'I have tried everything to stop deer destroying my garden' – 10,000+ reviews say this $49 motion-activated sprinkler is the 'only thing that works'

Ask any gardener with a deer problem and they’ll tell you: while graceful and beautiful, these four-legged visitors can devastate borders and beds overnight. They feast on fleshy foliage and flowers, leaving nothing but stalks behind, and seem especially drawn to popular plants like hostas, tulips, and blueberry bushes – irresistible beacons to an open buffet.

You might have tried scented sprays, thorny barriers, or 'deer-resistant' planting lists in your quest to keep deer away from plants. But time and again, I hear from gardeners that these methods only work for a while, if at all. One product, however, keeps coming up in conversations online: the Orbit 62100 yard enforcer, available for $49 from Amazon.

This motion-activated sprinkler sends out a sudden jet of water whenever pests – deer included – wander too close. It’s chemical-free, surprisingly effective and doubles as a humane deterrent. If nothing else has worked, this could be the garden-saver you’ve been searching for. In fact, many reviews online claim it is 'the only thing that works'. So, maybe it is time to give this garden gadget a try?

What the reviews say

The Orbit 62100 motion-activated sprinkler has built up quite the fan base among gardeners who’ve been battling deer for years.

On Amazon, it holds more than eleven thousand reviews, with an average rating of 4 stars. Many buyers say it’s the only thing that controls pests that can destroy plants.

One five-star reviewer in July 2025 complained that deer in their area had recently destroyed roses and hostas, seeking a humane and natural pest control method.

'When this product arrived, I was immediately struck by the solid construction of the parts. Nothing cheap; everything very solid. Easy assembly instructions.'

The reviewer went on to say: 'The bottom line is, they WORK! I’m very happy with the results!'

Many of the reviews praised the sensitivity of speed of the product, with one writing in July 2025: 'I know it works because it sprays me when I forget it's on. I just ordered a second one, for another spot that the deer are eating.'

However, not all reviews are quite so rosy, with many claiming the sensor is a little hit and miss. One three-star reviewer from June 2025 wrote: 'When it works, it works well. The problem I have is the sensor.

'I got this to keep cats out of my yard on several occasions, but I've also watched my camera and see a cat walking right by, which is in view of the sensor. When the sensor does pick up, it sends them running.'

So, overall, the consensus is that it’s reliable, easy to set up, and, best of all, works without chemicals or ugly fencing. Yet, there are some complaints about the consistency of the sensor, which should be a consideration.

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How to use motion-activated sprinklers

To begin, you need 4 x AA batteries (available from Amazon), which must be carefully installed in the waterproof socket.

Then, the Orbit 62100 needs to be connected to a standard garden hose for the jets of water to work.

I would suggest using a dual faucet accessory, available at Home Depot, which will allow you to access water without having to disconnect and reconnect the sprinkler system.

Position it where deer are most likely to approach, perhaps near to where they enter your yard, or next to cut flower beds or vegetable patches. This might require some detective work on your part, although you probably have a good idea of their access point.

Push the spike into the ground so it’s stable, then angle the spray head toward the area you want to protect. This might require some trial and error until you achieve the most effective position.

Finally, have a fiddle with the controls. You can choose between day, night or 24-hour protection, and you’re ready to go.

Every activation uses only a few cups of water, so it’s an economical, humane way to deter deer without chemicals or fencing.

As with any pest control, you might have to become a bit of a sleuth to find out where deer are coming from. Wildlife cameras are a good option, and can help to monitor any weak points in your yard.

For more information and ideas to keep pests at bay, see our guide to DIY deer deterrents, to keep deer and chemicals out of your yard this summer.