Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent Granules for Lawns and Gardens

Description

Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent Granules, 3 lbs Ready to Use Deer and Rabbit Repellent, is a natural garden pest deterrent that helps keep deer, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, and other critters from chewing, digging, and browsing in your landscape, and it does this without harming animals when used as directed. It uses a proven blend of natural actives that create scent and taste cues animals avoid, and protection can last up to about 60 days outdoors in normal conditions, which is a big win for busy homeowners who want a yard that stays quiet and intact.

Key Customer Benefits

• Broad-spectrum protection for your whole yard. Repels deer, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, groundhogs, skunks, armadillos, porcupines, birds, rats, beavers, and even shrews, so one product can cover many of the usual suspects that chew, dig, and browse.
• Longer-lasting peace of mind. In normal conditions the granular barrier remains effective for up to two months. You can lightly water it in, and simply reapply after heavy or frequent rain.
• People and pet safe when used as directed. The formula is biodegradable, does not harm lawns or desirable plants, and is labeled for use around outdoor play areas, which makes it a practical choice for family gardens.
• Natural ingredients with multi-sensory deterrence. Actives include putrescent whole egg solids, cloves, and garlic oil. They work through scent, taste, and a mild nasal irritation that triggers an animal’s natural avoidance instinct, so critters decide your beds are not worth the trouble.
• Easy to use where it counts. Shake on as a broadcast treatment, lay a 6 to 8-inch perimeter band to guard beds and pathways, or protect newly planted bulbs right in the hole before backfilling.
• All-season versatility. Designed for use through the seasons, so you can protect spring bulbs, summer vegetables around the perimeter, and fall ornamentals without constantly changing products.
• Plays nicely with integrated pest management. The label frames Repels-All as a behavior-modification tool. Pairing it with fencing, pruning, or habitat tweaks can help break persistent patterns, especially with domestic animals that have learned bad habits.

Product Description

What this product is:

Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent Granules is a ready to use, 3 pound shaker of clay based pellets infused with natural actives that animals instinctively avoid. The label lists putrescent whole egg solids at about 1.12 percent, cloves at about 0.54 percent, and garlic oil at about 0.03 percent, with inerts like attapulgite clay, fish meal and wintergreen oil binding everything together. The 3 pound size is designed for broadcast or perimeter use around landscape beds, shrubs and hardscape edges.

How it works, and why animals change their minds

The blend gives off scent and taste cues that wildlife read as trouble. When a deer, rabbit or squirrel sniffs or mouths treated areas, the compounds can mildly irritate nasal passages and mucous membranes. That irritation triggers an avoidance response, so the animal chooses another path and your plants are left alone. The effect is multi sensory, which means it can work when animals smell it, taste it, or groom after contact. It is a behavior change tool rather than a poison, and it does not harm animals when used as directed.

Scientists have studied these cues for years. University and extension trials note that repellents with putrescent egg solids perform well because the sulfurous odor mimics predator scent, which tells deer to keep moving. Independent tests report meaningful but variable protection that depends on pressure, season and reapplication discipline.

What makes Repels All effective and different

First, it lasts. Under normal weather the granular barrier can protect for up to about sixty days. Rain and irrigation will shorten that window, so the label advises reapplying after heavy or frequent rainfall. In fast growth periods you reapply more often, then shift to monthly as growth slows. That cadence matches extension guidance that odor based repellents need refreshers to stay convincing.

Second, the granules are practical. You can shake a six to eight inch band around beds, lay rings around shrubs, or dose bulb holes before backfilling to stop squirrels and chipmunks from digging. Coverage guidance on the label is straightforward, about one pound per five hundred square feet for small areas, and a lighter rate for areas larger than fifteen hundred square feet.

Third, scope. The product is labeled to deter a long list of garden raiders, including deer, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, skunks, porcupines, beavers, groundhogs, shrews and even birds around sensitive areas. That broad spectrum makes it useful as a perimeter conditioner for mixed landscapes where the culprit sometimes changes by the week.

Finally, it is formulated within the U.S. minimum risk, FIFRA 25(b) category, and is marketed for use where people and pets spend time, when you follow the directions. That does not mean you use it on edible plant parts. The label is clear to apply around edibles as a barrier rather than directly on crops intended for human consumption.

Expectations backed by research and gardeners

No repellent is a force field. Extension bulletins emphasize that repellents reduce browsing rather than eliminate it, especially when deer pressure is intense or plants are very palatable. Research summaries often show egg based formulas outperforming garlic only products, yet they still require maintenance. Plan to rotate tactics if animals acclimate, and pair the granules with good pruning, temporary netting on high value plants, or motion lights in tight spots.

On the user side, you should expect a noticeable smell at application, which fades to humans as it weathers but continues to signal danger to wildlife. Gardeners note the odor, and the simple fix is gloves and a quick hand wash after you shake a barrier.

Product Specifications

Item	Details
Product name	Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent Granules, 3 lb shaker bottle
What it is	Ready to use granular animal repellent for perimeter bands and broadcast applications around landscapes and structures
Active ingredients	Putrescent whole egg solids 1.12 percent; Cloves 0.54 percent; Garlic oil 0.03 percent
Other ingredients	Attapulgite type clay, calcium citrate, diatomaceous earth, fish meal, fish oil, limestone, meat meal, magnesium silicate, magnesium sulfate, sodium benzoate, urea, vinegar, water, wintergreen oil
Target animals	Armadillos, beavers, birds including crows, chipmunks, deer, groundhogs, porcupines, rabbits, raccoons, rats, skunks, shrews, squirrels
Mode of action	Multi sensory deterrent that works by scent and taste and by mild nasal and mucous membrane irritation that triggers a natural avoidance response
Where to use	Around homes, gardens, garbage cans, barns, pools, garden sheds, woodpiles, decks, patios, outbuildings, boathouses, campsites, picnic areas, cabins, trailers and RV hook up sites
Duration	Up to about 60 days under normal conditions. Reapply after heavy or frequent rainfall
Application rates	For areas under 1,500 square feet: 1 lb per 500 square feet. For areas over 1,500 square feet: 1 lb per 834 square feet. Perimeter band: 6 to 8 inches wide. Bulb protection: 1 tablespoon in each planting hole before backfilling
Approximate coverage of 3 lb size	At the heavier rate, up to about 1,500 square feet. At the lighter rate, up to about 2,500 square feet. Calculated from label rates
Use restrictions	Outdoor use only. Do not apply directly to edible plant parts intended for human consumption. For edibles, apply as a barrier around the planting zone. Do not apply directly to water
People and pet guidance	People and pet safe when used as directed. Keep out of reach of children. Not for indoor use
First aid and handling	Product can cause moderate eye irritation, and some individuals may experience skin irritation. Do not use if allergic to eggs
Storage and disposal	Store upright in original container in a dry location that is inaccessible to children and pets. Do not reuse empty container. Discard in trash or recycle where accepted
Regulatory status	Minimum risk pesticide. Exempt from federal registration under FIFRA section 25(b)
Manufacturer and model	Bonide Products, LLC. Model 2361 for the 3 lb size

 

How to Use Repels-All Granules

Before you start

Walk the property and note where damage is freshest, for example new bite marks on hostas, tracks in mulch, or bulbs that have been dug up. Repels-All Animal Repellent Granules works best when you start at the first sign of nibbling, rather than after animals have already learned that your beds are a buffet. University guidance echoes this timing, since early applications prevent browsing patterns from forming.

Check the weather. The label allows protection for up to about two months in normal conditions, yet calls for reapplication after heavy or frequent rain. If no rain is expected, you can lightly water the granules after application to activate the scent. Plan your layout, either a broadcast treatment across an area or a perimeter band around beds and structures.

Measure and plan your coverage

For broadcast treatments on areas smaller than about 1,500 square feet, the label rate is one pound per 500 square feet. For large areas, the rate shifts to one pound per 834 square feet. For barrier work, plan a band that is six to eight inches wide directly next to what you want to protect. A quick way to size the job is to measure length times width to get square footage, then divide by the rate to estimate how many pounds you need.

Application windows that perform

Aim for a dry, calm day. If plants are growing fast in spring, the label advises repeating applications every 7 to 10 days, then shifting to about once a month as growth slows. This cadence mirrors extension advice that odor based repellents need more frequent refreshers during rapid growth and after soaking rains.

Step by step: beds and lawn edges

1. Shake the container gently to keep the granules flowing.
2. For a broadcast treatment, sprinkle the product evenly over the area you want protected at the correct rate.
3. For a perimeter band, sprinkle a continuous six to eight inch strip just outside the drip line of beds or directly along walkway edges where animals travel.
4. If no rain is forecast, give the area a light watering to settle the granules and start the scent profile.
5. Check the band after storms and refresh any gaps so animals do not find an opening. These steps align with the product directions for use.

Around shrubs, young trees, and foundation plantings

Create a ring of granules around individual shrubs and newly planted trees, keeping the band intact and unbroken. Start early in spring while new growth is most vulnerable, then maintain monthly unless frequent rain or new growth pushes you to a 7 to 10 day cycle. Research summaries from universities note putrescent egg based formulas perform well when maintained, especially on highly palatable plants.

Bulb planting, the pro move for squirrels and chipmunks

When setting bulbs, position each bulb in the hole, then add one tablespoon of Repels-All so the granules surround the bulb before you backfill. This in-hole treatment is on the label and is a proven way to stop digging right where it starts. For extra insurance, many horticulture resources still recommend physical barriers like hardware cloth over beds, which pairs well with repellents in high pressure yards.

Around structures and problem zones

Use perimeter bands around garbage cans, sheds, woodpiles, decks, and similar structures that often become wildlife paths. The label explicitly lists these use sites and positions Repels-All as a behavior modification tool, so continuity of the band matters more than sheer thickness. Maintain an unbroken strip and watch for low spots after irrigation or rain.

After rain, irrigation, and fresh growth

Heavy or frequent rainfall dilutes scent based cues. The label instructs you to reapply after such weather, and university extension pages give the same guidance for all odor based repellents. During spring flush, shorten the interval to 7 to 10 days to keep pace with new tissue. Later in the season, monthly maintenance is usually enough, unless another big storm rolls through.

Edibles, pets, and people

Do not apply directly to edible plant parts. Use the granules as a barrier around vegetable beds and fruiting plants, not on the produce itself. When used as directed, the product is labeled as safe around people and pets, which makes it practical for family yards. Many extensions also point out that taste or odor repellents are generally not registered for direct use on food crops, so a barrier strategy is the right approach.

Safety and application etiquette

Wear gloves and avoid rubbing your eyes. Manufacturer safety sheets advise basic personal protective equipment such as protective gloves and eye protection, and to avoid unnecessary exposure to dust. Apply on a calm day to keep granules on target and avoid breathing dust while you shake a perimeter line. Wash hands after use and store the container upright in a dry place that is inaccessible to children and pets.

Integrate with a simple IPM plan

No single repellent is a silver bullet. The most consistent results come from blending tactics. Maintain your Repels-All bands, prune plants so tender new growth is not right along wildlife trails, choose less palatable species where practical, and add temporary netting around high value plants. Extension and consumer advice agree that a mixed approach, combined with rotating repellent products if animals start to acclimate, keeps pressure low over the season.

FAQs

Does Bonide Repels-All Granules really work on deer and rabbits?

Yes, this scent and taste based formula is labeled to repel deer, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, groundhogs, skunks, raccoons, porcupines, beavers, shrews, rats, and even birds. It uses natural actives that animals instinctively avoid, and protection can last up to about two months in normal weather when you follow the label. Independent extension write-ups note that repellents built around putrescent egg solids have shown strong performance in trials, especially when you apply early and keep up with reapplications.

How long does it last and what about rain or watering?

Under normal conditions the barrier can last up to two months. The label and manufacturer FAQ both say to reapply after heavy or frequent rain. If no rain is expected, lightly water the granules after spreading to activate the scent.

Is it safe for people, pets, and lawns?

When you use it as directed, the granules are marketed as safe around people and pets, and the biodegradable ingredients will not harm lawns or desirable plants. Avoid contact with eyes and wash hands after use.

Can I use it in vegetable gardens?

Use it as a perimeter barrier around edibles, not directly on produce intended for human consumption. That barrier strategy is exactly how the label tells you to protect vegetables and berries.

Will it help with chipmunks or squirrels digging up my bulbs?

Yes. The label includes a specific bulb step. After placing the bulb in the hole, add one tablespoon of granules so they surround the bulb, then backfill. This is a great real-world chipmunk and squirrel deterrent for fall and spring planting.

What does it smell like and how strong is the odor?

Repels-All relies on a strong scent signal to animals. You will notice an odor at application that fades with weathering, while continuing to cue wildlife to avoid the area. Customer reviews commonly mention the initial smell, which is expected for scent based repellents.

Can I use it near bird feeders, or will it drive birds away?

The product is labeled to repel certain birds. If you enjoy songbirds at a feeder, keep your granular barrier several feet away from the feeder zone so you do not discourage wanted birds.

Is it effective on cats and dogs?

Team Bonide has answered that Repels-All is not intended for dogs and cats. They recommend using a cat and dog specific repellent for those animals.

What area does the 3 lb container cover?

Coverage depends on how you use it. The label rate is 1 pound per 500 square feet for smaller zones. For areas larger than about 1,500 square feet, use 1 pound per 834 square feet. For perimeter work, lay a continuous band about 6 to 8 inches wide.

Do I need to water it in?

If no rain is expected, the label allows a light watering to help settle the granules and get the scent working. Do not overwater or you will shorten longevity.

Will it hurt pollinators like bees?

This is not an insecticide, and the concentrate form is not listed as toxic to bees, although garlic and similar odors may discourage them from a treated area. If you are actively attracting pollinators, keep your granular barrier a little distance from nectar plants to be safe.

Can I use it in winter or cold weather?

The granular product is labeled as effective in all seasons. For spray versions, many extension sources suggest applying when temperatures are above freezing so the film dries correctly. With granules you are building a scent barrier on the ground, so you can continue through the colder months when wildlife browsing often spikes.

Is there anything I should not do with it?

Yes. Do not apply directly to edible plant parts. Do not apply directly to water or inside the home. Store upright in the original container in a dry location that is inaccessible to children and pets.

Does science actually support egg based repellents?

Yes. University and extension trials have repeatedly found that putrescent egg solids based repellents can outperform many alternatives, especially when used early and maintained. One summary notes a product with egg solids outlasted nineteen competitors on conifer seedlings for 15 weeks. Expect variability under heavy pressure and plan to rotate strategies if animals acclimate.

Conclusion

If you are tired of watching deer, rabbits, and squirrels turn your hard work into a snack, Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent Granules is a simple, natural way to change that pattern. The formula uses plant-based actives that animals instinctively avoid, yet it is safe for use around people and pets when you follow the label. That balance is why I recommend it first for family gardens that need a kinder, behavior-based solution.

Shake a continuous 6 to 8 inch band where animals travel, or broadcast over high-value areas, then let the scent barrier do the quiet work for you. Protection can last up to about 60 days in normal weather. Reapply after heavy or frequent rain to keep the signal strong. The label also covers a very wide range of pests, which means one shaker can help with deer and rabbits in the beds, plus raccoons and groundhogs nosing around structures.