How to Get Rid of Rabbits in the Vegetable Garden

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Rabbits are fascinating creatures that considerable historical and cultural significance across various societies. In many cultures, they symbolize fertility and rebirth, often linked to springtime celebrations due to their high reproductive rates. In folklore, they frequently appear as clever tricksters, like in the story of Brer Rabbit. Additionally, rabbits have been featured in art and literature, serving as a motif in works ranging from Aesop’s Fables to modern children’s books.

Imaginations aside, rabbits play a vital role in the ecosystem as both herbivores and prey species. As herbivores, they contribute to the balance of plant communities by feeding on a variety of grasses, herbs, and shrubs, which helps maintain healthy vegetation and promotes biodiversity. Their grazing habits can prevent certain plant species from dominating an area, allowing for a more diverse plant community.

Additionally, rabbits serve as a crucial food source for many predators, including foxes, hawks, and snakes. Moreover, through their burrowing activities, rabbits aerate the soil, improving water infiltration and nutrient cycling, which benefits other plant and animal species in the ecosystem.

But what if rabbits have ventured into your garden and won’t leave your plants alone? They can be particularly destructive to several common garden vegetables. We’re going to learn how to get RID of rabbits in the vegetable garden today!

But first…

What are Rabbits?

Wild rabbits belong to the family Leporidae, which includes hares and pikas. The most commonly recognized species in North America is the Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus). Other notable species include the European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and the Desert Cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii). Each species has unique traits and adaptations suited to its environment.

Rabbits are small to medium-sized mammals with long ears, powerful hind legs, and short fluffy tails. Their fur is typically soft and can vary in color from brown, gray, and black to white, depending on the species and their habitat. The Eastern Cottontail, for example, has a brownish body with a white underside and a distinctive fluffy tail that resembles a cotton ball.

Adult rabbits generally weigh between 2 to 5.5 pounds (0.9 to 2.5 kg) and measure about 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm) in length. Their large ears not only enhance their hearing but also help regulate body temperature.

Photo Credit: Tony Alter on Flickr (CC By 2.0) 

Lifecycle of Rabbits

Rabbits are known for their rapid reproduction rates. (Ever heard the phrase, “Breeding like rabbits”? It is true, though baby rabbits are susceptible to being preyed upon.) A female rabbit, called a doe, can have several litters each year, with an average of 3 to 7 young per litter. Baby rabbits, or kits, are born blind and hairless but grow quickly. They begin to venture out of their nest at about two weeks old and are typically weaned by six weeks.

Rabbits reach sexual maturity at about 3 to 6 months of age, which contributes to their population growth. The lifespan of wild rabbits averages around 1 to 2 years in the wild due to predation and environmental factors, although some can live longer in protected settings. (Side note: We raise meat rabbits on our farm, which are bred specifically to be larger and produce better meat when raised domestically than wild rabbits.)

Wild rabbits thrive in a variety of habitats, including meadows, forests, grasslands, and even suburban areas. They construct burrows or nests in the ground where they can hide from predators. Rabbits are crepuscular animals. What does that mean? Well, that’s just a fancy way of saying rabbits are most active during dawn and dusk hours.

Social creatures by nature, they often live in groups or colonies. Their communication involves a range of sounds and body language, from thumping their hind feet as a warning signal to grooming each other as a sign of affection.

What Do Rabbits Eat?

Rabbits are herbivores, primarily feeding on grasses, clover, herbs, and leafy greens. (They may also eat some fruits or vegetables when they’re available as well.) Unlike some animals, rabbits have a unique digestive system that allows them to process fibrous plant material efficiently. They practice coprophagy, which means they consume their soft feces to extract additional nutrients from their food.

What Crops Do Rabbits Attack in the Garden?

Rabbits are often seen as adorable little creatures (and let’s face it–they are!), but they can become quite a nuisance for gardeners too. Their insatiable appetite can lead to significant damage in vegetable gardens, and knowing which crops are their favorites can help you protect your plants. They particularly enjoy tender greens, making leafy vegetables and herbs a common target. Their preference for young, tender plants can lead to substantial damage in gardens, especially in the early growing season.

Plant Damage Caused by Rabbits

The damage caused by rabbits in a vegetable garden can vary depending on the severity of the infestation. Here are some common signs of rabbit damage:

• Gnaw Marks – Rabbits use their strong front teeth to chew through stems and leaves. You may notice cleanly cut edges on leaves or stems, typically at a height of about 2 to 3 inches from the ground.
• Missing Leaves – One of the most obvious signs of rabbit activity is missing leaves. If you find entire plants stripped of their foliage, it’s likely that rabbits have feasted on them.
• Stubs and Shortened Plants – Rabbits often leave behind stubs where they have eaten. Plants may appear to be cut off at ground level or just above.
• Droppings – Rabbits leave behind small, round droppings scattered throughout the garden, which can be another indicator of their presence.

Strategies for Protecting Your Garden from Rabbits

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can implement to protect your garden from rabbit damage:

Fencing

While probably one of the most intensive solutions, a fence is still one of the most effective ways to keep rabbits out of places where you don’t want them to go. (A fence can also help you keep deer out of the garden too, so if you have a lot of animal problems where you live, it still might be worth the investment.)

Here are some tips for creating a rabbit-proof barrier:

• Use a fence that is at least 3 feet tall. Rabbits are capable of jumping, so this height of fence will help deter them.
• Use wire mesh or chicken wire. Make sure the holes are small enough (1 inch or less) to prevent rabbits from squeezing through. Rabbits can squeeze through very small spaces when you don’t expect it.
• Build an underground barrier: Bury the bottom of the fence 6 to 12 inches underground to prevent rabbits from digging underneath it. Alternatively, you can extend the fence outward at the base to create an “L” shape underground.

For added protection, consider using garden netting or row covers over your crops. This not only prevents rabbits but can also shield your plants from birds and other pests. Ensure the netting is securely anchored to the ground so that rabbits cannot slip underneath.

Eliminate Hiding Places

Rabbits are more likely to invade gardens if there are nearby hiding spots. Because they’re a prey animal, they love feeling protected from exposure to hawks and other hungry predators. Keep areas around your garden tidy. Trim back tall grasses and dense shrubs where rabbits like to hide. Clear away any piles of wood or brush that could serve as shelters for rabbits.

Rabbit Repellents

Commercial repellents or homemade mixtures (like cayenne pepper or garlic spray) can help keep rabbits at bay. Apply these around the perimeter of your garden regularly.

• To make a cayenne pepper spray, mix water with cayenne pepper and spray it on plants. The strong scent can repel rabbits.
• To make a garlic spray, blend garlic cloves with water, strain, and spray it on your plants. Rabbits dislike the smell of garlic.

Reapply these homemade solutions after rain or heavy watering for maximum effectiveness.

Scare Tactics 

Motion-activated sprinklers can be an effective way to startle rabbits and deter them from entering your garden. When they approach, the sudden burst of water will send them hopping away.

Using visual scare tactics can also help keep rabbits at bay. Hang shiny objects like aluminum foil strips or old CDs around your garden to create movement and reflections that may frighten rabbits. Placing decoys of predator animals, such as owls or hawks, can also deter rabbits from entering your garden.

Hunting & Trapping

If rabbits become too problematic, humane traps can be used to capture and relocate them away from your garden. They’re also good eating during hunting season! 😉

Conclusion – How to Get Rid of Rabbits in the Vegetable Garden

Rabbits are one of the most prolific and hungry mammal pests you’ll find munching on your crops. Hopefully through this article, you come away with more ideas for getting rid of rabbits in the vegetable garden!