Okay, But Be Realistic--Don't accept product claims
Written: Mar 08 '07 (Updated Mar 08 '07)
Product Rating:
Pros: Fairly effective, easy to apply.
Cons: Ready-mixed sprayer tends to clog; needs frequent re-application in growing season
The Bottom Line: Use as a change-off from other repellents (has peppers in it). Avoid ready-mix sprayer. Be realistic in expectations and be religious in application (much more frequent than recommended).
I have used Deer Off for several clients, and although I have more experience with Liquid Fence, I have used this product enough to reach conclusions on a number of criteria.
EASE OF USE: Deer Off comes ready-mixed and in a concentrate. I found the ready-mixed sprayers to be consistently problematic. They clogged very quickly. Considering that you get only a quart for about $20, I would think that the company would pay more attention to a quality sprayer. Obviously, the concentrate is much more economical (but some clients had bought the ready mix). When I used the concentrate, I did not leave spray mixture in the sprayer, so I did not experience clogging. However, in general I would say that this product is more susceptible to clogging than is Liquid Fence.
EFFECTIVENESS: Some of the claims for this product are ridiculous. In no way does this product last up to 3 months. In some situations, it has to reapplied every few days (daylily buds, for example). After all, plants grow and deer readily find new growth to consume. In the winter, monthly application may be enough. But in the growing season, one certainly has to re-apply frequently. I would say this product is about as effective as Liquid Fence. As with most deer repellents, it is good to change off products occasionally, and one should spray already early in the season (deer are creatures of habit, and once they locate your place, they are obsessive).
RESIDUE AND SAFETY: Besides an egg component, this product clearly has some red peppers. I find that when sprayed on lily buds, there is more tendency to harm the bud than with some other repellents. But otherwise, leaves don't seem to be harmed and I didn't see any residue.
COST: Like most repellents, it ain't cheap! Buy the concentrate and use your own sprayer. Expect to pay up to $40 for the quart concentrate.
OVERALL: I don't know whether the company flaunts a guarantee (as Liquid Fence does), but it is easy enough to use, competitively costly, and fairly effective. It does not, however, live up to some of the claims made. Avoid the ready-mixed sprayers.
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