Many of us will still remember with great sympathy and amusement the perpetual suffering of the Walt Disney cartoon character Elmer Fudd at the hands of Bugs Bunny, the infamous “Wascally Wabbit”. The infamous bunny aside, you might be looking for the best rabbit repellent.
Real-life is nearly as bad if not worse for those who suffer the destruction wreaked on gardens crops and plants in general by real rabbits. An infestation of these cute little fellas replaces amusement with a desperate need to be rid of them.
We will guide you through the best options and answer a few questions you might have.
Why Rabbits Can Be a Problem
Prolific breeding habits are a feature of rabbits. With a gestation period of around 30 days, and each producing a litter of up to 12 baby bunnies at a time, a single female could produce up to 144 offspring per year.
Because of this, it would be wise to get in with protection when the problem first manifests itself.
Rabbits are herbivores, have razor-sharp teeth, and typically will eat just about anything plant-based. They have their preferences though, but under extreme conditions, where food is scarce, they will devour plants that they would normally shun.
Some of their favorite dishes will include grassy greens such as Bluegrass, Basil, Alfalfa, Clover, Crabgrass, Dandelion, Berries, Apples, Pears, and just about anything in your vegetable patch including your root vegetables, Cauliflower, Broccoli, and Green Beans.
What To Do About a Rabbit Problem
So, what do you do if rabbits are demolishing your crops, garden, or vegetable patch? What is the Best Rabbit Repellent for you?
There are several answers to this question, which are dependent on the user’s circumstances. The solutions could range from extremely lethal (perhaps something more effective than poor old Elmer’s pesky shotgun) to a variety of non-lethal options.
Natural Methods – Non-Lethal
Non-lethal options would include physical barriers, such as wood fences, brick walls, wire mesh, and rabbit traps (Do not try a plastic mesh, those teeth will chew thru plastic in no time).
Other choices available are motion-activated water sprinklers, ultra-sonic sound systems, and scent-based repellents.
First up, let us discuss some non-lethal, scent-based methods (repellents) of keeping pesky bunnies out of your garden, and your life.
Rabbits, and Deer for that matter, have a very strong sense of smell that they use to locate possible food sources. This heightened sense of smell is employed by both these animals, not only to avoid foods that do not suit their pallet but also to scent danger, which their survival instinct is wired to avoid.
Some scents that rabbits are known to dislike are Vinegar, Chili powder, dried blood granules, blood meal, bone meal, Sulphur, predator urine, Geraniums, Wax Begonia, Chives, Thyme, and, Lavender.
Also very effective are sprays containing foul-smelling organics such as rotten eggs.
Summarised, these repellents work on three primary factors, fear, smell, and taste.
- Fear – This response is initiated when the rabbit is confronted with a smell such as fox urine, blood, or rotting flesh, which they will instinctively link to the presence of a predator and danger thus they will be encouraged to avoid the area at all costs.
- Smell – Animals have a much keener sense of smell than humans. Researchers have identified that some smells, that do not bother humans or cannot be smelt by humans, have a deleterious effect on animals thereby encouraging them to move away from the obnoxious source as rapidly as possible.
- Taste – Unfortunately this is retroactive, once the Rabbit has had a bite of your plants some damage is already done, but the unpleasant taste of the repellent in that bite encourages the animal to stop eating and move on.
When choosing a product, it is important to consider any lasting effects on gardens, shrubs, or other plants. Particular care should be taken when using it on edibles for human consumption.
Alternatives to Scent-Based Repellents
Non-chemical-based alternatives such as sprinklers and Ultrasonic systems are designed to be environmentally friendly. They will cause distress to the rabbits but will not physically harm them. A humane method of control per se.
Motion-activated Sprinklers systems
Sensors detect the movement of rabbits when they are within range and automatically turn the sprinklers on. The rabbits soon learn to stay away as every time they approach, they get a soaking.
Certain brands of sprinklers simultaneously emit a sound that irritates the rabbits, adding to their discomfort. Being totally environmentally friendly is a non-chemical way of keeping the pests at bay.
When setting the system up, be aware of the direction the water is spraying (not thru your kitchen window!) and consider the possibility of overwatering your plant life.
Complete systems are simple to install, are available through most hardware stores, or can be sourced online.
Ultrasonic systems
Available as battery-operated units, sometimes just two AA batteries are needed, as well as solar-powered units, they operate at frequencies way beyond the hearing of the human ear. However, they are audible to an animal that has a much more sensitive hearing.
They are reputed to be very effective but there are negative reports where some of the products don’t meet the manufacturer’s claims, which break FTC rules, particularly where it is claimed that they “repel insects”. Some people dispute their effectiveness in this regard.
The DIY Route
An easy quick fix is to make up your home-grown potion.
For this you will need:
- About a 1-gallon container of water
- Half a dozen Garlic cloves
- A teaspoon of crushed chili pepper
- A tablespoon of dishwasher liquid
Crush the garlic well and mix all ingredients into the water container. Leave the concoction in the sun for a day or two to allow the ingredients to infuse into the water.
Shake it up once or twice while it is sunning. Then spray or sprinkle onto your plants. Before spraying, you would be advised to filter the mixture through a cloth to avoid clogging the nozzle.
Advantages
- Cheap
- Moderately effective
- Harmless on edibles
Disadvantages
- Washed away easily by rain or watering.
- Does not employ the most effective element of a commercial repellent which is the “fear factor”
- Will not adhere to plants in freezing conditions
So now we need to look at some recommendations as to which may be The Best Rabbit Repellent for you.
Commercial Options for the Best Rabbit Repellents
Liquid Fence Deer & Rabbit Repellent
Pros
- Easy to apply as a spray or by sprinkling granules
- A single treatment can last up to a month
- Light rain resistant
- Harmless in contact with humans and animals
- Odorless once it dries after application
- Considered a minimal risk product
Cons
- It may be harmful if swallowed
- Should be sprayed onto dry plants. Wet plants will dilute the product
- Could be washed away by strong rain
- Should not be sprayed directly onto the edible parts of crops or plants intended for human consumption
- It has a disgusting smell
- Will not adhere to plants in freezing conditions
- Sensitive to severe temperatures, so it should be stored at temperatures between 40- and 90-degrees F
Coming in highly recommended with great feedback is this competitively priced, and effective commercially available product.
Animals have a natural aversion to the scent so do not get used to the smell. Thus, it can be used year-round without having to switch to a different product.
It can handle some rain but must be allowed time to dry after application. Approximately 5 hours of drying time is required.
It is safe to use, and it is exempt from registration under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
It does not have a great smell (remember rotten eggs) when first applied but this dissipates quickly once dry. Humans won’t smell it then but the animals sure will.
All the Liquid Fence Deer and Rabbit repellent versions contain the following active ingredients, which combine the repellent trio of fear, smell, and taste into one product:
- Putrescent Egg Solids 10.4%
- Garlic 3,7 %
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate 4%
- Potassium Sorbate 0.5%
- Thyme Oil 0.01%
- The balance is water, Sodium Citrate, CitricAcid, Zanthan Gum, and Sodium Benzoate.
Product Range:
Liquid Fence Deer & Rabbit – Premix Version:
This is ready for use premixed version of the concentrate that saves you the task of mixing smaller quantities.
Application:
Recommended for use on all plants and crops irrespective of their height. e.g. Flowers, lawns, shrubs, trees, and vines.
Use straight out of the container and spray directly onto plants.
The Premix version is available in the following size containers,
- 32 fl oz
- 40 fl oz
- 1 gallon (128 fl oz)
- 2.5 Gallon (320 fl oz)
Liquid Fence Deer & Rabbit – Concentrate Version:
Generally for commercial use, this version requires mixing.
The recommended Mix Ratio is 12.8 fl oz of concentrate per gallon of water giving a ratio of 10:1. This will deliver a spread rate of around 6.4 fl oz per 1,000 sq ft
Application:
Recommended for use as a spray-on for all plants and crops irrespective of their height. e.g., Flowers, lawns, shrubs, trees, and vines.
The Concentrate version is available in the following size containers.
- 32 fl oz
- 40 fl oz
- 1 gallon (128 fl oz)
- 2.5 Gallon (320 fl Oz)
Liquid Fence Deer & Rabbit Granular Version:
Easily applied by sprinkling the product onto the ground.
Application:
Sprinkle the Granules onto the ground beneath the plants, this will be effective for plants up to 2 feet in height and should not come into contact and contaminate edibles. Using the spray product is recommended for plants/vegetation over 2 feet in height.
The Granular version is available in the following size containers.
- 2 lb
- 5 lb
- 40 lb
Plantskydd
Pros
- Made from blood products it is one hundred % organic and USDA listed as wholly suitable for organic gardening
- Need be applied every 2 to 4 weeks in the growing season but only every 3 to 6 months in the dormant season
- Reputed to be more resistant to the effects of rain and snow than other similar products
- A side benefit is that being organic, the product actually performs as a natural fertilizer
Cons
- Can cause discoloration
- Should not be sprayed on edible parts of the plant
- A ready-to-use product
- Spray-on applications need to dry for 24 hours before being rained on or watered, otherwise, they must be reapplied
Plantskydd (meaning Plant Protection in Swedish) is an effective rabbit and small rodent repellent. It is also considered effective for repelling Deer, Moose, and Elk.
This is a popular top-selling product range. It is considered a true 100 % organic-based repellent.
Manufactured using only dried blood, water, and vegetable oil it is also considered a minimal risk product and is exempt from registration under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
The downside is that the spray drops can leave unsightly red bloodstains on leaves, fruit, and vegetables. This eventually turns black when it dries out but remains unsightly.
For this reason, it should not be sprayed directly onto the edible parts of vegetables and fruits
Another point to note is that it has a shelf life of only 3 months then it goes off. The Powder, however, will store up to 5 years unmixed, but once mixed it must be used within a few days
Plantskydd is available as a liquid ready to use the spray-on product, as a powder concentrate that requires mixing, and in a Granular form.
The premix and the powder form when mixed, are both more suitable for use on plants above 2 feet in height. For plants below 2 feet, the granular form is best used as it is sprinkled onto the ground.
The theory for application here is to get the product to where the pesky animal’s nose is most likely to be.
Product Range:
Plantskydd premix liquid:
Spray directly onto plants and vegetation
A ready for use premix is available in the following size containers:
- 32 oz
- 1.3 gallon
Plantskydd Powder Concentrate:
Available in the following size containers:
Powder Concentrate
- 1 lb
- 2.2 lb
- 22 lb
Plantskydd Granular form:
Available in the following size containers:
- 1 lb
- 3.5 lb
- 8 lb
- 20 lb
Nature’s Mace Rabbit Repellent
Pros
- Powerful and effective
- Versatile – can be used on all plants
- Safe for use
- Can be used all year
- No foul odor
Cons
- Can clog the sprayer
- Some found it to be less effective than earlier versions of this range
- Can cause skin irritation in humans
This is a natural product that is known to be effective. It is a powerful repellent and is safe to use throughout the year.
It is available as a ready-to-use spray or a concentrate that requires mixing and in also granular form.
Ingredients (approximately):
- Putrescent egg solid 36 %
- Mint oil 2%
- Garlic 8 %
- white pepper 5 %
- Others – Sulphur, Peanut hull, Water
Variations
Nature’s Mace Rabbit Repellent – Premix Version:
Again, a ready for use premixed version of the concentrate saves you the task of mixing smaller quantities.
Application:
Recommended for use on all plants and crops irrespective of their height. e.g. Flowers, lawns, shrubs, trees, and, vines.
Use straight out of the container and spray directly onto plants.
The Premix version is available in the following size containers:
- 40 oz
- 1 gallon
Nature’s Mace Rabbit Repellent – Concentrate:
To be mixed as per manufacturer’s instructions
Application:
Recommended for use on all plants and crops irrespective of their height. e.g., Flowers, lawns, shrubs, trees, and vines.
The concentrate is available in the following size containers, (prices can vary considerably from dealer to dealer):
- 40 oz concentrate
- 1 gall concentrate
- 2.5 gall concentrate
- 5 gall concentrate
Nature’s Mace Rabbit Repellent – Granular:
Application:
Recommended for use on all plants and crops below 2 feet in height. Sprinkle onto the ground beneath the plants.
The Granular version is available in the following size containers.
- 2.5 lb granular
- 6 lb Granular
- 25lb granular
Sprinkler Repellents
Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler with Day & Night Detection Modes
Pros
- Safe, natural, and non-chemical
- Easy to use
- Economical
- Day/Night detector
- Adjustable
- Solid durable build
Cons
- Will activate when unsuspecting people or pets come into range (when activated)
- Several other parts are needed to complete the system
This is a safe and humane way to deter rabbits as well as a range of other critters in your yard. It is a simple water spray that is effective in deterring rabbits and will not cause any harm to the environment, people, or pets.
It might, however, cause discomfort when they come into range when the system is activated.
It has a day/night sensor and a robust build that should last many years. It can also be used as a sprinkler. The sensor is intelligent so will not activate every time there is a breeze. You can adjust the coverage according to your needs.
PESTGURU Solar Animal Repeller, 2022 Ultrasonic Mole Repellent, Rat, Squirrel, Deer, Raccoon, Skunk, Rabbit, Mole, Dog, Cat, Waterproof with Motion Detector, USB Rechargeable, Flashing Light
Pros
- Humane
- Safe
- Easy to use and install
- Cost-effective
- IP44 protection
Cons
- Limited range
- Not as effective as commercial applications
Ultrasonic repellents are another safe and harmless deterrent and work on a range of unwanted pests including rabbits. The good ones are effective, and they do not harm the creatures, the environment, and the people in the area.
Most people report that they are effective at repelling rabbits as well as other undesirable critters. They can also be used with other repellents for increased effectiveness.
The PESTGURU Solar Animal Repeller has a range of around 30 to 25 yards and works over an area of 110 degrees. This means that you might need a few to cover your yard. Fortunately, they are affordable and last a long time. They also have no maintenance or ongoing costs.
They are easy to install and use. They have a limited range so you might need a few to cover your yard. You can charge them using solar power or over USB.
Best Rabbit Repellents – Conclusion
All of the systems mentioned above are non-lethal, but none are guaranteed 100% effective. There is always that rogue element somewhere.
You need to experiment a bit and find the one that works best in your environment. Often, a combination of solutions is a good idea if you have a major problem.