Deer Facts

The average deer can eat up to 7 pounds of food per day. In the U.S, billions of dollars are lost yearly to deer-damaged crops. If an area is plentiful in resources a deer will make it a part of their “home range” or where they live and bed. If left undisturbed, deer can repopulate and stay in that area year after year.

Deer are concentrate selectors, which means that they eat or “cherry-pick” the most nutrient-rich plant parts that are best tasting. This explains why the tops of your plants, blooms, and buds, are eaten whilst the rest of the plant is still intact.

Nature’s MACE Deer and Rabbit Repellent protects against deer and rabbit damage to apple trees, pear trees, lilies, vines, seedlings, flowers, gardens, beds, ornamentals, azaleas, hosta, arborvitae, evergreens, perennials, annuals, roses, tulips, hemlocks, edible crops, and almost all types of vegetation.

Deer leave behind ragged leaves, missing areas, and frequently just stems. Their droppings are like rabbits, shaped in elongated pellet form. Deer are habitual creatures that often feed at night to avoid being seen by people and prey. During these late-night hours, deer eat heavily, which is why you might not see them during the daytime.

Before you buy

The ready-to-use repellents come ready to use, and the concentrates require mixing with water in an application sprayer. Liquids can also be applied using a motorized spray pump or sprinkler system. Clean the sprayer after use to prevent clogging.

Our liquid concentrate repellents are best for larger and more widespread areas, and for middle to upper-level plant protection such as trees and bushes. The concentrates are the best-valued option, as you can make large amounts of ready-to-use spray. Try our granular repellents for lower-level plant protection (plants under 2 feet tall).

This product is designed to repel mainly deer, moose, and elk. It is effective for rabbits, but if you are trying to repel mainly rabbits, try our Rabbit MACE formulas.

Application Tips

Shake the bottle before each use. Spray directly to leaves, stems, flowers, and branches from all angles. Also, apply along the plant’s perimeter. Apply until the plant drips and the leaves are wet. Repeat spraying in 7 days. Thereafter, once per month. Allow 20-30 minutes for the product to dry before watering. Avoid spraying when plants are wet with dew. Re-apply after heavy rainfalls.

On top of applying directly to plants, consider spraying bushes, shrubs, etc. along the perimeter of your yard to discourage deer from entering. In the beginning, apply more heavily and frequently to stop active browsing. Consider spraying during the winter as a preventative measure. You can spray less as there is less foliage and roughly once per month. If you notice deer in the winter, they will likely be back in the spring.

The best time to start spraying is at the beginning of each growing season. After a cold winter deer are eager to eat fresh growth. Pay attention to bird feeders, as the seed may be attracting deer. Be aware of your neighbors potentially feeding deer. Deer may travel through your yard to access an open food source.

To prevent deer rubbing, spray directly to the base of plants and tree trunks. If you live in a heavily deer-populated area you may need to apply more frequently. This repellent is designed to change browsing behavior and train deer to stay away. Always test a small area on the plant before applying on a large scale, as some plant types are sensitive.