Bonide Go Away! Repellent: An Honest Look at How Well It Works

Bonide Go Away! Repellent: An Honest Look at How Well It Works

Bonide Go Away! is all over the shelves these days, promising to keep deer, rabbits, and squirrels at bay using capsaicin—the stuff that makes chili peppers spicy. But does it really work? Let’s break down what’s inside, how it performs, and how it stacks up next to the competition.

What’s in Bonide Go Away?

The liquid version of this repellent relies on capsaicin, which targets mammals by irritating their noses and mouths. Basically, when a curious deer or rabbit gets a whiff or a taste, it feels a burning sensation and usually moves on. The EPA considers capsaicin a biochemical pesticide, and Bonide’s spray is cleared for a wide range of plants, from fruit trees to flowers and veggies.

When it comes to repelling critters, science generally backs up irritation-based products like this over ones that just taste bad or use scary scents. But of course, there’s a catch: How often you apply it and how stubborn the animals are can make or break the results.

Spray or Granules? Two Ways to Go

Bonide Go Away! comes in a couple of forms:

Spray

– Packed with capsaicin—targets deer, rabbits, and tree squirrels.

– Safe for veggies, fruit, and ornamentals.

– Claims up to four weeks of protection.

– Easy to wash off with warm water.

Granules

– Uses cinnamon oil and thyme oil instead.

– Aimed at rabbits, dogs, and cats—not squirrels.

– Lasts about two weeks.

– Safe for people and pets if you follow directions.

It’s worth noting, the granules are a totally different formula. There’s no capsaicin, and they don’t deal with squirrels at all despite what the name might lead you to think. That difference matters, especially if squirrels are your main headache.

Does It Work? Let’s Get Real

The good news: plenty of gardeners have said the spray helps, especially against browsing deer. Capsaicin’s pain response is proven science—a solid foundation.

But in practice, results swing wildly:

– Weather is a big deal—rain or even dew can wipe out protection in no time. The instructions say to reapply every 2-4 weeks or after big storms, but you might need it even sooner.

– Some critters just don’t care. You’ll find stories of deer and squirrels munching right through treated spots as if nothing happened.

– The granules are a mixed bag. Reviews mention animals ignoring them—or worse, eating them. Some people even report mold popping up exactly where they sprinkled the granules.

How Does It Compare?

Within pain-based repellents, Bonide Go Away! stands out versus taste- or fear-based products, at least in the lab. But in the real world, alternatives using putrescent egg solids (think Deer Off, Deer Away BGR) have outperformed Bonide in USDA tests and tend to last a lot longer—sometimes up to three months, compared to Bonide’s four weeks.

Getting the Most Out of It

If you’re going to try Bonide Go Away!, here’s what actually helps:

– Don’t skimp—drench all the foliage.

– Stick to a schedule. Every 2-4 weeks, or right after rain.

– Only spray during dry weather so it sticks.

– Mix things up from time to time by switching to another repellent to keep animals on their toes.

Know Before You Buy

One thing that might trip you up is the branding. The granules don’t do anything for squirrels, despite the “Go Away” claim. And they aren’t much help with deer either. There are other Bonide lines (like Repels-All) that get mixed reviews and work differently, so don’t mix them up.

Safety’s pretty straightforward: You should avoid getting the spray in your eyes and wear gloves if you can—the capsaicin burns. The concentrate is labeled “Caution,” but as long as you follow directions, it’s not dangerous.

Price-wise, the spray runs about $13-$17 a bottle. If you’re reapplying after every rain, that adds up fast, especially compared to barriers or slower-fading repellents.

The Verdict

Bonide Go Away! can help as a deterrent—think of it as a helpful tool, not a silver bullet. If you only have occasional deer or rabbits, and the weather stays dry, the spray’s pretty good. But if you’re dealing with heavy pest problems or really stubborn animals, you’re better off putting up physical barriers, mixing in different repellents, or going for formulas proven to last longer in real-world tests.

FAQs

How often should I use Bonide Go Away!?

Spray every 2-4 weeks, or right after rain for best results.

Is it safe on vegetables?

Yes, the liquid spray is safe on edible plants, and it washes off with water.

Will the granules stop squirrels?

Nope—the granules go after rabbits, dogs, and cats. Squirrels aren’t affected.

Why isn’t this working for me?

Most common issues are rain washing it off, missing spots, or animals figuring out the trick. And sometimes, it just doesn’t work on certain pests.

What’s the difference between spray and granules?

Spray means capsaicin (hot pepper)—works on deer, rabbits, and squirrels. Granules use essential oils for rabbits, dogs, and cats.

Is it pet-safe?

It’s safe when you use it as directed. The granules can even be used as a training aid for pets.