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How to Repel Insects Without Deer Smelling You

Deer can smell commonly used insect repellent chemicals such as DEET from far. This is because these chemicals do not occur naturally in the forest, and their presence in the air will alert the deer that something new has entered the environment. Fortunately, there is a homemade alternative that uses natural marigold extracts to repel insects without repelling the deer.

Things You'll Need

Marigold leaves and flowers
Blender
Rubbing alcohol
Coffee filter
Spray bottle
Jar with lid
Funnel

Instructions

- 1
  Place the marigold leaves and flowers into the blender. Mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol. Mix enough to ensure that when added to the blender, the solid plant matter is completely covered in liquid. Add the mixture to the blender.
- 2
  Blend the mixture on high for five seconds. Open the blender and dump the contents into the jar. Seal the jar and refrigerate for one week.
- 3
  Place the small funnel end into the open neck of the spray bottle. Place the coffee filter into the large funnel end and adjust to conform to the funnel sides.
- 4
  Open the jar and pour the marigold mixture into the center of the coffee filter. Allow the liquid to completely drain into the spray bottle. Discard the pulp and filter. Remove the funnel and put on the spray top.
- 5
  Spray the liquid marigold repellent on exposed skin right before your deer hunt. Spread the liquid around to ensure all areas are covered.

Animals & Science