Now that spring is here and the weather is getting warmer, you’re likely looking forward to the fresh veggies you’re growing in your garden. Unfortunately, unless you control or repel rabbits, they may be enjoying them before you even get to harvest them.
The good news is that there are a lot of plants that can be put down so that the rabbits stay away. Fortunately, a lot of these same things that you can use to repel the annoying Japanese beetles. You may not know this, but those bugs also produce white grubs, and those grubs eat turfgrass. So it’s possible that you are going to take care of two pests at once.
Things that Help to Control or Repel Rabbits
Fences
Hardware cloth and chicken wire both will work really well to keep the rabbits out. If you’ve never heard of it, hardware cloth’s a mesh made of wire that looks similar to window screens. However, the holes are bigger. It’s possible to fence your whole area, such as your vegetable garden. You also can surround a certain plant or tree that could use some protection. The wire needs to be around 2 feet high. Even though rabbits aren’t able to climb, they’re able to jump. It’s also possible to fence the yard. However, if you go this route, you’re going to have to dig at least a foot down and put in a barrier. Otherwise, those rascally rabbits will squeeze under your fence.
Plants that Repel Rabbits
- Basil
- Daffodils
- Lavender
- Lilac
- Marigolds
- Oregano
- Onions
- Parsley
- Peonies
- Zinnias
You can also put down these organic compounds:
- Dried blood – you can find this at hardware stores and nurseries. Along with repelling the rabbits, it also is great for fertilizing.
- Garlic
- Onion powder
- Red pepper (in powder form)
Things that Don’t Work to Repel Rabbits
Lights & Noises
Even though they’re skittish, they are quick learners. So you don’t want to waste your time relying on patio lights or noisemakers for scaring them off.
Fake Predators
Chances are that you have seen things like figurines of snakes, owls, foxes, and hawks placed around yards so that the rabbits stay away. They are going to learn that the items aren’t real. So save your money.
Poison
In Rhode Island, it’s illegal to poison rabbits. So don’t use poison to kill them off. Chances are that you are going to hurt or kill a pet rather than a rabbit. So don’t use poison.
Trapping
Although it might seem like something humane to do, you have to deal with any rabbit that you trap. They often carry disease, so trapping them yourself isn’t a good idea. You also can’t really release them to bother someone else. If you have a rabbit problem, it’s best to call a professional to deal with it.
We hope that you found this blog to be informative. If you would like some help with your garden, please contact us here. We’ll be glad to give you a quote.
