with a motion trigger can surprise nighttime visitors. I’ve had luck with little solar “predator eye” lights too—they blink at night and mimic the look of an animal watching.
8. Fishing Line Fence
This one is clever: Run fishing line around the perimeter of your garden at different heights (about 2–3 feet off the ground). Deer don’t see it, bump into it, and usually back off. It’s cheap and barely noticeable.
9. Repellent Granules or Pellets
There are a few good options out there like Repels-All or Plantskydd. I sprinkle them around the garden every few weeks—especially near my fruit trees. They’re natural and don’t harm animals, but the smell is enough to keep them away.
10. Scatter Used Coffee Grounds
Aside from feeding your soil, used coffee grounds have a strong scent that squirrels and cats don’t love. I save mine and scatter them around the base of my plants every few days.
Bonus Tip: Mix & Rotate
Deer and critters are smart—and persistent. I’ve found that rotating a few of these methods every couple of weeks keeps them guessing and less likely to settle in. What worked last month might not work this month unless you switch it up!
