HOMEMADE CRITTER GITTER MIXTURES
Deer have a massive sweet tooth. They do not like bitter things. I went through my bathroom and kitchen cabinets and asked myself: “What would I not want in my mouth?” This started a search that led to a long list of Homemade Critter Gitter Mixtures.
Sprinkling medicated body powder onto plants will deter deer and other “critters.” It confuses their sense of smell and the taste is pretty nasty. For those animals that are especially tenacious, try mixing lots of hot chili powder and powdered garlic in with the powder.
NOTE: I save empty powder containers for this purpose.
I have seen a deer take a big bite out of a bush, and just drop it and walk off. Unfortunately, some deer will take a bite, then move on to try a few more plants before giving up, just to see if they have better luck.
NOTE: I have used this same mixture on my roses and daylilies with success.
RELATED ARTICLE: KEEP DEER FROM DAMAGING YOUR ORCHARD
RELATED ARTICLE: HOW TO DEAL WITH DANGEROUS WILDLIFE
DAFFODILS ARE BITTER
Deer love to eat tulips since they are sweet. I have sometimes seen them eat my plants right down to the ground. Deer don’t like daffodils at all because the slimy, sticky fluid contained in the stem is bitter.
Adding this substance to a potent mixture of anything in your pest control arsenal might give deer, rabbits, raccoons, etc. even more reason to move on. Use plenty of it in a gallon of water in a sprinkle can. Be sure to add some liquid dish soap to the mixture to help it stick to the plants.
OTHER INGREDIENTS THAT ANIMALS DON’T LIKE
There are many other things that deer, etc. don’t like the smell of, and I imagine they like the taste of them even less. Such as:
- Tobacco: Do not use on the forming fruit or the taste will transfer to the fruit.
- Jalapeno Peppers
- Horseradish
- A blend of Rosemary, Lavender, and Lemon seems to help. (Go heavy on the Rosemary.)
- Eucalyptus
- Rotten Eggs
- Ammonia
- Garlic or Onion
- Epsom Salts
Always mix these ingredients liberally in water. Combine several if you have them on hand. Mix liquid dish soap or gel soap in with it to help the mixture stick to the plants. Use whatever you have at the moment. If you run onto another ingredient that is smelly or objectionable, don’t hesitate to use it.
RELATED ARTICLE: MORE ABOUT PEST CONTROL
NOTE: I always use disposable hospital (nitrile) gloves when spraying commercial weed killer, bug spray, plant food, or even a homemade concoction.
NOTE: It is necessary to change your methods of deer deterrents periodically so they don’t get too used to just one thing. Always reapply a spray or powder after a rain.
USE BAKING SODA TO WARD OFF RABBITS
Baking Soda sprinkled heavily around a plant or tree is a real put-off for rabbits. Keeping them from nibbling your lettuce or chewing the bark off of your young fruit trees is a constant fight. Animals (including snakes) also don’t like the scent of moth balls or moth crystals.
KEEPING DOGS AND CATS AWAY FROM YOUR PLANTS AND TREES
To repel pets and other animals who get curious about your plants, scratch in your planting bed, or use it as a latrine, mix up the following: 2 ounces castor oil, 2 1/2 ounces hot sauce, 1 tablespoon alum, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 4 ounces liquid dish soap.
Add this to a gallon of water, and spray it on and around your plants. The smell confuses animals. And the well-remembered taste of castor oil when I was a child makes me certain that pets, etc. won’t like it any better than I did.
HAPPY PLANTING! Susan
For more in-depth information on GROWING YOUR OWN FRUIT
Leave a Reply