Frequently Asked Questions

D-TER is a highly effective animal and bird repellent that has been on the market in Australia for more than 50 years.

Yes, D-TER has been approved for use by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA). It is not considered to be a poison. The main component of D-TER has been shown to have low toxicity for mammals, earthworms, honeybees and two types of beneficial insects (predatory mites and parasitic wasps). 

D-TER is effective against a wide range of animals. It can help prevent:

• fouling of yards by dogs and cats
• fouling of fences and buildings by birds,
• damage to fruit trees, vegetables and trees and shrubs by birds, possums, rabbits and other wildlife
• spoilage of stored crops and seed by rats and mice
• removal of sown bulbs, seeds and lawn seed by birds and rodents
• mulch removal by bush turkeys

D-TER is dissolved in warm water at a rate of 50g/L, mixed thoroughly and allowed to cool before spraying onto the area to be protected. Either a garden sprayer or watering can with a fine rose can be used.

D-TER can also be used as a powder by thoroughly dusting seeds, for example lawn seed, before sowing to help prevent them being taken by birds and rodents.

Yes, it is recommended that you use lukewarm water to dissolve the D-TER initially – this will allow the product to dissolve fully into the water and produce a better result.

D-TER is very versatile and can be used in a large number of situations:

• D-TER can be applied directly as a cover spray on trees, shrubs, vegetables, herbs and lawns to deter animals from eating them. 
• D-TER can also be sprayed on fences, concrete or paved surfaces and under eaves or roofing to deter animals from nesting in or fouling these structures. 
• For large areas, for example orchards, D-TER can be applied as a 2m wide protective band around the boundary with bands of spray within.

On plants and fruits, you may need to re-spray periodically to cover new growth and the fruit as it swells.

On hard surfaces, for example fences, paths and buildings, you may not need to re-spray at all. If the problem has not resolved fully, you could re-spray to increase the effect.

Re-spraying may be necessary after rain.

D-TER can be kept for many months after it is made up, but if you are using a sprayer, you will need to ensure the nozzle is rinsed with water between sprays to prevent blockage.

No. D-TER must not be mixed with any other treatments such as fungicides or pesticides.  If other products are needed, it is best to spray these first, then cover with a spray of D-TER.  Once D-TER has been applied, we recommend waiting a period of 7 days before spraying with any other product.

If it rains within 2 hours of spraying D-TER, re-spraying will be necessary once the area has dried.

There is no withholding period when the product is used as directed. In keeping with normal practice, treated fruit and vegetables should be washed before use.

The substance is readily biodegradable and non-persistent in soils. In unsterilised soil, the substance is mineralised rapidly and subsequently nitrified.

1. Identify the areas in your garden where you don't want dogs to foul or dig. Usually, these are areas where children play or where you have planted flowers or vegetables.
2. Remove droppings and wash down the area to remove familiar odours.
3. Spray the area at a rate of 50g/L over 30m². Make sure you spray evenly and cover the area thoroughly.
4. If necessary, repeat the process after a few days to make sure the effect of the spray stays strong and helps to break any habits your pet may have.
5. D-TER is not harmful to dogs or other animals.  It is also safe for humans and won’t harm your plants.
6. Keep in mind that while D-TER can be effective in deterring dogs, they still need to poop somewhere, and they do love to dig! Providing a designated area for this and training your dog with positive reinforcement techniques to use these areas will keep you and your dog happy.

1. Spray D-TER repellent at 50g/L onto the trunk, branches, and leaves of your fruit trees, focusing on the areas where possums are likely to access the tree or where they have caused damage. Make sure to cover all surfaces that possums might come into contact with while climbing or feeding.
2. Reapply as needed: Possums are persistent creatures, and you may need to reapply the D-TER repellent periodically to maintain its effectiveness. Reapply after heavy rainfall, new growth on the tree, or if you notice possums returning to the area.
3. For persistent problems, reapply at double strength (100g/L) 
4. For added protection, consider using D-TER with other possum deterrent methods, such as installing tree collars, netting, or motion-activated lights.

1. Identify problem areas: Inspect your garden to identify where rats and mice are most active or causing damage. Look for signs such as droppings, burrows, gnaw marks, or damaged plants.
2. Apply the repellent: Spray at 50g/L, or sprinkle the D-TER powder in the problem areas, focusing on entry points, burrows, and any other locations where rats and mice are frequently seen or have caused damage. Make sure to cover surfaces that rodents might come into contact with while traveling or feeding.
3. Reapply as needed: Depending on the weather conditions and the severity of the rodent problem, you may need to reapply the D-TER solution after heavy rainfall or if you notice continued rodent activity. Reapply at a rate of 100g/l.
4. Additional preventative measures: To further discourage rats and mice, consider:
   • Removing food sources by cleaning up fallen fruit, birdseed, or pet food.
   • Sealing garbage bins tightly and keeping compost piles covered.
   • Eliminating potential hiding places by keeping the garden tidy and removing debris.
   • Using traps or bait stations, if necessary