Rabbits, squirrels, deer and other resourceful critters will raid a garden relentlessly as they search for food. Soil Service carries repellents that help keep them away from your garden, lawn and home. Repellents work best when you start before damage begins and reapply after heavy rain and as new growth comes in.
Deer, rabbit and squirrel repellents
EPIC
Deer Scram
Granules spread around beds and plantings to keep deer away by smell.
Made with: a natural scent blend (ingredients on the bag)
We match it to: deer
When: Before deer start browsing, and again after heavy rain and as new growth comes in (Iowa State).
How: Follow the bag for how far apart and how often to reapply.
Good to know: Switch types now and then so deer don’t get used to one.
Bobbex
Bobbex-R Animal Repellent
Sprayed on the plants: its label lists rabbits, squirrels, groundhogs, voles, chipmunks and deer. Not for plants you will eat. Reapply every 10–14 days in the growing season, every 4–8 weeks in fall and winter.
Made with: putrescent whole egg, castor oil, garlic oil, cloves
We match it to: deer, rabbits and squirrels
When: Before damage starts; reapply on new growth and after rain per the label.
How: Spray on the plants themselves.
Good to know: Not for anything you will eat.
I Must Garden
Animal Repellent (granular)
Granules shaken around plantings; the label lists deer, rabbits and groundhogs. Reapply as needed, especially after heavy rain.
Made with: plant oils
We match it to: deer
When: Before deer start browsing; reapply after heavy rain (Iowa State).
How: Granules around the bed; follow the bag for how much and how often.
EPIC
Rabbit Scram
Granules spread around beds and plantings to keep rabbits away by smell.
Made with: a natural scent blend (ingredients on the bag)
We match it to: rabbits and squirrels
When: Before rabbits start feeding, and again after heavy rain and on new growth (Iowa State).
How: Follow the bag for how much and how often.
I Must Garden
Rabbit Repellent
Ready-to-spray; mist the lower stems and leaf undersides, then touch up once or twice a month and after heavy rain.
Made with: plant oils
We match it to: rabbits and squirrels
When: Before rabbits start feeding; reapply after heavy rain and on new growth (Iowa State).
How: Follow the package for how much and how often.
Moles and voles
Moles eat grubs and earthworms, not grain, so K-State Research and Extension finds traps set on an active run work best. For voles, repellents give short-term protection and any bait must be labeled for voles. Ask us which traps and products fit your yard.
Always read and follow the product label. The label is the law and overrides anything on this page, including site, rate, timing and waiting periods. Not sure what you’re dealing with? Bring us a photo or a sample, or call the Garden Center at (816) 444-3403. Our free My Garden app also has a Kansas City guide to weeds, pests and plant diseases with these same product notes.