What DIY solution can I use for deterring garden pests?

has anyone used baking soda on a garden as a deterrent to deer and rabbits?

  6 answers
  • 17335038 17335038 on Aug 27, 2019

    No, baking soda will not deter either deer or rabbits with any reliability.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Aug 27, 2019

    That new to me!


    Generally focus is on fencing and cautious plant choices before planting.

    This was one of my exam questions.

    Perhaps these references might help you.


    Generally unless you want to construct tall fencing being aware of what deer like and dislike is advisable and to be aware of repellents effectiveness.


    1-Preventive deterrent by plant/ landscaping choices could offer deer resistance

    Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance


    https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/download.php?strPubID=E271 This publication can offer homeowner comprehensive detailing that might aid in making the right choices before planting. Regional differences in deer species and plants could apply.


    2-Deer a garden pest

    https://pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/HORT/HORT-62/HORT-62-PDF.pdf


    3- Research has shown that, while that odor repellents tend not to work, taste repellents can be very effective. Any repellent with egg solids, blood, hot pepper, or capsaicin as an ingredient is your best choice. Some repellents contain both eggs and hot pepper or capsaicin, and those work particularly well.

    https://joegardener.com/podcast/wildlife-control/

  • MaryAnn MaryAnn on Aug 31, 2019

    As I was going to say, buy a big bottle of cheap cayenne pepper. You can just sprinkle it on, but I suggest adding it to a dish detergent spray. 3 cups of water & 1 Tb of detergent + a Tablespoon of cayenne. Shake well and spray. Renew after every rain storm or overhead watering. If you have Pinterest look up DIY Insect soap spray, or Google DIY Insecticide Soap, to verify the soap/water proportions. Been out of gardening a few years, so verify it please. I recommend it as a way to keep the powder stuck to the leaves. You could just spray the soap mix first, then sprinkle the Cayenne while wet, it will work! Do remember to soak in vinegar water then rinse very well after harvest, before eating it! Think about trap crops, too.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Aug 31, 2019

    I do not know anyone who has ever had irish spring soap keep deer out of their gardens with any consistency.

  • Virginia-Ted Rye Virginia-Ted Rye on Sep 02, 2019

    Thanks so much to everyone who took time to respond!


  • 17335038 17335038 on Sep 04, 2019

    You're welcome.