How To Get Rid Of Rabbits

Do you intend to get rid of rabbits naturally and without killing them? I have also included some extermination methods that may be useful when the need arises.

Rabbit problems are real. These bunnies, though cute can cause significant damage to garden plants.

What makes the rabbit problem even worse is that they can chew on just about anything. These range from shrubs, twigs, tree barks, and vegetables, etc.

But there are several ways to handle animal pest problems.

This is what we seek to show you. As you read, you’d find more than enough creative ways to handle this problem.

Identifying Signs of Rabbit Damage

Every pest leaves signs of its presence behind. Rabbits aren’t any different.

The major tell-tale signs of rabbit activity are damage to plants. But there are several others you can easily identify.

They include damage to shrubs and trees as well as their droppings. Plants, trees, and shrubs are damaged as a result.

• Damage to Plants

Whenever rabbits cause damage to plants, a certain pattern is consistent. On close examination, you’d find that the leaves of felled plants are cleanly cut.

It will seem like such leaves were cut with scissors. The same applies to stalks of the plant. This is a result of their sharp frontal teeth.

• Gnaw Mark on Tree Barks and Shrubs

Rabbits will go for trees and shrubs when tender plants aren’t available. Their feeding (damaging) acts are noticeable. This is because it follows a certain pattern.

In the case of tree barks, you’d notice gnaw marks from the ground up to about 20 inches. In extreme circumstances, the entire tree bark may be completely fed on.

But the damage to twigs and shrubs is a bit different. You’d notice clean cuts at angles of 45 degrees. This is mostly the case. Noticing any of these is a signal for urgent action.

Sometimes, rabbits may be spotted during the daytime. This is mostly the case where there’s little danger (predators) lurking around.

How to Get Rid of Rabbits Under Deck, Yards, and Gardens

To save your plants, you’d need to take drastic measures. This section will list several of such effective strategies. But it also boils down to what your preferences are.

Additional factors will include your budget and lifestyle. The following are ways to get rid of rabbits;

• Get a Dog

Dogs bring some form of order in your yard or garden. This is an even better option for dog lovers.

While keeping a pet, you also get to scare rabbits away. But this isn’t a great idea for persons who prefer not to have dogs. The good news is that lots of people love to keep dogs.

Keeping a dog comes with its responsibilities. Though, this is nothing if you love dogs. Relax if this isn’t an option for you. The other strategies below might just be what you need.

• Use Commercially Available Rabbit Repellents

Repellents work excellently in controlling rabbits. These repellents mostly come in the form of liquid or granules.

Rabbits are known to have excellent senses of smell and taste. As such, repellents consider these.

When applied to plants or shrubs, the odor and taste keep rabbits off. But more important is the fact that repellents are made from natural and non-toxic ingredients.

To be more specific, there are several repellents you can purchase. We’ve included a few for reference purposes. They include;

i. Liquid Fence Deer and Rabbit Repellent

This is a popular product for rabbit control. It has great reviews and can be purchased on Amazon. This repellent is also effective on deer, but that isn’t our focus.

It comes in three variants, i.e. the concentrate, granular, and the ready-mixed spray variants.

You’d need to read through the instructions to know what fits your needs.

The advantages of using Liquid Fence Deer and Rabbit repellent are several. It is safe on plants as well as, around your pets. You also get to cover a large area around your home.

This repellent also has long-lasting after-effects. It will last as long as a month before you’d need to reapply. The best part is that it is also effective on other pests.

What about its demerits? There are. The truth is that most repellent products do have their downside. This particular repellent leaves your plants looking messy. Its use is restricted in some states (Indiana and New Mexico).

What more? It has a strong odor on the first application.

ii. Liquid Fence 112 1 Quart Ready-to-Use

This is quite a long name, but also effective. This is best for persons who’d rather have pre-mixed rabbit repellents. You only need to open up and apply. Its strong odor helps keep rabbits at bay.

Rain is a challenge for most rabbit repellents. That is because it washes off whenever it rains. But this has been designed to overcome that challenge.

The manufacturer claims it can be applied at any time of year. To boost your confidence, this rabbit spray comes with a money-back guarantee. It is also bio-degradable and has wide application options. But this too has its cons. They include the size of the spray bottle.

In other words, it won’t cover larger areas. Some sprays may also be faulty.

iii. Nature’s Mace Deer and Rabbit Repellent

This rabbit repellent comes with bold claims. This is, having 3 times more active ingredients than similar products.

Whether this is true remains to be seen. Its active ingredients include mint oil, garlic, white pepper, and egg solids. These ingredients are non-toxic and will pose no harm to plants and pets.

This will get rid of rabbits when applied around your yard and garden. In addition to rabbits are rodents and deer among other pests. Although there are lots of positives, negatives exist as well.

They include the cost as well as the likelihood of being washed away by rain.

These are only a few of the many commercially available rabbit repellents. Finding them isn’t difficult either. You have the online purchase option (Amazon) or buying at your nearest local store.

• Use of Mesh Fencing

Mesh fencing has been used with a lot of success. Nevertheless, proper understanding is a vital requirement. This is a strategy to consider if you live in areas with a heavy rabbit presence. You need a chicken wire mesh of about an inch or less. This is meant to keep even smaller rabbits out.

The height of your fence also counts. This is because rabbits can easily climb or jump over when the fence is low.

Heavy snowfall is also factored into the height consideration. Dense snowfalls make it easy for rabbits to climb over.

Therefore, your fence should have a minimum height of 4 feet.

Also, consider that rabbits can dig below your mesh fencing. But this can be prevented by making your fence penetrate at least 6 inches into the ground.

Here is how to keep rabbits away without fencing.

• Installing Movement Sensor Water Spray
  

Movement sensors are electronic repellents. These are best used when you have a fence. These would be activated whenever there’s a trespass. It shoots bursts of water around the lawn or yard, thus scaring rabbits away.

This is also a cost-effective rabbit extermination method that is toxic-free.

This can be used in protecting pathways, lawns, trees, ponds, entry points, flowerbeds, mulch beds, etc. But for this to be effective, a thorough inspection will be required.

This is meant to ascertain the pathways as well as affected areas.

• Make your Garden Less Inviting

Rabbits love to hang around areas with ample hiding spots.

These include bushes, tall grasses, and also disorderly environments. This option will require such conditions to be gotten rid of. You can start by mowing overgrown lawns. A total cleanup is also necessary.

Rabbit-resistant plants exist as well. Consider introducing such plants into your garden.

Some of these plants include Marigold, Ageratum, Amethyst flower, Mexican Sunflower, Spiderflower, Vinca, Lavender, and Hyacinth.

More rabbit-resistant flowers are Lily-of-the-Valley, Meadow Rue, Lady’s Mantle, Ladybells, Foxglove, Euphorbia, and False Indigo. Several more exist. Try finding out information about such plants.

• Trapping and Relocation

This can be quite a difficult task. But several efficient traps are available for purchase.

Only humane traps must be used. You also need to check with your local laws. This is because there are legal provisions that provide guidelines that must be followed.

Try to find out what applies to your locality. This should be the first step before taking the action.

When rabbits are successfully trapped, they should be relocated as far away as possible. They should only be released in suitable habitats.

In other words, you should avoid releasing them in a residential neighborhood. It will only result in transferring the problem to others.

• Use of Ultrasonic Devices

Ultrasonic devices are designed to generate as much discomfort as necessary. This helps scare rabbits away.

They emit a high sound frequency that is inaudible to humans. This makes your home environment uncomfortable.

Please note that this option isn’t recommended for pet owners. This is because your pets may be distressed by such sounds.

• Tree Guard

Tree guards are effective ways to prevent rabbits from gnawing on trees.

A mesh is installed at some distance around the tree. This prevents these pests from pressing against the mesh to the tree. A wire mesh of less than an inch should be used.

Are there other ways you have used to get rid of rabbits in your garden naturally using repellents and other options? Share using the comment box below.