· top picks · 11 min read
Best 18 Animal Repellent Sprays to Keep Pests Away
Our roundup of the best animal repellent sprays examines their effectiveness, ingredients, and value as a natural solution for keeping pests at bay.
Dealing with pesky animals around your home or property can be frustrating, but the right animal repellent spray can make a big difference. We’ve compared the most effective options on the market to help you find the perfect solution for your situation.
As an Amazon Affiliate we receive compensation from qualifying purchases at no cost to you
Reviews
Everguard Deer & Rabbit Repellent Spray
The Everguard Deer & Rabbit Repellent combines an eco-friendly formula with essential oils to protect your garden without harsh chemicals. It’s safe enough for use around children and pets, with a non-offensive odor that won’t linger after application. While it may need occasional reapplication after rain, particularly for certain types of plants, most users find it effective in keeping deer and rabbits at bay.
Bobbex Bear Repellent Spray
This natural garden spray repels a variety of pesky animals including rabbits, groundhogs, and deer. The environmentally friendly formula uses recycled ingredients and won’t wash off plants, providing protection that lasts through several rainfalls. The convenient spray bottle makes it easy to apply to your garden and plants.
Liquid Fence All-Purpose Animal Repellent
The ready-to-use spray works quickly to deter rabbits and other small mammals, with many users noting success in protecting garden plants and landscapes. While some report it’s most effective in drier conditions, the rain-resistant formula helps maintain its effect between applications. The pleasant alternative to harsh chemicals has earned high praise for being both effective and safe around pets and edible plants when used as directed.
Bonide Repels All Animal Repellent
If you’re tired of pests ruining your garden, the Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent might be your saving grace. It’s designed to keep a wide variety of yard invaders at bay, from squirrels and deer to rabbits and rats – though some reviewers report mixed results with raccoons. The natural active ingredients create an unpleasant scent that makes animals want to stay away, protecting your plants without harming them – just make sure to keep it away from your cats!
GrizGuard Bear Spray
The GrizGuard Bear Spray proves itself as a reliable companion for outdoor enthusiasts, with its potent 2% capsaicin formula and 30-foot spray range providing peace of mind during wildlife encounters. Its compact design, including a secure holster and glow-in-the-dark safety features, demonstrates thoughtful consideration for real-world use. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or traveling through bear country, this EPA-registered spray represents a practical investment in your personal safety.
PetSafe SprayShield Animal Deterrent Spray
When a dog confrontation becomes unavoidable, the PetSafe SprayShield delivers a surprising burst of citronella that breaks up the action without causing harm. At just 5 inches tall, the compact spray canister fits easily into a pocket or bag, while its generous 2.89 ounces provide up to 12 seconds of protection with each activation. The spray creates a 3-meter stream that works best when directed straight into the attacking pet’s face, giving you just enough time to separate the animals safely.
Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellant
This concentrated animal repellent mixes with water to create a protective barrier against a wide range of garden pests, including skunks, deer, raccoons, and rabbits. The natural formula, which includes putrescent whole egg solids as its primary active ingredient, provides lasting protection for outdoor plants and landscaping. Users appreciate its effectiveness and natural approach to pest control, with many reporting success in defending their gardens against deer and other nuisance animals.
48 oz. R Animal Repellent Spray
This natural animal repellent effectively keeps rabbits, squirrels, and other small pests away from your plants. The long-lasting formula, made from putrescent egg solids, protects your garden without harming pets or wildlife. While some users report minor issues with clogging, the overall satisfaction is high, with many praising its effectiveness and ease of use.
Bonide Animal Repellent
This natural animal repellent combines multiple irritation triggers to protect plants and structures from a wide range of pests for two months per application. It works by causing mild irritation to an animal’s nasal passage through touch, taste, and smell, encouraging them to avoid the treated area. The effective formula earned positive feedback from users who successfully deterred critters like deer, rabbits, and squirrels while keeping their gardens intact.
32oz RTU Animal Stopper Bear Repellent Spray
The natural animal repellent works by combining rosemary, mint, and cinnamon oils with whole egg solids to create an effective barrier around plants and structures. The eco-friendly formula provides lasting protection for up to 30 days, even in rainy weather, without harming the environment or wildlife. Its pleasant herbal scent dissipates quickly while keeping unwanted animals at bay.
Harris 20 oz. Rodent Repellent Spray with Essential Oils
This natural rodent repellent uses essential oils to keep mice and rats at bay, with users noting its effectiveness in their garages and vehicles. The plant-based formula offers pleasant protection without harsh chemicals, though some report minor leakage issues with the trigger mechanism after multiple uses. Overall, reviewers appreciate its quick-acting properties and child/pet-friendly nature.
Nature’s Miracle Advanced Cat Pet Block Repellent Spray
The Nature’s Miracle Advanced Platinum Cat Pet Block Repellent Spray uses essential oils to create a natural barrier against unwanted pet behavior. While some users report success in training cats and protecting furniture, others find its effectiveness limited and the scent too strong for their homes. Always follow the product’s guidelines, as concentrations may vary between cats and situations.
Bonide Repels-All 32 oz Animal Repellent
Formulated with putrescent whole egg solids, this concentrate creates an unpleasant scent that keeps deer, rabbits, squirrels, and other pests at bay. The biodegradable formula is safe for use around edible plants and pets, making it a practical choice for garden protection. When mixed with water, the solution provides up to two months of pest deterrence.
Bear Repellent Spray
This natural repellent uses a blend of essential oils to mask familiar pet scents, discouraging animals from marking your outdoor spaces. While it works well for cats who spray indoors, dogs may roll in it instead of being repelled. The potent scent lasts up to a week, protecting your plants and keeping the neighborhood critters at bay.
32 oz. -R Bear Repellent Ready-to-Use Spray
This natural garden protector keeps rabbits, squirrels, and chipmunks at bay with its potent blend of putrescent egg solids. The user-friendly trigger spray covers 22 gallons, making it a practical choice for both new and experienced gardeners alike. While some find the garlic scent strong, the concentrated formula needs to be reapplied every 2-4 weeks depending on weather conditions and local wildlife activity.
Bonide Shot-Gun Repels-All Bear Repellent Spray
When those pesky animals start causing trouble in your garden or around your home, this stuff is like a superhero for your plants. The natural ingredients have got three strikes against them - they don’t like the way it feels, tastes, or smells. It keeps deer, rabbits, raccoons, and other critters at bay for up to two months at a time. Just be prepared for some serious garlic-onion-wintergreen perfume action - it’s strong enough to make cats do a flip-flop and humans wear gloves when applying it.
Nature’s Miracle Dog Pet Block Spray
This essential oil-based spray helps prevent pets from marking unwanted areas by creating a natural scent barrier. While some users report significant success, particularly with dogs marking furniture, others find its effectiveness inconsistent, especially for cats. The concentrated formula requires frequent reapplication and may need time to develop its full scent profile.
Mighty Mint Gallon Rodent Repellent
The natural peppermint oil formula reliably keeps mice, rats, and other rodents at bay without harsh chemicals. The highly concentrated spray provides long-lasting protection for homes, garages, and vehicles, while the biodegradable cap and recyclable packaging promote environmental sustainability.
Buyer’s Guide
Animal repellent sprays are a popular choice for deterring undesirable critters from your property. These products combine convenience with effective protection, making them a practical solution for many homeowners. To choose the right repellent, consider factors such as the specific animals you’re targeting, the size of your property, and the environmental impact of the product.
Target Animals
Different repellents work better against specific animals. Common targets include deer, rabbits, rodents, squirrels, and raccoons. Check the product label to ensure it’s effective against the pests you’re dealing with. Some sprays target multiple species, while others are specialized for specific animal control.
Spray Ingredients
The active ingredients in repellent sprays vary widely. Commonly used ingredients include hot pepper extracts (capsaicin), putrescent eggs, and natural oils. Products containing capsaicin are particularly effective against mammals. For wildlife like deer and raccoons, putrescent eggs can be highly effective while leaving no residue. Consider the natural composition to ensure it’s safe for your environment and pets.
Application Requirements
The application process varies by product. Some sprays provide immediate protection, while others need to be reapplied regularly. Consider the maintenance required for your chosen product. For persistent pest issues, look for formulas that last longer between applications. The spray’s coverage area is also important - some products treat larger surfaces more effectively than others.
Environmental Impact
Evaluate the environmental compatibility of your chosen repellent. Some products contain harsh chemicals that can harm beneficial wildlife or contaminate soil and water. Opt for environmentally friendly options that decompose naturally and have minimal impact on local ecosystems.
FAQ
What makes a good animal repellent spray?
A quality animal repellent spray combines effectiveness with safety, using natural ingredients whenever possible. Look for products that contain active natural deterrents like citronella, capsaicin, or ultrasonic technology that animals find aversive. The spray should cover a wide area and maintain its potency over time.
Additional factors include ease of application, cost-effectiveness, and environmental safety. A good repellent should be eco-friendly, non-toxic, and safe for both humans and pets while keeping animals at bay.
How does animal repellent work?
Animal repellent works through scent, sound, or physical properties that discourage animals from entering treated areas. Most products contain natural deterrents that either cause physical discomfort or create an unpleasant association with the treated space.
Some sprays use a combination of methods: natural scents mask attractive smells, while ultrasonic repellents create high-frequency sounds animals find disturbing. Regular application is key to maintaining effectiveness.
What animals can repellents keep away?
Animal repellents vary in their effectiveness against different species. Most sprays target common pests like rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, and birds. Specialized formulas exist for deer, mice, and other specific problem animals.
Results can vary based on the species’ natural resistance to repellents and the severity of the infestation. For persistent issues, combining multiple repellents or using them with other control methods may be necessary.
How safe is animal repellent for pets?
Many commercial animal repellents contain petroleum, harsh chemicals, or questionable ingredients that could be harmful to pets. Choose products specifically labeled as pet-safe and free from harsh chemicals.
When using repellents around pets, ensure the product is contact-safe and avoid treated areas until the spray has completely dried. Monitor your pet’s behavior and seek veterinary advice if any adverse reactions occur.
Is homemade animal repellent effective?
Homemade animal repellents can be effective and cost-efficient alternatives to store-bought products. Common ingredients include vinegar, citrus oils, and hot pepper solutions that animals find repulsive.
However, homemade remedies may not last as long as commercial products and may vary in effectiveness. Homemade solutions should still be applied regularly and combined with other control methods for best results.
How do I apply animal repellent?
Application methods vary based on the product and the animal targeted. Most concentrated sprays cover more area when diluted according to the product directions.
Apply repellent around structures, garden edges, and areas frequented by animals. Reapply after rain or heavy dew, and after mowing or other landscaping activities that may disturb the treatment.
As an Amazon Affiliate we receive compensation from qualifying purchases at no cost to you