TLDR: Keep deer out of your yard naturally by using strong, pleasant scents they can’t stand—like garlic, lavender, mint, and cinnamon. These smells overwhelm a deer’s sensitive nose, making your landscape less appealing and safer for your plants. You can also create your own DIY deer repellent spray using essential oils. For tough cases, professional deer deterrent services from Borst Landscape & Design are available. Call (201) 254-5740 or contact us online for a free estimate.
The top smells that deer hate are smells that we love. Here’s how to use them to keep deer off your property.
If you’re a nature lover, you’ve probably stopped to observe deer wandering gracefully through the woods. It’s not the same when those deer wander through your yard and nibble on your plants. Luckily, there are simple things you can do to stop the heartbreak that comes from deer eating your garden. If you’re looking to deer-proof your yard naturally, one of the most effective tools is smell. Here we’ll share the top smells that deer hate, so you can avoid the damage they do to your landscape.
At Borst Landscape & Design, we take pride in keeping hungry deer fromdamaging your valuable landscape. We offer effective deer repellent and deer deterrent services that will preserve the hard work you put into your yard.
For your free estimate, call us at (201) 581-8076, or fill out a contact formon our website today!
How do scents keep deer away?
Deer have an incredibly acute sense of smell, which they use to find food and detect nearby predators. Certain scents are so strong that they can disrupt a deer’s sense of smell, keeping them away from their desired goal, your garden.
The top smells that deer hate all have one thing in common: they are strong enough to make the deer unable to detect predators in their immediate area. As a result, the deer usually steer clear of areas with many strong-smelling plants.
What are the top smells that deer hate?
Garlic: This strong smell doesn’t just repel vampires; deer don’t like it either. However, garlic won’t have a strong enough scent to keep you or your family from enjoying your yard. You’ll need to prune your plants often to ensure the garlic does what it’s supposed to – emitting a solid odor to chase away any deer. Pruning the plant will help to release its natural scent.
Lavender: This soothing scent ranks high among the top smells that deer hate. Fortunately, many humans find its odor to be relaxing. Plus, it adds an infusion of color that brightens up any garden!
Mint: Like lavender, mint has a powerful natural scent that overwhelms other smells. It isn’t that deer don’t like the smell; it’s because if there’s mint present, they can’t smell anything else. They will usually avoid any area that has a high concentration of mint.
Cinnamon: This is another smell that deer hate and tend to avoid. Like the above plants, you can use this to deter deer without worrying about adverse effects on family members or pets.
If you want to avoid using a chemical-based deer repellent, here’s a recipe for a natural mixture that combines the top smells that deer hate. Mix 10-20 drops each of cinnamon, clove, and mint essential oils in a water bottle with one cup of vinegar, a tablespoon of light cooking oil, and a teaspoon of dish detergent.Spray it liberally on your plants, and wait for the deer to catch on. They’ll stop using your yard as their buffet table in no time!
And if your local deer are stubborn and that’s not quite enough to stop them, the experts have your back. At Borst Landscape & Design, we have 30 years of experience with deer-proofing properties throughout Bergen County. We’ll work with nature to help you control these uninvited guests.
Reach out today for your free estimate! Call us at (201) 581-8076, or fill out a contact form online.
FAQs About Smells That Deer Hate
Q: Why do certain smells repel deer?
A: Deer rely on smell to detect predators. Strong scents like garlic or mint block their senses and drive them away.
Q: What are the best scents to use?
A: Garlic, lavender, mint, and cinnamon are top deer-repelling choices—and they smell great to humans!
Q: Can I make my own deer repellent?
A: Yes! Mix cinnamon, clove, and mint oils with vinegar, cooking oil, and dish soap for a safe DIY spray.
Q: Are these scents safe for pets and kids?
A: Natural options like these are much safer than chemical repellents, especially when diluted properly.
Q: What if home remedies don’t work?
A: Call the pros. Borst Landscape & Design offers expert deer deterrent services tailored for Bergen County homes.
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