Repellents

A repellent is a pesticide formulation which, when applied to skin, clothing, pet, yard or when consumed discourages something from landing or climbing on that surface. Contrary to popular belief, repellents are still considered pesticides even though they don’t necessarily kill the target species.

At Solutions Pest & Lawn we carry a number of effective repellents that you can use to ward off a variety of different problem pests. On this page, we will briefly cover the basics about the repellent formulation, the benefits of using them and how to apply them properly.

What is a Repellent Pesticide?

Repellents are not designed to kill pests but rather deter them from being anywhere nearby. For instance, in the case of the skin-applied repellents, the product makes people less attractive to the pest.

Various types of repellents are available in granule, liquid, ultrasonic, aerosol, gel, and lotion formulations. People apply these to their skin, clothing or to turf and ornamental plants to repel nuisance pests.

You can mix other types of repellents with water and spray them onto ornamental plants and agricultural crops to prevent damage from deer, dogs, and other animals.

There are also repellents which deter animals and wildlife like rodents, birds, groundhogs, squirrels and others. These repellents are usually in pellet or granule form and when the target animal tastes the pellet they will have a bad taste in their mouths which will keep them from hanging around the area.

These repellents are usually based on a mixture of natural plant derived substances, capsaicin or predator urine for the target species.

Conditions for Using Repellents

Repellents are ideally used in situations where one is spending a substantial amount of time outdoors, whether for work or for leisure. Applying repellent products to your skin or clothing will help protect you, your pets and your family. They are especially useful in the summertime when mosquito season or pest pressure is at it’s peak.

Animal repellents are good to use when you have an unwanted animal that has trespassed on your property and is doing damage such as a squirrel, a raccoon, a mole or other wildlife animal.

Benefits of Using Repellents

Repellents are relatively inexpensive and safer to use than most other forms of pesticides. They come ready to use and are simple to apply.

Repellents are usually natural, especially in the case of managing birds and mammals. None of the products kill or hurt the insect or animal so for those who don’t wish to cause any harm, repellents are good on your conscience while also protecting you.

Repellent Drawbacks

Some disadvantages of repellents often depend on the type of repellent being used and the active ingredient. Some repellents are not as effective as other repellents. With less potent repellents, you may have to constantly reapply, especially after rain.

Although there are repellent active ingredients which are natural, the same caution should be exercised as if they were chemicals. Applying repellents can be irritating and cause allergic reactions and may be dangerous to young children.

Always read labels and follow all application directions. While they may have low-toxicity, they are not completely non-toxic.

In the case of animal repellents, animal repellent products may sometimes not work to deter an animal. They may notice the repellent and just avoid it but stay in the area causing destruction and being a disturbance.

Our Recommendations

There are different repellents available who target specific pests and they come in a variety of forms. Our Solutions experts have compiled their top repellent recommendations below:

Critter Ridder - Critter Ridder animal repellent uses a powerful, patented blend of ingredients derived from hot peppers, which work together to irritate nuisance animals when they smell, taste or touch a treated area. The intense burning sensation that Critter Ridder delivers will turn animals away, and after a few unpleasant visits, they will be unwilling to return. Critter Ridder is OMRI Listed and USDA approved for use in organic gardening. Many organic gardeners prefer Critter Ridder® as an alternative to chemical pesticides.

4 The Birds - 4 The Birds Gel Repellent is a transparent sticky gel used to deter pigeons and starlings from landing on surfaces. This polybutene gel is EPA registered for use as a repellent for pigeons and starlings. 4 The Birds is applied on bird resting places, such as window sills, roof ridges, gutters, parapets and ledges. It can deter birds for up to a year depending on the environment. Airborne contaminants and debris can cover the gel, reducing effectiveness. If completely coated, remove existing gel, clean the surface thoroughly and reapply.

Tools Needed

Most repellents come ready to use with no necessary additional tools needed. To be on the safe side, make sure to put on PPE in the form of gloves and a particle mask at bare minimum.

User Guide

Step 1: Check the Label

Take repellent out of packaging and be sure to read the label for proper safety and applications instructions

Application For Insect Repellents

When it comes to repellent sprays, shake the spray to agitate the active ingredient then hold it 6-8 inches [15-20cm] away from exposed skin and clothing. Spray in a slow sweeping motion. No need to let it “set”—it works immediately.

On repellents that are safe to put on your face, Spray the repellent into the palm of your hand first, then use just enough to apply to the face and around the ears. Avoid eyes and mouth entirely.

Application For Animal Repellents

Take repellent out of packaging and read the label carefully for proper safety and application instructions then simply sprinkle or scatter the animal repellent strategically around your property especially in the areas where you have noticed animal activity.

Application For Bird Repellents

Bird repellents usually come either in liquid or gel form. Start by reading the instructional label for proper directions. Use a caulking gun for easy application and then apply gel or liquid bird repellent in areas where birds harbor or are nesting. This can include window ledges, soffits, statues, and plenty of other common bird resting areas.

Clean the surface, Apply beads of repellent no larger than 1/2" wide by 1/2" deep at the deepest part in strips no closer than 2" apart, beginning from 1" in from the outer edge and then watch the birds fly away.

Key Takeaways

• Repellents are a formulation that discourages a pest from landing or climbing on a surface or keeps them away from a sensitive area.
• Repellents are not meant to kill pests but rather deter them from being anywhere nearby.
• There are many different types of repellents that come in different forms so it's best to identify what pest you want gone to help you in selecting the right repellent for you.