The 6 Best Wildlife Repellents That Actually Work

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A broad wildlife repellent deters raccoons, skunks, deer, and other animals with scent and sound, and it works best as prevention around the property. No single product handles every animal, but a good all-purpose repellent covers the common ones. Here are the ones worth using.

Key takeaways
  • Broad repellents cover raccoons, skunks, deer, and more.
  • Granular and spray forms suit different areas.
  • Repellents prevent but do not remove an established animal.
  • Solar ultrasonic adds a sound layer, with mixed results.

Quick Comparison

ProductTypeBest ForBuy
Bonide Repels-All GranulesGranularBest GranularCheck price
Bonide Repels-All SpraySprayBest SprayCheck price
Natural Armor SpraySprayBest LargeCheck price
CKCOEO Solar UltrasonicSolarBest SolarCheck price
Nesblock Solar UltrasonicSolarBest UltrasonicCheck price
Bonide Repels-All Granules 6 lbsGranularBest BulkCheck price

Best Granular: Bonide Repels-All Granules

Bonide Repels-All GranulesBest Granular
Bonide Repels-All Granules
Type
Granular
Target
Multiple species
Coverage
Perimeter barriers
Reapply
Every few weeks
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Bonide Repels-All is the standard broad granular repellent, deterring raccoons, skunks, deer, rabbits, and more. The granular form spreads a perimeter barrier around beds and gardens.

It is the set-and-forget option for protecting a defined area from multiple animals.

What I like
+No spraying needed
+Perimeter barrier application
+Broad coverage
+Long-standing brand
What I don’t like
−Strong initial odor
−Broad formula
−Needs refreshing after rain

Best Spray: Bonide Repels-All Spray

Bonide Repels-All SprayBest Spray
Bonide Repels-All Spray
Type
Spray
Target
Multiple species
Size
32 oz
Use
Targeted spots
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The ready-to-use spray form of Repels-All is the convenient way to treat trees, shrubs, and specific spots. The trigger spray targets exactly where animals are active.

It is the right choice for targeted application around a garden or entry point.

What I like
+Ready-to-use convenience
+Targeted application
+Broad coverage
+Trusted brand
What I don’t like
−Requires reapplication
−Strong odor
−Broad formula

Best Large: Natural Armor Spray

Natural Armor SprayBest Large
Natural Armor Spray
Type
Spray
Target
Multiple species
Size
128 oz
Reapply
After rain
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Natural Armor’s 128-ounce spray covers a large area, useful for treating the perimeter of a whole property. The broad formula deters raccoons, skunks, deer, and rodents.

The large size is the economical choice when you have a lot of ground to cover.

What I like
+Large 128 oz size
+Broad coverage
+Economical for large areas
+Easy spray application
What I don’t like
−Requires reapplication
−Broad formula
−Strong scent

Best Solar: CKCOEO Solar Ultrasonic

CKCOEO Solar UltrasonicBest Solar
CKCOEO Solar Ultrasonic
Type
Solar ultrasonic
Target
Deer, raccoons, wildlife
Power
Solar
Mechanism
Lights and sound
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The CKCOEO solar ultrasonic repeller uses flashing lights and sound to deter deer, raccoons, and other wildlife. It is the solar deterrent for a garden perimeter.

Be realistic: sound and light have mixed results, and this is best as a supplement to a scent repellent.

What I like
+Solar-powered, no wiring
+No chemicals
+Low maintenance
+Works at night
What I don’t like
−Mixed results
−Needs sun to charge
−Best as a supplement

Best Ultrasonic: Nesblock Solar Ultrasonic

Nesblock Solar UltrasonicBest Ultrasonic
Nesblock Solar Ultrasonic
Type
Solar ultrasonic
Target
Squirrels, deer, wildlife
Power
Solar
Mechanism
Sound and light
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The Nesblock solar ultrasonic repeller deters squirrels, deer, and other animals with sound and light. It is the ultrasonic option for a yard perimeter.

Like other sonic deterrents, results are mixed, and it is best paired with a scent repellent.

What I like
+Solar-powered
+No chemicals
+Low maintenance
+Supplement to scent
What I don’t like
−Mixed results
−Needs sun
−Animals can habituate

Best Bulk: Bonide Repels-All Granules 6 lbs

Bonide Repels-All Granules 6 lbsBest Bulk
Bonide Repels-All Granules 6 lbs
Type
Granular
Target
Multiple species
Size
6 lbs
Coverage
Large property
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The 6-pound bag of Bonide Repels-All granules is the bulk option for protecting a large property. It is the economical way to spread a perimeter barrier over a big yard.

The 6 lb bag is the right choice for a large garden or acreage.

What I like
+Bulk 6 lb bag
+Economical for large areas
+Broad coverage
+Trusted formula
What I don’t like
−Strong odor
−Broad formula
−Needs refreshing after rain

How to Choose a Wildlife Repellent

Identify the Animal

A repellent works better when you know what you are deterring. A specific product for the animal usually beats a broad one, so identify the culprit first.

Repellent vs. Removal

Repellent prevents new activity but does not remove an animal already living on the property. For an established raccoon or skunk, trapping or professional removal is the fix.

Combine Methods

A scent repellent plus a solar ultrasonic repeller works better than either alone. Combine and reapply consistently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Broad repellents reduce new activity when applied consistently, especially combined with removing food and shelter. They do not remove an established animal.

Wild Animals Central
About the author
Wild Animals Central Editorial Team

I write these guides myself, and I am not a call center. I read the state rules and the agency guidance, and write plain-English guides so you know what to expect before you spend money.

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