Rabbits are adorable, fluffy creatures. They make great pets, are the inspiration for many beloved storybooks and television characters, and are just adorable to watch as they bounce from one place to another. But it isn’t all fun and games with rabbits.
Rabbits may wreak havoc in your flower beds and gardens, shredding your petunias and leaving rabbit-shaped bite marks in your home-grown carrots.
If you’ve been looking for a strategy to keep rabbits out of your garden beds, look no further. In this article, we’ve made it our duty to provide you with the best rabbit repellents on the market (along with a few tricks and tips to help you out a bit more).
Table of Contents
1. Enviro pro rabbit scram repellent
Rabbit Scram is a granular repellant that works magic to keep rogue rabbits at bay. This pail contains 6 pounds of granules ready to pour immediately without measuring, deluding, or mixing.
Rabbit Scram will be effective for about a month after being sprayed on the ground around the No-Rabbit Zone. Even in damp or harsh weather, you can expect this repellant to endure for weeks.
This mixture will not smell pleasant when first opened. However, the scent (for humans) will shortly fade, leaving merely enough odor to chase rabbits away.
And the best thing is… This formula is safe for both humans and animals.
Pros
- The aroma does not linger to the point of disturbing humans
- Reasonably priced
- It is water-resistant and may be used in any weather condition.
- Long-lasting. It just needs to be reapplied once a month.
- Will not hurt animals or people.
- Ready to use right out of the pail – no mixing or deluding required
Cons
- The granules cannot be directly applied to plants (of course). For better outcomes, some people may opt to spray repellent on their flowers.
2. Liquid fence deer & rabbit repellent
This Liquid Fence Rabbit Repellent is a non-toxic but effective concentrate that should be sprayed directly on vegetation. This would be great for large areas, flower gardens, and other ornamental plants.
Unlike similar liquid repellents, the Liquid Fence Rabbit Repellent does not require rabbits to swallow it to dissuade them. Bunnies are deterred simply by the strong aroma. This is a long-lasting mixture that does it work admirably well in all weather conditions, including severe rains.
Because this repellant is a concentration, it will not be ready to use immediately. Make sure to dilute the concentrate with water according to the directions on the product packaging.
Pros
- Long-lasting concentrate that holds up in all weather situations
- An inexpensive and potent product
- A great choice for decorative and large spaces or gardens
- Not dangerous to people, pets, or wildlife
- Can also repel deer if needed
Cons
- It may not be a good choice for vegetable or fruit gardens.
3. Nature’s mace rabbit and deer repellent
Nature’s Mace, another strong concentrate, is a repellant that rabbits will not soon forget. This 40-ounce concentration bottle makes 5 gallons of ready-to-use repellent spray that is weather-resistant, long-lasting, and odorless (to humans) when dried.
This concentration is safe to use anytime and is non-toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife, including aquatic species. According to the maker, Nature’s Mace contains three times more active rabbit-repelling chemicals than other kinds.
Nature’s Mace uses taste and aroma to repel rabbits (and deer), making it a more effective option than other leading repellents and alternative options.
Pros
- Enough concentration to make 5 liters of repellant spray
- Reasonably priced, even for those on a limited budget;
- Eco-friendly — not harmful to plants, humans, or wildlife
- Nature’s Mace has three times as many rabbit-repelling active compounds as other top brands.
- Aside from rabbits, Nature’s Mace also discourages deer from devouring your vegetation.
- When the solution dries, the pungent odor dissipates.
- Unlike other remedies that rely on taste, this concentrate employs taste and smell to deter rabbits.
Cons
- This will deter deer from approaching, so this may not be the concentrate for you if you love Bambi.
4. Plantskydd granular animal repellent
Plantskydd’s Organic Animal Repellent is a 100% natural and safe product completely safe for plants, animals, and humans. It is created entirely of natural ingredients, including dried blood, to cause rabbits to flee from prospective predators instinctively.
The 3.5-pound container contains enough granules to cover almost 1,800 square feet, while the 8-pound container contains enough granules to cover 4,000 square feet. This is great for lining big flower or vegetable gardens with low-growing plants. This mixture can withstand rain or snow for up to 8 weeks before needing to be reapplied.
When using this rabbit repellent near edible plants, exercise caution. It can be used to line vegetable and fruit gardens, but be careful not to get any solutions on the plant’s production.
Pros
- Affordable
- It is available in 3.5 and 8-pound containers; it is made entirely of natural and organic ingredients; it is safe for plants, people, pets, and wildlife; it lasts up to 8 weeks without reapplication; and it repels rabbits, elk, voles, beavers, moose, opossums, and porcupines.
Cons
- This rabbit repellent repels other creatures besides rabbits.
- The manufacturer suggests using a liquid repellent for plants taller than 2 feet.
5. I must garden rabbit repellent
The I Must Rabbit Repellent is a safe mixture that is non-toxic to humans, pets, plants, and wildlife.
Unlike the other repellents on our list, the I Must Repellent does not have a foul stench that stays until the product dries. Mint oil is used in this repellent to repel rabbits rather than people.
Like the other rabbit repellents on our list, this repellent is extremely long-lasting and rain-resistant. There is no need to reapply after rains (unless they are frequent) or changing weather conditions; you may reapply every four weeks. For the best results, spray this repellant on your flowers and plants.
This is an excellent choice for health-conscious people who wants to keep their gardening products as environmentally friendly and clean as possible.
Pros
- All-natural products and botanicals are used in this product to create a safe but effective rabbit repellent
- It is affordable
- It has been tested and approved by gardeners all over the world
- It has a pleasant, minty scent, as against most rabbit repellents
- It is ready to use right away – no mixing or measuring!
Cons
- This product may not be as effective as others on our list.
Benefits of using rabbit repellents
There are various natural methods for keeping rabbits out of your yard, such as those described in the YouTube video below.
When looking for commercially available rabbit repellent, keep in mind that you can use ready sprays, concentrates, or granules to sprinkle on the ground around your cherished plants.
These items are typically created with non-toxic and natural substances. A rabbit repellent works by either producing an odor that deters the rabbit or by modifying the flavor of foliage to prevent it from chewing on it.
Buying guide: How to choose the best rabbit repellent
Sprays, ultrasonic gadgets, and motion-activated sprinklers are all options for repelling rabbits. Learn about all the rabbit repellent alternatives available and the crucial considerations to consider while selecting one.
The different types of rabbit repellent
Rabbit repellents come in various ways, from physical fencing to sprays that scare rabbits away with the odor of predators.
1. Taste and odor
Sprays and granules that create an odor that is either unpleasant to rabbits or mimics the smell of a predator are available as odor and scent-based repellents. A rabbit will hop away if it smells or tastes the repellant. Deer and rabbit repellents based on odor and taste are commonly used.
2. Motion-activated
Motion-activated rabbit repellents are made from a lawn sprinkler equipped with a motion sensor. When the rabbit trips the motion sensor, the sprinkler activates, blasting the animal with water and scaring it away. The motion sensor is powered by a battery or a solar cell and is usually sensitive enough that only small animals can trigger it.
3. Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic repellents are made out of a small box attached to a stake that is inserted into the ground. The repellant emits a tone that is inaudible to humans but annoying to rabbits, causing them to flee. These repellents generally include a solar panel that charges the device’s battery. These units will also be effective against other four-legged pests, such as moles.
5. Physical
A nice old-fashioned fence is sometimes all required to keep rabbits out of the garden. One of the better fencing solutions is chicken wire. Because rabbits can squeeze through small gaps, chicken wire with small holes is required to keep them out.
Rabbits may also burrow. Thus a fence must be buried at least 4 inches in the ground to prevent a rabbit from excavating its way into the garden.
Formula
Repellents based on taste and odor occur in various forms, including spray, granules, and concentrated liquid. Sprays are the most convenient alternative because they are ready to use and do not need to be mixed.
To treat the area, point, and spray. Granules are often packaged in shaker bottles, making them easy to apply. While both sprays and granules are water resistant, granules often outperform sprays in moist situations.
Concentrated repellents must be mixed; however, they provide far more coverage and are often a better bargain than ready-to-use granules or spray treatments.
Ingredients
Garlic, putrescent egg solids, white pepper, and even animal urine granules are common constituents in liquid and granule-based repellents. Ingredients like garlic and white pepper are foul-smelling and foul-tasting to rabbits, forcing them to seek alternative food sources.
Other elements are designed to appeal to a rabbit’s basic anxieties. The scent of solid egg contents is similar to that of a decaying animal, which alerts a rabbit that a predator is around, triggering its urge to escape. To keep rabbits away, granules use dry animal blood and urine that smells like predators.
Environmental Concerns
All rabbit repellent products are made in a humane and environmentally responsible manner. Natural ingredients from plants, such as pepper and garlic, and animals, such as dried blood and urine, are employed in spray, concentrated, and granule products.
While these repellents should not be sprayed directly on edible vegetables, they are harmless and can be used to treat the ground surrounding these plants.
Nonchemical repellents, such as sprinklers and ultrasonic repellents, may cause distress to an animal but do not harm rabbits, making them a compassionate and environmentally friendly option for deterring these floppy-eared intruders.
More Tips
Planting undesirable plants
Rabbits prefer plants with a more neutral flavor, such as lettuce, broccoli, carrots, and beans. Petunias and Pansies are two of their favorite floral treats. Planting less appealing plants to rabbits is a smart strategy to dissuade them from visiting your yard.
Strong-smelling edibles such as onions, garlic, and aromatic plants (such as basil) are effective deterrents. Rabbits may be put off by Geraniums, Lantanas, Sweet Alyssum, Marigolds, Sunflowers, and other similar flowers.
Putting up barriers
Putting up barriers around your garden beds is one of the most efficient strategies to keep rabbits away from your food garden or flowers. Chicken wire is probably the best bet for garden safety, but remember that rabbits love to dig and can hop like nobody’s business.
So, please make sure the chicken wire is at least 2 feet tall and placed 6 to 12 inches under the ground when you install it.
Maintaining a clean and busy yard.
Rabbits are fearful creatures. They and their huge families seek densely forested locations with thick vegetation to protect them from potential hazards.
Keeping your lawn and gardens well-kept and free of rubbish is an excellent approach to warn rabbits not to get too close. Wide-open places are unpleasant to rabbits, so remove any unwanted brush, weeds, tall grasses, or stick or leaf piles.
Because rabbits are so fearful, any movement or sign of a human’s presence will usually scare them away. Having an outside dog, adding lights to your garden, or putting motion scare devices in your yard are all strategies to keep unwanted bunnies away.
FAQ
Is human urine effective at keeping rabbits away from your yard?
Yes, rabbits dislike the odor of human urine. They perceive humans as predators and will avoid any pee odors. Human urine is one of the most efficient repellants available, and according to some specialists, it is the only one that works.
How can I keep rabbits away from my flowerbeds?
There are various strategies to defend your landscape from a rabbit invasion. Temporary protection can be provided by erecting barriers, such as chicken wire fencing, around your plants.
However, if the rabbits want to get to your plants, they will tunnel under the fence. A dog in your yard will also assist in keeping rabbits away.
What natural odors repel rabbits?
Rabbits are sensitive to a variety of odors. They don’t like the smell of blood, nor do they like the smells of garlic, chili peppers, or vinegar.
Sprinkling these items on the ground around your plant functions as a natural rabbit repellent. These natural alternatives, however, are nowhere near as effective as a rabbit repellant mixture.
Will water diminish the repellent’s effectiveness?
It depends. The repellent should last about a month if watered daily or frequently. However, we recommend that you avoid putting water in direct contact with the rabbit repellant. Always read the directions and description on your rabbit repellant to ensure you’re getting the most out of it.
Is rabbit repellent harmful to my plants?
The majority of rabbit repellents are safe to use near plants. Of course, unless otherwise indicated, you should not apply the repellent directly to your plants. Rabbit repellents should be used as a thick “trail” around flower beds or gardens.
Can rabbit repellents damage animals?
No, it does not. None of the rabbit repellents on our list are hazardous to pets or humans, even if the fragrance is unpleasant! Despite the lack of toxicity, we advise you to keep an eye on pets and children. Rabbit repellents should never be swallowed or applied to bare skin.
How frequently should I reapply rabbit repellent?
Depending on the product you buy and the weather (rain will shorten the repellent’s duration), you should reapply the rabbit repellent every 3 to 6 weeks.
Is it necessary to reapply repellent after it rains?
Rain is not a problem for most repellents. That resistance, though, is limited. Spray and granule repellents may lose their effectiveness after a heavy rain, necessitating reapplication.
When is the ideal time to use the repellent?
Because most rabbits feed at night, apply the repellent near the end of the day when rabbits are getting ready to emerge to feed.
Will the rabbit repellant deter wildlife from visiting my yard?
No, it does not. Rabbit repellents are designed to keep rabbits away. However, several of the products on our list will also dissuade deer. So, if you want deer in your yard, buying them might not be a good idea.
Otherwise, there is no need to be concerned. Even after you’ve treated your yard with rabbit repellent, all of the animals you enjoy will continue to visit you.
Will the repellant be effective in the winter?
Of course. Rabbit repellents can be used at any time of year. Remember that melting snow or ice may wash away the solution.
Last thoughts
Rabbits make adorable pets and cartoon characters, but they are the natural adversary of any garden bed full of tasty veggies or flowers. Rabbit repellents are an excellent and inexpensive method to keep your food and petunias safe – while leaving your pets, family, and wildlife undisturbed.
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links.
