HI Bonnie, there are many repellants as you may have discovered. I am not endorsing these products but I have had good reports from people who have used Liquid Fence and repellants containing Thiram. I have found that protecting while the plants are new the fencing can be removed after a couple months or at least the next year with perennials. Closet baskets from home supply stores ( spray painted green) are great to cover young plants. good luck, sandy