There’s certainly nothing worse than reaching your chicken coop only to find that the local fox or raccoon has maimed your birds. I’ve dealt with many unwanted pests from wild animals to rodents and not only have they threatened my flock but also dug into foundations and damaged my garden.
While reinforcing coops and creating boundaries around garden beds keep some animals at bay, it won’t stop them from coming onto your property and causing damage.
If you are tired of dealing with the destruction of your garden or threats to your flock, consider animal repellents. In this guide, we compare the different animal repellents to help you find the best solution for your needs.
Top Animal Repellents
Foxlights Night Predator Deterrent
The Foxlights animal deterrent uses flash haphazard lights to deter night attackers with a 360-degree radius that automatically turns on when it gets dark outside.
Foxlights Night Predator Deterrent
The Foxlights Night Predator Deterrent uses 9 flashing LED lights to ward off wild animals as they imitate a human guarding the area startling unwanted animals. The device doesn’t use a motion sensor but different light patterns that flash throughout the night.
The lights are powerful enough to reach up to 1 mile with the purpose of preventing predators from getting close to your flock or livestock. It is used against coyotes, bears, mountain lions, and raccoons on farms and large outdoor areas.
Installation
The Foxlights Night Predator Deterrent is waterproof and lightweight making it easy to attach to a post, tree, or shed. It comes with hooks, grooves, and holes allowing you to secure the product against strong wind and heavy rain.
Foxlights uses a 6V battery and automatically turns on at night and off at dusk.
Specs
- 1 lb
- Acrylic
- 6 x 4 x 5.5 inches
Pros
- Waterproof
- Easy to install
- Automatic on and off
Cons
- No solar operation
- Lacks motion sensor
- Battery difficult to source
Univerayo Solar Animal Repellent Device
The Univerayo nighttime predator control light with solar operation is completely waterproof and the ideal outdoor repellent designed to deter animals in a humane way.
Univerayo Solar Animal Repellent Device
To scare wild animals from your property that is not harmful to wildlife, the Univerayo Coyote and Deer Repellent Light is the answer. This solar powered Univerayo’s powerful red flashing LED lights simulate the eyes of a predator or fire instantly warning animals of danger.
The deterrent needs at least 5 hours of daytime solar charging for 12 hours of nighttime operation. In cloudy or dreary weather conditions, the device may not charge enough to provide all-night protection.
Power
Whether you want to protect your beloved garden against raccoons or your chickens against coyotes, the Univerayo Repellent Light is designed to work continuously at night on a full charge. The animal deterrent is said to repel coyotes, deer, raccoons, feral cats, foxes, and opossums.
The Univerayo Repellents consist of an IP-77 certified plastic offering maximum durability and maintenance-free design. This pest control device is also weatherproof and operates in cold temperatures above freezing point.
Specs
- 0.16 lb
- Plastic
- 2.8 x 1.2 x 3 inches
Pros
- Durable
- Solar power
- Easy to use
Cons
- 6V battery not included
- Needs constant recharge
- Less effective against small animals
Ortho Snake-B-Gon Snake Repellent Granules
Keeping snakes out of your garden and away from your coop is made easier with this ready-to-use granule formula that you can spread around the perimeter.
Ortho Snake-B-Gon Snake Repellent Granules
To prevent snakes from making their way into your garden, Snake-B-Gon is a ready-to-use granular application that you can easily sprinkle around the openings of tunnels and dens where reptiles nest and hide.
The granular texture makes this product rain-resistant so it won’t dissolve in wet weather. It consists of environmentally friendly ingredients including essential oils such as caster oil and peppermint essential oil.
Usage
While it is safe to use in gardens and outdoor areas, it should not be sprinkled around edible crops for both animal and human consumption where it can be absorbed by the roots. Snake-B-Gon is not a food-grade product and shouldn’t be used with edible crops.
Snake-B-Gon guarantees that the product is safe to use around people, pets, and even grazing animals although the odor might deter grazing livestock.
While the snake repellent won’t deter nuisance critters such as rats, this environmentally friendly repellent offers a convenient way to deter snakes without using harmful chemicals.
Specs
- 5.08 lbs
- Granules
- 9.4 x 9.9 x 4.5 inches
Pros
- Long lasting
- Easy to apply
- Safe for pets and plants
Cons
- Strong odor
- Not suitable for large yards
- Reapplication every 30 days
PredatorPee 100% Pure Wolf Urine
Repel unwanted animals by using wolf urine that creates a strong scent to warn pests of a potential predator nearby.
PredatorPee 100% Pure Wolf Urine
The natural smell of wolf urine is known to deter pests and other animals such as coyotes and foxes. Wolf Pee utilizes the territorial behaviors of scent marking by wolves to ward off predators that compromise the safety of your flock or damage areas such as flower beds.
PredatorPee Wolf Pee helps you keep pets safe by placing enclosed dispensers of the product around your property. The bottle and scent tags can deter wild animals such as coyotes within a 120 ft radius. It could also work as a dog repellent.
Wolf Pee does not contain toxic chemicals and provides an environmentally friendly solution to repel animals.
Usage
Each pack of Wolf Pee of this environmentally friendly repellent consists of a 16 oz weatherproof dispenser containing a dark liquid with a strong odor. Work with gloves when securing the urine to avoid getting the foul smelling liquid on your hands!
These dispensers can be hung along fencing as a repellent or it can be staked using the accompanying rods. You will need to refill the dispensers on a monthly basis for the solution to remain effective.
Specs
- 1.9 lbs
- 11 x 4.5 x 2.75 inches
- Liquid formula in dispensers
Pros
- Safe to use
- Easy to apply
- Perimeter guard
Cons
- Strong odor
- Must be staked
- Disintegrates in high temperatures
MAGIC CAT Solar Animal Repellent
Repel pests with an ultrasonic repellent for outdoor use that works with a motion sensor and bright flashing LED light to startle animals.
MAGIC CAT Solar Animal Repellent
If you are looking for an effective animal repellent that won’t harm animals, then the Magic Cat Solar Ultrasonic Animal Repeller is an excellent choice. The advanced ultrasonic technology gets rid of rodents without using rat traps. It uses a sensor to detect animals.
The Magic Cat Repeller deters pests by using ultrasonic frequencies that are inaudible to the human ear but are irritating to animals. It has 5 modes to repel different animals, for example, mode 1 deters foxes, rats, and mice while mode 2 deters raccoons and stray cats.
Function
The Magic Cat Ultrasonic Animal Repeller combines flashing lights with ultrasonic waves to drive pests and other animals away. The ultrasonic animal repellent uses a Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR) to detect motion which triggers the lights and ultrasonic sound.
This outdoor pest repellent is waterproof and solar powered and covers an area of up to 2500 sq ft. Install Magic Cat outdoor repellents near chicken coops, gardens, and vegetable patches to deter burrowing rodents and harmful animals such as foxes and coyotes.
Specs
- 0.8 lbs
- Alloy steel and plastic
- 5.75 x 4.21 x 4.02 inches
Pros
- Solar operation
- Safe and humane
- Adjustable frequency
Cons
- Small size
- Lacks durability
- Delayed motion detection
Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler
This animal repeller uses a sprinkler operation that is activated by a motion sensor with the purpose of deterring animals from your garden, coop, and home.
Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler
A simple and humane way to deter wildlife from gardens and yards is with the Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler. Animals that wander onto your property will be startled by a strong splash of water and leave the area.
The Orbit Yard Enforcer Sprinkler can be activated on day only, night only, or 24-hour operation. Sensing technology saves water by only activating when an animal approaches up to 40 ft away.
Power
It is not solar powered and operates with 4 alkaline batteries; however, it is energy efficient using only 2 cups of water with every spray. You can adjust the angle of spray from 120 to 360 degrees.
The durable construction of the Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer lasts in tough weather conditions including sun, wind, and rain.
Specs
- 2 lbs
- Plastic and zinc
- 10 x 5 x 24.5 inches
Pros
- Sturdy design
- Harmless repeller
- Efficient and economical
Cons
- Batteries drain quickly
- Delayed motion sensor
- Limited sprinkler operation
Redeo Solar Nocturnal Animal Repeller
For affordable pest control at night, the Redeo solar animal repeller uses red flickering LED lights to imitate flames and scare animals away.
Redeo Solar Nocturnal Animal Repeller
The Redeo Solar Nocturnal Animal Repeller is designed to deter animals such as skunks, foxes, deer, coyote, and owls. It can be attached to a boundary to protect gardens, chicken coops, or farm areas.
Redeo Animal Repeller is a solar powered animal deterrent and flashes two bright LED lights when unwanted animals approach. It appears as flames or the eyes of large predators such as a wolf, scaring pests from the property.
Power
This predator light is only operational at night and uses solar panels that are located on the top of the device. It must receive direct sunlight to charge for nighttime operation.
A built-in light sensor automatically turns the Redeo Solar Animal Repeller on at dusk and off at dawn providing energy efficiency and convenience. It does include an on/off button to override the automated operation if necessary.
Specs
- 12.6 ounces
- IP44 Plastic
- 7.09 x 3.43 x 2.83 inches
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Powerful LED lights
- Humane animal repellent
Cons
- Only works at night
- Cloudy weather affects charge
- Mount at predator eye height
What is the Best Animal Repellent?
The best animal repellent does a good job of keeping pests and rodents away from targeted areas such as the chicken coop or garden bed. There are many different types of animal repellent to choose from. Learn more about them below…
Types Of Animal Repellents
Ultrasonic repellents including water sprayers and audible alarms are effective at deterring wildlife. They are easy to use, efficient, and humane.
Using ultrasonic waves, these devices are not harmful to wildlife and most use solar power and motion detectors for pest control.
Other repellents such as scented sprays and liquids are quite effective but as the scent wears off over 30 days, it needs constant reapplication.
For gardens and backyards, scent repellents made from all natural ingredients such as garlic oil or predator urine provide the best pest control because it won’t harm people, pets, or plants. Animals such as cats, and foxes are sensitive to these strong odors and it is safe to use around the chicken coop.
What are Ultrasonic Pest Repellers?
An ultrasonic pest repellent is an electronic device that produces an ultrasonic signal or frequency. These frequencies are inaudible to the human ear but can be irritating to wild animals including coyotes, foxes, skunks, and even rodents.
NOTE
Ultrasonic pest repellents can be used in gardens, orchards, and farms to protect crops and flocks because it covers large areas.
Some devices are designed for indoor use with an electrical power supply while others are applied outdoors using battery or solar operation.
Ultrasonic animal repellent products include light deterrents, water sprayers, and an audible alarm. They are easy to set up and designed to target specific species based on the ultrasonic frequency.
How Far Does an Ultrasonic Pest Repellent Reach?
With an ultrasonic pest repeller outdoor coverage ranges from 800 to 3600 sq ft. but smaller devices will cover smaller areas of up to 200 sq ft.
Are Ultrasonic Animal Repellents Safe?
You may be concerned about the noise levels for poultry or household pets; however, the ultrasonic sound is set at frequencies that are only disruptive to certain animals that detect these waves or vibrations. Most dogs or cats will not be affected and if they do pick up on the noise, simply move the device out of their range to prevent nervousness and stress.
Things to Consider When Buying an Animal Repellent
With so many different pest control devices and repellents, let’s look at a few factors to help you make the right choice.
Target Animals
What type of pest are you targeting? Products such as Wolf Pee are best to deter small and territorial predators such as foxes and coyotes while an ultrasonic animal repellent repels wildlife such as deer, rodents, raccoons, owls, and coyotes.
Indoor or Outdoor
An animal repellent for indoor and outdoor use includes electronic deterrents that emit a powerful ultrasonic sound.
Ultrasonic repellents that are used indoors are plugged into an electrical outlet and are the best repellent option to remove rodents or smaller animals but remember, the frequencies will be limited by the walls.
Outdoor animal repellent products such as ultrasonic work with rechargeable batteries or a solar panel while scented repellents should be used outdoors as strong odors may irritate you and your pets.
Type
Chemical
Synthetic chemicals may cause damage to the surrounding environment or harm wildlife. Consider organic products containing natural ingredients that are safe to use for people, pets, and the environment.
Electronic
Electronic deterrents include ultrasonic devices that work with a battery, solar panel, or electrical power supply.
Physical
Physical repellents require installation such as hanging flashing LED light devices on a coop fence or sprinkling granules around a perimeter.
Safety
If you have pets, is the repellent safe to use around them? For granules and contact sprays read the labels and look for organic ingredients that are safe to use with pets and plants.
Longevity
How long will the deterrent provide protection? Products such as Wolf Pee and Snake-B-Gone have to be reapplied every month as the strength of the scent decreases. A water sprayer or ultrasonic flashing light operates for up to a year with a power source such as batteries.
Power Source
Different repellents use solar, battery, or electrical operation. Solar is favored because it is energy efficient but requires direct sunlight to charge. Batteries typically last 6 months to a year before replacement.
Ease of Use
Consider how easy it is to install the repellent and whether it requires a lot of maintenance. Automation with solar energy is a convenient feature preventing manual operation.
Do Animal Repellents Really Work?
Animal repellent can work but it depends on its strength and target animals. Animals such as deer and cats are sensitive to pungent scents and are easily repelled by garlic or spices.
NOTE
Effective pest eradication requires an approach that is unique to the animal you are targeting.
For example, an ultrasonic animal repellent is not suited to underground creatures such as moles as they will never come into contact with the frequencies. The effectiveness of the repellent is dependent on the animal you want to deter and the area or environment that needs to be covered. Animal repellents will be more effective if placed on a certain location and the correct type is used.
What is the Best Repellent for Animals?
The best animal repellent is easy to use, does not consume a large amount of power, and provides reliable operation whether through the day or night. It should be humane which means that it drives animals away without harm.
Are Animal Repellents Safe for Chickens?
Not all animal repellents are safe for chickens. Ultrasonic repellents are considered safe for birds because their auditory processing is similar to humans and they shouldn’t be affected by the ultrasonic signal.
Products containing granules may not be a good idea to use with chickens because they pick and eat foreign items they find on the ground.
FACT
Insecticides and chemical repellents consumed by chickens will pass to the eggs.
The best animal repellent for chickens includes predator urine and ultrasonic repellents including water sprayers and light emitting devices. If you need to apply granules, keep poultry away from the area.
Are Animal Repellents Safe for Plants?
Repellents using natural ingredients such as essential oils are safe to use with plants; however, stronger products such as predator pee may burn sensitive vegetation including grass.
If you need to apply repellent around edible crops, read the product label carefully prior to application.
NOTE
Products used around edible crops may be absorbed by the leaves and roots affecting their quality and safety.
Look for organic repellents that are labeled as safe for use with edible plants if you want to deter wildlife from crops for people and animals.
How to Remove the Smell of Animal Repellent?
If you spill a product such as predator pee, you’ll be left with a strong and undesirable stench that can last for days. To get rid of most types of animal repellent smells, you can use natural remedies such as baking soda, vinegar, and even a mild solution of hydrogen peroxide.
Should you find dead animals on the property, first remove the carcass and surrounding soil, then use a bleach and water solution or a mild disinfectant to remove the foul odor.
Tips to Prevent Mice in Coop
Prevent mice in the coop by removing excess food and sealing foodstuff. For mice and other burrowing rodents, place traps in areas that cannot be reached by poultry or pets. Items such as bird feeders in the garden should also be removed to avoid attracting rodents.
Along with maintenance, you can use an ultrasonic rodent repellent near the coop that is safe around chickens.
Conclusion
To protect your garden, your chicken coop, and your home, consider animal repellents that are not lethal to surrounding wildlife but are effective in driving unwanted animals away.
I truly hope that you’ve enjoyed this guide on the best animal repellent and that you can use this information to find the right solution to safeguard your property and flock.
If you have a friend or relative looking for effective and harmless ways to get rid of pests and rodents, why not share this guide with them so they too can understand the products that are available for their needs.
