FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions. If you have further questions you can leave us a comment on our blog or contact us.

How does this deer repellent differ from other products?
DEER GUARD® contains Bitrex®, the most bitter substance known. Combined with a detection agent, deer are trained to identify treated plants and leave them alone. Bitrex and the detection agent are bonded to plant surfaces with a latex formulation.

Will the deer repellent wash off during the next rain?
No, that is what makes this deer repellent so revolutionary. The latex formulation resists water and keeps working on the plant for an entire season. This latex formulation contains micro pores, which allows plants to breathe.

Will I have to reapply the product?
The latex formulation stays with the plant; only new growth needs to be protected. Thus, once the leaves drop in the fall, one application should protect your trees and shrubs until new growth appears in the spring. Reapply if unusual deer pressure exists.

Is the product safe to use?
Absolutely, Bitrex was originally developed for the dentistry market in the 1950’s as an alternative to Novocain™. Bitrex failed because of its incredibly bitter taste. In fact, it has been used in products to help train babies and young children to not suck their fingers. The product also won’t harm deer. They will not like the taste and they will not get hurt.

Will this deer repellent damage my plants?
No, unlike some deer repellents, Deer Guard is safe to use. The latex formulation is similar to that used in “Leaf Shine” products sold for houseplants. The product works great with annuals and perennials. From Hosta & Roses to Impatients & Rhododendrons.

Can I use this deer repellent on my vegetables?
No, the Guinness Book of World Records list Bitrex as the most bitter substance known to man and the taste of vegetables will be affected. While Deer Guard is safe to plants and humans, the nasty taste makes this deer repellent unsuitable to food crops.

Does Deer Guard smell bad?
Competitive products based upon rotten eggs, animal urine, liquefied animal renderings, and ammonium based soaps may smell bad, but not Deer Guard. The scent is rather pleasant to humans; however, animals will find the scent a warning not to eat, unless they want a particularly bad tasting meal.

How much Deer Guard do I need for my garden or nursery?
Deer Guard deer repellent is a ready-to-use product. There is no mixing. One gallon should treat around 1,000 square feet of plant material. Two light coats give better results than one heavy single application.

Will Deer Guard leave an ugly milky white coating on my plants?
No, Deer Guard dries clear and shiny. Think of it as a leaf shine for your flowers, shrubs and trees. If anything, the visual appearance is improved. When temperatures that are below 40° Deer Guard may dry white.

Do I need to clean my sprayer?
Cleaning sprayers should be the first order of business after any product is applied, and this is also true after applying Deer Guard. The latex formulation is water-soluble. Merely run water through your sprayer after use. Otherwise, the sprayer can become clogged once the latex dries. If clogging occurs, you my need to place the sprayer head in hot water to clear the blockage. With respect to our Ready for Use Quart Sprayer, you can hold the sprayer upside down to clear the deer repellent from the sprayer head.

Deer Guard sounds expensive?
Deer Guard deer repellent costs a bit more than other products, but you will save over the course of the growing season because reapplication is not required after every rain or snow. Tree guard protection simply costs you less. Again, reapplication is only required for new plant growth during the spring and summer.

What if deer continue to eat treated plants?
Poor product performance is usually related to incomplete or inadequate application. Reapply. Consider treating the underside of plant material too.

If you have any questions we did not cover here, you can leave a comment below and we will respond in 24 hrs. Or you can give us a call, toll free, at (877) 892-7979.