Deer Repellent

Kays's Note:

I've been using this for years on my fruit trees, and it hasn't failed me in this deer-infested area of Western Pennsylvania. As an added bonus, the garlic helps repel insect pests.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 32 sprays

• 1 gallon water
• 1 ivory soap bar
• 1 large bulb of garlic (8-10 large cloves)
• 1 (2 ounce) jar crushed red pepper flakes (use the cheap kind- the $1 Spice Classics works well)

Directions:

1. Pour the water into a large pot.
2. Grate the bar of soap (Ivory is the only one I use) into the water.
3. Crush the cloves of garlic and add to the mix. You do not need to peel or chop them, just smash them. If you can't get a really large bulb, use two smaller ones (about 20 small cloves).
4. Add the jar of pepper flakes.
5. Bring the entire mess to a simmer, stirring occasionally. The soap should dissolve completely.
6. Turn the heat off, cover the pot, and let it sit for a week or so. You could probably get away with two or three days, but the longer, the better.
7. Strain through a fine mesh strainer and store the liquid in a jug. If the mixture has thickened, warm it a bit before you strain it. I use the water jug from step one for storage.
8. When you want to use it, pour 1/2 cup of the soap mixture into a 2 1/2 gallon sprayer. Add water to fill the sprayer, and spray your plants. Do not store any unused liquid in your sprayer- mix a fresh batch each time.
9. One gallon of this stuff usually lasts me one year. Respray after heavy rains, or every two to three weeks or so. More often may be needed when there is rapid fruit or leaf growth.

Reviews

[Oolala]

I want to try this. I have a similar recipe that uses tabasco sauce for the heat and it also has the egg but no soap so it just suggests mixing in the blender so it must be for a much smaller batch. There is no cooking. It gives ingredients but no amounts so thanks for posting. I will try this soon. PS-I have heard Deer hate Irish Spring original scent soap.

[Ladyfarmeror]

Right on the money ! I add one egg, beaten, and let it sit for a day. Then strain the slop and spray like crazy!!! Works like nothing else I've ever tried. Thanks for posting such a helpful "recipe".