Rabbits are adorable, fluffy creatures, but can also be a nuisance around the garden. They have a tendency to nibble on plants, dig up the soil and leave droppings. If you have a rabbit problem in your garden, there are a few things you can do to keep them away. Read on to find out more about the different methods you can use to keep rabbits away from your garden.
Fence Them Out
The most effective way to keep rabbits out of your garden is to use a fence. A mesh fence at least 2 feet high should be enough to keep most rabbits out. Make sure that the fence is secure, with no gaps or holes. If you want to be extra sure that rabbits don’t get through, you can use an electric fence. This will give them a small shock if they try to climb the fence.
Make It Unappealing
Rabbits love soft, lush plants and grass, so they’ll be more likely to stay away from areas with prickly plants and gravel. Plant some spiky shrubs or cacti near the edges of your garden, and use gravel or bark chippings for mulch. Make sure that you don’t use any chemical pesticides, as these can be harmful to rabbits.
Remove Attractants
Rabbits will be attracted to your garden if there’s something there that they want. Remove any sources of food and water, such as bird feeders, pet food and water dishes. Keep your compost bin covered and make sure it is securely closed. Also, don’t leave piles of grass clippings or leaves in your garden, as these can attract rabbits.
Distract Them
One way to distract rabbits from your garden is to provide them with an alternative food source. You can buy special ‘rabbit blocks’ from pet stores, which are full of nutritious ingredients and taste irresistible to rabbits. Place the blocks some distance away from your garden, so that the rabbits are drawn away from it.
Add Some Predators
You can also add some natural predators to your garden to scare away rabbits. Birds of prey, such as owls and hawks, will keep rabbits away. You can also introduce some snakes into your garden, as these will eat rabbits and their young. Make sure that you do your research before bringing any animals into your garden, as some can be dangerous.
Repellents
If you don’t want to use a fence, you can try using repellents to keep rabbits away from your garden. There are a range of natural and chemical repellents available, such as peppermint oil, garlic, and predator urine. You can also buy special ‘rabbit repellent’ sprays from garden centers.
Traps
If you’re having a serious rabbit problem, you can set up some humane traps in your garden. Baited traps are the most effective way to catch rabbits; use a tasty treat, such as fresh vegetables or fruit, as bait. Once you’ve caught the rabbit, you can release it somewhere far away from your garden.
Be Patient
Whichever method you choose, it’s important to be patient and persistent. Rabbits can be hard to get rid of, and you may need to use a combination of methods to keep them away. Don’t give up if you don’t see results straight away; keep trying different methods until you find something that works.
Conclusion
Keeping rabbits out of your garden can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. By using a combination of fences, repellents, predators and traps, you can protect your plants and keep your garden looking beautiful. Be patient and persistent, and you’ll be able to keep those pesky rabbits away.