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Deer and wasp deterents #876929

Asked July 12, 2024, 8:33 AM EDT

I have a homemade recipe to deter deer made from cinnamon, clove and mint. If it is sprayed on flowers, will it hurt pollinators or birds that eat the seeds and keep them away also? I don't want to do that. Also, yellow jackets on jelly feeders, if I use peppermint or eucalyptus spray will it hurt the orioles and the other birds that eat the jelly?

Bay County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello,

Thanks for reaching out with your questions. I can address your questions related to bees and wasps, but birds are outside of my area of expertise.

I found cinnamon, clove, and peppermint, on the list of Exemptions for pesticides of a character not requiring FIFRA regulation. I did not see eucalyptus on the list, so I suggest reaching out to Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to see if eucalyptus can legally be used to deter deer. 

To prevent adverse effects on bees, I suggest keeping the products off of blossoms that bees are visiting. Keeping products of blossoms will likely help reduce bees contact and consumption of them. 

Thanks for caring about bees and birds!

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