Protecting 70 Hostas from Deer: Homemade Repellents and Realistic Expectations

The Hostas-Deer Conflict

Hostas are "deer candy." With 70 plants, individual cages are impractical. A homemade spray is requested.

Effective Homemade Repellent Recipe

Egg-Based Spray (research-backed):

• 2 eggs
• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (capsaicin)
• 2 tbsp garlic powder or 4 cloves blended
• 1 tbsp dish soap (sticker)

Blend, strain, dilute to 1 gallon. Spray every 10–14 days and after rain. Rotate with other recipes to prevent habituation.

Other Homemade Options

• Putrescent egg solids: Commercial base (Plantskydd) is most durable.
• Soap bars: Irish Spring shavings in mesh bags (limited range).
• Human hair, predator urine: Variable, short-lived.

Critical Reality Check

• Repellents fail under high deer pressure—hunger wins.
• Best when deer have alternative food sources.
• Apply before damage starts; early spring.
• Fencing (8 ft) remains the only reliable barrier for 70 hostas.

Resource

UNL Deer Damage Control guide: PDF.