Milorganite has been shown to be an effective deer repellent by university studies. If you spread Milorganite among your ornamentals or vegetable garden you will create a deer-proof garden for 4–5 weeks. Milorganite is an excellent choice as a deer repellant for the following reasons:
- Organic, non-toxic method of deer control.
- Fertilizes garden plants at the same time it keeps deer away.
- Safe fertilizer that will not harm plants with nitrogen overload.
Milorganite keeps deer out naturally. Areas, where Milorganite has been spread, are safe for children and pets. Not to mention, your garden will get a boost from this sustainable fertilizer.
Why Does Milorganite Repel Deer?
Milorganite is made by processing the wastewater of the city of Milwaukee. This municipal waste is kiln-dried at 900℉ and subjected to strict EPA standards for human and animal safety, but it still retains its fertilizer smell.
Because Milorganite smells like humans, deer are naturally repelled by it. Deer are highly sensitive to certain odors and are far less likely to approach or enter a garden where Milorganite has been spread. Milorganite is a lawn and garden fertilizer that essentially makes your property deer-resistant.
How to Use Milorganite to Repel Deer
Using Milorganite according to manufacturer instructions for lawn and garden fertilization helps repel deer, but Milorganite is marketed and produced as a fertilizer first. To maximize its deer repellent potential, use these tips:
- Use Milorganite according to manufacturer directions when fertilizing lawns.
- In gardens, spread 5 pounds of Milorganite per 100 feet.
- Pour 2 cups of Milorganite at the base of trees and bushes that deer are prone to browsing.
- Hang Milorganite in small, cloth bags (any permeable fabric works) from branches and fences.
By spreading extra Milorganite in gardens and focusing on young, vulnerable trees, you can boost the deer repellent effects of Milorganite. Additionally, Milorganite left on the soil’s surface will break down and enter the soil. This is good because it feeds plants, but bad because it reduces the deer-resistant effects of Milorganite.
To combat the natural breakdown of Milorganite, keep it off the ground. Hang small cloth bags containing a handful of Milorganite in your garden. Because the product will not come in contact with the ground, it will retain its scent longer, working as a deer repellent.
How Long Will Milorganite Last as Deer Repellent?
According to a University of Georgia study, Milorganite reduced deer damage to food plots for up to 37 days. What this means is that a single application of Milorganite can help keep your garden deer-free for over a month.
In order to maximize the deer-resistant capabilities of Milorganite, the best course of action is to apply Milorganite monthly during the growing season. This will prevent deer from invading and destroying your hard-grown plants overnight and provide essential nutrients to your garden. Just be sure not to add too much Milorganite directly on the ground.
Is it Safe to Use Milorganite to Keep Deer Out?
Milorganite is non-toxic and is not harmful to pets and children. In fact, Milorganite is one of the top-recommended fertilizers for pet owners because it is so safe. Because it is a natural fertilizer, you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals entering the soil from Milorganite.
- Safe for children and pets.
- Natural fertilizer without toxins or heavy metals.
- Will not damage plants with overuse.
Milorganite is safer to use on lawns and gardens than synthetic fertilizer. Other fertilizers can overload plants with nitrogen, which actually pulls water out of plants and grasses, drying them out and harming them. Milorganite won’t cause this reaction. Instead, it feeds soil microbes that only release nitrogen to plants as needed. Both your family and your plants will be safe if you use Milorganite as a deer repellent.
Dogs and Milorganite
It is important to note that some pets, especially dogs, can be drawn to Milorganite. Dogs may be tempted to sniff, roll in, lick, or eat Milorganite. After spreading Milorganite, observe your dog to see their reaction. You may need to prevent your pet from entering gardens where Milorganite has been spread. No one wants a dog that’s rolled in Milorganite in their house.
Because Milorganite is non-toxic, it will not harm your pets. Dogs that eat Milorganite may vomit or experience diarrhea, but there is no long-term health risk. If your dog is extremely interested in Milorganite, keep them out of the garden. A good garden fence also works as an additional deer deterrent.
Can You Use Milorganite to Keep Deer Away?
You can reduce deer damage to your garden by spreading Milorganite fertilizer. Although it is not marketed as a deer repellent due to EPA regulations, Milorganite naturally keeps most deer away from your garden. This is due to the fact that Milorganite is made from reclaimed wastewater, and still retains traces of human smell, which drives deer away.
By using Milorganite in your garden, you can feed your plants with a sustainable fertilizer that is also deer-resistant. Spread 5 pounds of Milorganite per 100 square feet of garden, use additional Milorganite at the base of plants deer have previously eaten, and hang small cloth bags of Milorganite from branches and fences to create a deer-proof garden.