Effective Ways to Keep Rabbits Out of Your Garden

 

Rabbits are undeniably cute, but they can cause significant damage to plants. They love to munch on a wide range of plants, from leafy greens like spinach and lettuce, flowers like daisies and tulips, to fruits like strawberries and raspberries. They usually target these low-lying plants as they're easier for them to reach. So if you always find yourself in a battle with these furry critters you need to take action before they cause more damage.


This guide will cover effective and humane methods to keep rabbits at bay without hurting them. And since there's no one-size-fits-all solution, we'll provide a range of solutions so that you can choose the one that best suits your situation. Whether you're dealing with a few rabbits or a large number, this information will help you keep your plants safe and flourish without being bothered by rabbits.


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    Fencing

    When it comes to protecting plants from animals, the first solution that often comes to people's minds is fencing. Fencing provides a physical barrier that prevents critters from reaching the plants but still allows airflow and light to reach the plants, which is essential for their health. 


    Install a fence around the area where you want to protect your plants and be sure to bury it a few inches into the ground so that rabbits cannot burrow underneath. If you're living in an area with a lot of rabbit activity, I suggest you use rabbit-proof fencing that is specifically designed to keep out rabbits. It has smaller holes at the bottom that even baby rabbits can't fit through.

    Plant Caging

    In addition to fencing, plant caging is another excellent way to protect individual plants from rabbits. Plant cages come in a variety of sizes, so you should get one that is large enough to accommodate the size and shape of your plants.


    Apart from using commercial plant cages that are specifically designed for protecting plants, you can use waste bin cages. They work quite well and they are typically made of strong wire mesh which is ideal for protecting plants from rabbits and other pests. 

    Use Predator Urine

    Predator urine is a natural and effective repellent that helps to keep rabbits and other animals away from plants. When a rabbit smells the urine of its predators, such as foxes and coyotes, they avoid the area in fear of being harmed by a predator.


    To deter rabbits with predator urine, spray it around the perimeter of your garden, and near any entry points for rabbits like in gaps under the gates or fence. Also spray around the base of trees and bushes, as these can provide cover for small animals too. You can get predator urine at your local garden supply store, or online. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the product for optimal results.

    Use Repellents

    One of the most effective methods to keep rabbits at bay is to use repellents. There are many repellents available on the market. Some come as liquid and others as granular. Moreover, some are designed for small gardens and others for larger gardens, so you can choose the right one for your needs.


    Many repellents are made from plant-based ingredients like mint which has a strong scent that rabbits find unpleasant. However, it's important to be aware that some repellents contain toxic ingredients, so it's crucial to choose a product that is safe for the environment and your pets. With the right repellent, you can keep your plants safe without causing any harm to rabbits.

    Install Motion-activated Sprinklers

    Motion-activated sprinklers are an easy and effective way to keep rabbits and other animals out of your garden. This device is triggered by movement, so when animals enters the area, they get startled by a sudden spray of water 


    The sudden burst of water sends them running as fast as they can, without looking back. To get the best results, install the sprinkler near your garden, facing the direction where rabbits are most likely to approach.

    Remove Hiding Places

    To get rid of rabbits, you should also remove their hiding places. They like to hide in dense vegetation such as tall grasses, bushes, and hedges. So you should mow your grass and trim low-hanging branches to make your yard less inviting to them. If they can't find a suitable hiding place in your yard, they will move on to another area.

    Plant Rabbit-resistant Plants

    Planting rabbit-resistant plants is another great way to deter rabbits from your yard and garden. Those plants have a strong scent that rabbits don't like. Examples of rabbit-resistant include lavender, sage, alliums, juniper, and rosemary. You can even take dried rosemary leaves and ground into a powder,  then sprinkle the powder around the perimeter of your garden to further deter rabbits.


    In addition to planting rabbit-resistant plants, you can also try companion planting with garlic or onion is also effective. The pungent smell of these plants will discourage them from munching on your plants

    Try Using Human Hair

    Although it may sound strange, human hair has been proven to be an effective deterrent against rabbits and other creatures. The scent of human hair is unpleasant to rabbits and triggers a fear response that causes them to avoid the area.


    Collect hair from your hairbrush, or ask your family members to donate their hair, or ask your local barber shop for hair clippings. Place the hair around the perimeter of your garden and make sure to put it in a mesh bag so that it won't get carried away by wind.

    To Wrap Up

    After reading this guide, we hope you have a clear understanding of how to deal with those pesky rabbits. With one or a combination of two strategies, they will be discouraged from entering your garden. More than anything else, your garden should be a place of beauty and relaxation, where you can escape the stress of everyday life.



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