The label is the law. Rates and restrictions below are taken from the product labels listed under Sources. Your product's own label governs; read it before you mix or apply. Mixing calculator · Disclaimer
- Active ingredient
- Ammonium soaps of higher fatty acids
- Chemical class
- Ammonium soap that works on an odor principle; this version of Hinder also contains denatonium benzoate, a bittering agent, as an other ingredient.[1]
- Mode of action
- Odor repellent: a faint ammonia smell diverts deer and rabbits before they feed; it has no IRAC insecticide group[1]
- Signal word
- Ready-to-Use Hinder Deer & Rabbit Repellent: Caution[1]
What it protects, and plant damage to watch for
Deer use covers ornamental trees and shrubs, annual and perennial flowers, apple and pear trees, and carrots. Rabbit use covers home gardens and the trunks of ornamental trees.[1]
Test a few plants first. Open petunias, impatiens and begonias may spot or drop petals, and leaves of impatiens, zinnia, bleeding heart, roses and columbine can show slight edge burn.[1]
On apples and pears, skip the bloom period, and expect possible cosmetic spotting on fruit if you spray between petal fall and harvest.[1]
Where it is used
Spray before deer and rabbits settle into a feeding habit. Shake well first; the product is already diluted and goes on with a tank or power sprayer as a coarse spray until plants are wet.[1]
In fairly dry weather, reapply every 7 to 14 days for as long as protection is needed, and again after heavy rain. Skip it if rain is expected within 24 hours.[1]
It needs at least 4 hours at 40°F or warmer to dry. Don't water from overhead for 24 hours, and don't spray wilted plants or use a sprayer that held weed killer.[1]
For ornamentals and flower beds, also treat a 2 to 3 foot band of lawn or ground around the plants. For rabbits, brush it on tree trunks just above the height they can reach.[1]
Products and registrations
| Product | Registrant | EPA Reg. No. | Active % | Formulation | Signal word |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ready-to-Use Hinder Deer & Rabbit Repellent[1] | Matson, LLC | 8119-8 | 0.66% | ready-to-use liquid spray | Caution |
Safety and environmental hazards
People
Signal word CAUTION: harmful if inhaled. Avoid breathing spray mist, wash contaminated clothing before wearing it again, and stay out of treated areas until the spray dries.[1]
Pets
Store it in its original container where children and pets can't get to it. Don't let spray drift onto people, animals, parks or nearby yards.[1]
Bees and pollinators
The label has no bee warning. Its environmental caution is for aquatic invertebrates.[1]
Fish and water
May be hazardous to aquatic invertebrates. Don't apply to water or areas with surface water, and don't contaminate water when cleaning equipment.[1]
Common questions
- How does Hinder keep deer away?
- It works by odor. A faint ammonia smell from treated plants may push deer and rabbits toward other food before they take a bite.[1]
- How often should I spray Hinder?
- Every 7 to 14 days in reasonably dry weather, and again after heavy rain washes it off.[1]
- Will it stop deer completely?
- Not always. The label says that when animals are very hungry, as in drought, they will feed even on treated plants, and fencing or a decoy food source may help.[1]
Sources
- U.S. EPA Pesticide Product Label System, “Ready-to-Use Hinder Deer & Rabbit Repellent label, EPA Reg. No. 8119-8 (EPA-stamped, Feb. 4, 2010).” www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/008119-00008-20100204.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)