Repellex Systemic Animal Repellent is the only product on the market to systemically protect plants from damage caused by deer and other animals. Unlike other repellent products which are sprayed onto the plant surface, Repellex Systemic Animal Repellent is absorbed through the roots and protects plants from the inside out. Repellex Systemic Animal Repellent was developed for use on landscape plants and non-edible crops. The active ingredient is capsaicin, a concentrated extract of hot chili peppers. Since it can't be washed off of the plant, it should not be applied to crops for consumption.