Best Rabbit Repellents For Your Garden

[@Jpatmeadowbrook]

Rutgers recommends: The only rabbit repellent registered for actively growing food crops is ammonium hydroxide (Hinder*). This material can be applied to all vegetation within the garden and to vegetation in a border strip around the garden. Hinder must be reapplied after a rain and at 1- to 2-week intervals when plants are growing to remain effective. Fences are guaranteed.

[@GardenSanity]

Thanks for this awesome suggestion, JPat! 👍 I'm pinning this at the top of this comments page, as this will be especially helpful to any gardener growing their own food! 🍅🫑🥒🧅🌽😃

[@gwynnmiller428]

My grandma collected her p. She put it in mason jars and left it wherever she knew coons, rabbits, deer and the like would be eating things like pole beans. Its free,readily available and keeps critters out. If it's good enough for grandma, its good enough for me!

[@cyhomer]

I have used SO MANY things! Last year I purchased two motion activated sprinklers, and they have worked very well! They also help with the squirrels.

[@susancrawford2343]

Squirrels detest vicks vaporub! They were always climbing my bird feeders and syphoning out the contents. I now slather the post with Vicks - been doing that for 4 weeks - and not a squirrel in sight! It does not bother the birds or the rabbits - unfortunately.

[@cyhomer]

@@susancrawford2343 …I’ll give it a try!

[@Kris-xw4ns]

@@susancrawford2343 Cool! I am going to spread it on top of my cedar fence. The squirrels run along my fence and then jump down into my garden and garden beds. Fortunately, they haven't done much damage but they have damaged my seedlings so now I have no cucumber plants this year

[@unhogarparacrear]

Water containers helps, sometimes they are looking for water more than food, so they eat plants to drink water no for food, so water containers around help

[@GardenSanity]

That's an interesting idea! Do you find they still nibble on your plants, or do the water containers cut down on the destruction a lot? (Unfortunately, in my area we have mosquitoes, so any standing water -- even a shallow little butterfly water dish -- will have mosquitoes using them in no time.) But for others, thanks for sharing this suggestion! 👍

[@jayaye9926]

I've started growing plants (peppers, herbs, cucumbers, lettuce) and it's time to move them outside. I've noticed rabbits in the neighborhood. I'm not trying to feed THEM. So your vid is right on time.

[@heavymechanic2]

MHPGardener made a pepper sauce to spray on plants, apply with a pump sprayer

[@GardenSanity]

Glad to help, Jay! I hope your vegetable garden has done well this Summer? Let me know have been staying away.

[@bonniebecker3254]

I had very good success with several oils that I would drip around the various planting areas. I used peppermint oil, clove oil, rosemary oil and several others I can't remember right now. Those did well for my front yard plantings which were only flowers. In the back yard I have had a serious deer problem so I put plastic forks out, bamboo stakes and some flower stakes with things that will make noises hanging from them. I'm seriously allergic to garlic or spicy things like hot peppers or chili peppers so those are totally out for me.

[@rayschoch5882]

I don't grow food, but have tried to convert my urban yard (only 150 yards from a perennial stream, so there's plenty of wildlife) to a sort of woodland garden with perennials and shrubs native to the state, or at least this upper Midwestern part of the country. I've at least partly admitted defeat. The narrator is right - if they're hungry enough, rabbits will eat just about any plant, so I stopped buying sprays OR granules. After many, many replacement plants at significant cost over the years, I decided to just observe the carnage over the course of a growing season, and now limit plant-buying to species - both shrubs and perennials - that experience shows me the local rabbits don't like to eat. It has mostly worked, and the past two seasons, I've had to buy far fewer replacement plants as a result.

[@GardenSanity]

Thanks for sharing this Ray! First off -- your yard near a stream sounds wonderful! 👍 Secondly, your idea to observe and then continue planting species rabbits avoid is super smart! I've been trying my best to plant "rabbit resistant" plants -- but since rabbits can't read or understand English, it still can be tough going. But I'm doing the same thing, and even IF I love a plant so much that it almost makes me cry to not plant it anymore -- that's the way it is! There are so many wonderful shrubs and perennials that rabbits do avoid, there actually are options. Just maybe not the ones we originally wanted! Thanks again! 😀🐰

[@brianhall137]

My garden consists of raised beds that are waist high. I have tons of rabbits around my place, but they can't jump high enough to get into my garden beds.

[@GardenSanity]

Another smart solution! Thanks so much for sharing this here Brian! That's what we are going to do if we start up a new vegetable garden -- waist-high beds! 👍😃

[@tyitr]

Get 6 cage traps. Feed them in the traps with the door wedged open. As soon as they are trained...set the traps. It's helpful to know how many rabbits you have so you know how many traps to use. Take them out in one scoop.

[@gypsygirl731]

Tried everything and i don't want sprays on my pants i eat. I will always use garlic but they do get used to that smell. Good old chicken wire boxes in the garden is the best way. All of the garden

[@helenamcginty4920]

We lived on the edge of a town so had tons of rabbits. We put chicken wire round our plots but babies got through and ate the growing points of all our spring cabbages. Our cats did catch and eat a few.

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Helena -- sometimes when rabbits are very clever, they figure out how to dig beneath the chicken wire. Can you try burying the chicken wire down into the soil? This will discourage them better. Another idea is to sprinkle rabbit repellent granules around the outer and inner perimeter of your chicken wire to further discourage them from even thinking of digging around. As I mentioned in the video -- I alternate between two different rabbit repellants, so that the rabbits don't get used to just one scent. Good luck, because I know full well it is VERY frustrating! 💙

[@lbmitchell1777]

I've been using both granular & spray of Liquid Fence, last year it worked great, although some plants didn't like it on their leaves and died. This year, it stopped working and the rabbits when right for my new cone flower plants, they were just leaves but they ate them right down to the ground. I've heard surrounding your garden with onion plants will work? Maybe I'll give that a try? Thanks

[@janetregan2382]

I run around in my yard with a squirt gun to chase them away!! I have flower beds and have had to change what I plant- begonias are not their favorites. However, my front gardens have chicken wire fences around certain plants- I even went so far as to paint the wire black to make it less visible. Argg! Also had to put hardware cloth over the lattice on my low deck surround as they ate through the lattice and lived under the deck. That seems to have given them the sense that my yard is not their yard. I did not find that any sprays or granules deterred them. My neighbor has shot a few with a pellet gun but I don't dare as I live in close quarters and don't want to harm them but my anti-violence tendencies are being really challenged!!

[@750jcb]

I have used Bobbex R for several years with great success. It smells horrid when you apply the spray, but the smell dissipates quickly for humans. But…this year, I have one little bunny who seems impervious. Thanks for all the great suggestions.

[@lolawalsh9187]

Garlic powder works great. 99 cents at walmart

[@GardenSanity]

Yes, it does work well! It's one of the ingredients in many of the products I mentioned. I seem to have the best luck with alternating between two different "scents" to keep them away. Thanks for the suggestion Lola! 👍🐰🙂

[@michelechampagne8392]

It absolutely works give it about a week of shaking it around every day though

[@tonybaird5469]

I fenced my cabin garden and green house. I also used companion planets that's deter rabbits flies, and others pest. chives, garlic, and strong smelling plants worked well. it is a pleasure switching them crossed the border of plants they don't eat then meets them fence.

[@GardenSanity]

Building a fence is a great solution and adding the extra barrier of plants they don't like is even better! Well done! 👏👍😃

[@Constellasian]

I used to like these creatures until recently. They became pests and returned to my yard no matter how many times I chase them off. I tried the sensor water sprinklers, but that only worked for a while. As you said, the sprays only work for so long as well, and it's annoying having to spray often. I don't want to hurt them, but they became annoying to the point where an air rifle was considered. My landscaper suggested planting things they don't like, but that defeats the purpose of having the plants my girlfriend and I like.

[@WildBearFoot]

Rabbits are delicious, but not this time of year. Get a blue heeler.

[@charlesdavaro8554]

I have a great rabbit repellent its called a 22 long rifle

[@bobbysmith3196]

Then… Add the Rabbits to your Veggies and you have yourself a Delicious Meal 😊🤷‍♂️ Common Sense to a Farmer 👍

[@tyitr]

@@bobbysmith3196 Rabbit is a good "meety"

[@mgoh1984]

Thanks for the advice. I had problems with deer in the last house I lived in so I moved the garden from the back of the house to right off the patio but the deer had no fear and loved tomato saplings. After doing some research I decided to try 3 different options so I drilled holes in a few bars of ivory soap and hung them with wire around the garden. I also drilled holes in the top sides of coffee cans and poured ammonia in them and placed them around the garden. I also bought some deer repellant and spread it around. After that I could see the deer walk right past the garden with zero interest. Now I'm in a new home where I have seen deer in the back edge of the property but haven't noticed them coming up to the garden... yet. I have seen rabbits the past couple years but they stayed toward the back of the property too until this year as the population is growing and they are becoming more daring. I often wonder if buying some rubber snakes to put around the garden would work. Do you ever hear about that method? If that works it would make things much simpler unless the neighborhood cats, that used to control the rabbit population, drag the snakes away since I have seen them kill garter snakes.

[@GardenSanity]

I know that some gardeners have tried rubber snakes without success, as once the critters figure out they don’t move, they aren’t scared of them. However, it’s worth a try. I think using spray and granular repellents work well plus chicken wire around plants you’re trying to protect. A fellow gardener suggested cat “scat mats” which work well to keep rabbits away from plants. I plan on trying them. It sounds like you’ve got some methods that work well for you too! 👍

[@mgoh1984]

@@GardenSanity I got it lined out at the old house but just had deer to deal with. Had the garden here for 10 years without a problem but something is chomping plants now and I know there are rabbits and saw deer but don't know which. I have been vegan for over 2 years now and I'm greatly expanding garden spaces now and trying pots too but I hate to need to fence things in. I don't mind sharing food with them but they just destroy plants.

[@GardenSanity]

@@mgoh1984 Sometimes you can tell which animal is chewing your plants based on what the chewed area looks like. There are photos on the internet showing the difference between deer and rabbit damage that might help you. I hope some of these rabbit repellent options can work for you, because I get it not wanting to fence everything in! There’s so much trial and error involved (as you already know from experience) in trying to prevent critters from eating our plants. 🙂🐰🌿

[@GamerDad1987]

At this point, i am the main character of a children's book with my perpetual battle with the rabbits getting my vegetable garden. The special rabbit fencing you can buy doesn't work. They can jump through the wider spaces part way up from the bottom of the fencing. Im using chicken wire over the rabbit fencing this year. Hoping for better results.

[@ZEALAEIA]

Be sure to get small hole Chicken wire. Today we caught two rabbits who busted through our larger hole Chicken wire..smh They couldn't get at our greens because they were under stainless hoops and see through netting so they busted back out lolol Good luck

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Mark -- at least you still have your sense of humor re: the children's book character (you did make me smile) -- however -- I can imagine how frustrating this is. After this happened to us many times, including rabbits getting into the vegetable garden to make nests and have babies -- we gave up and changed the garden over to shrubs and perennials they don't like. We are considering starting a new vegetable garden but this time using waist-high raised garden beds that rabbits can't climb up or jump high enough to get into them. We shall see. I hope the smaller chicken wire is working better for you!

[@GardenSanity]

@@ZEALAEIA Great tip about using chicken wire with smaller holes! Thanks for sharing! (And glad the rabbits still couldn't get at your vegetables once inside!)

[@cwalton2973]

I had just had a retaining wall built and something had started burrowing down in there. I assumed it was rabbits. Nothing is planted yet but I filled in the holes and spread everything back out nicely and sprinkled some Bonified Rabbit, Dog & Cat Repellent and almost a whole jar of garlic powder. I haven't seen anymore holes. I have some irish spring shredded and ready for the next time.

[@GardenSanity]

Those darn rabbits, Carol! Not what you wanted to see with your new retaining wall! Those rabbits probably thought it was built just for them. 🙃🙂 Sounds like you’ve got a plan of action that should work! And since this is “baby rabbit” time - keep an eye out. Rabbits are trying to make nests and sometimes they are determined to keep trying the same spot a few times before finally getting the message to go away. (My experience!) Good luck and enjoy planting your new wall area!

[@OliveCityOasis]

Glad you've found some things that are working to protect your garden from the hungry rabbits, Laura! ☺️ So far the rabbits around here haven't ventured into the back of my property where my vegetable beds are - probably because of all my cats. They haven't bothered any of my flowers out front either, thankfully - cats again, I'm sure. However, the rabbits are always out and about down in the lower front part of my property where my fruit orchard is. They did some damage to a few of my young trees a couple of years ago as they love to eat the tender bark, but I caught them at it early. I put hardware cloth around my tree trunks, and that prevented any further issues. Now I'm planting fruit tree guilds in my orchard. Fortunately, many of the plants I'm putting in are ones that happen to repel rabbits - garlic chives, rosemary, walking onions, lavender, mint, lemon verbena, etc. I do intend to plant elderberries and gooseberries, so if the strong-scented plants don't protect them from the rabbits, I'll use tulle around some of the berries as they near ripeness. 🙂

[@GardenSanity]

Oh Kim, your fruit tree guilds are going to smell SO good with all those wonderful herb scents! Yes, I need to remember using tulle -- thanks for reminding me to try that out if needed! You are fortunate to have outdoor cats to "work" for you! 😀 Mine are indoors, and this isn't an area that is good for outdoor kitties unfortunately. Besides, Otto -- the big lug -- would be too scared. And Ivan -- formerly feral -- might be a little too good at catching things! 😮😂

[@OliveCityOasis]

@@GardenSanity Yes, I'm looking forward to planting the guilds over the next few weeks, and I can't wait to see how they look (and smell)! I have six cats - three are strictly indoors, but the other three go in and out all the time. They really enjoy exploring the property, and one of them loves to follow me around the garden and orchard whenever I'm outside. 😊

[@GardenSanity]

I would love to have a cat buddy in the garden when I’m working! At least mine watch me from the windows…or they watch the birds instead! 🤣

[@favoritehobbygardenerOKLAHOMA]

GREAT VIDEO!! I’m currently using liquid chili oil mixed in a spray bottle w/water. So far it’s working great. But it has to be re-applied after every rain.

[@GardenSanity]

Thanks Andrea! 😊 And thanks for the tip about using liquid chili oil and water! 🌶 🐰 Isn’t it great when we land on something that works? Love it! 👍

[@louferey9316]

Its good also for vegetables garden?

[@GardenSanity]

@@louferey9316 Your best bet is to read package directions to find a suitable product to use in a vegetable garden. I've not tried using a home-made repellent on vegetables.

[@timmytwister6397]

In my neighbourhood, rabbits do a lot of damage to front lawns. I'm using Plantskydd (the powdered form which you mix with water) and its very effective! The rabbits avoid my lawn entirely because Plantskydd is cow and pig blood with some vegetable oil. 😝 Sounds gross, but it has practically no scent to humans, and it scares off "prey" animals like rabbits and deer. I dilute it more than the instructions say, and apply with a watering can with a small spout, as it would probably plug a pump sprayer. Because its a lawn, I have to re-apply any repellent fairly frequently.

[@GardenSanity]

Yes, Plantskydd is one of the products that was highly recommended to me, but I haven't tried it yet. I'm happy to read your success with it, because this will be next on my list to try if/when my current products stop working. It doesn't sound too gross to me, and like you said the scent is hardly noticeable to us. Thanks so much for sharing this! 👍 🙂 🐰

[@Rezonances]

It's interesting what she says here about how the oils "smell really good to us, but they irritate rabbits and cause them to want to flee". Did you know that over a third of the population (as of the statistics of an MCS study several years ago) has some degree of chemical sensitivity dealing with Fragrance? That irritation aspect which rabbits experience is exactly the same with some humans. Fragrance (chemical/synthetic ones) cause vicious physiological issues like sinus irritation, asthma, CNS problems, etc. Why the other 2/3 of the human population does not have issues with Fragrance is very interesting. At some point, a human can suddenly develop MCS. This has me wondering if some rabbits are not affected. I've observed varied behavior between garden rabbits and noticed their threshold for the fleeing response is different. Some of them will not flee unless they see a big bucket flying towards them. Others run when you make one step.

[@tmy1065]

I live in a city, but the rabbit population has exploded here the past few years. I’ve tried all the things you’ve mentioned. The best spray I’ve found is a hot pepper wax, but it hasn’t been in stock recently. Interestingly, I put Sluggo Plus pellets down to protect my dahlias, and a very brazen rabbit started feeding on them while I was still working. When I googled to find out what was in them, I also found articles about how they can cause iron toxicity in dogs. I haven’t seen the rabbit lately, so maybe he poisoned himself feeding on snail bait. Thanks for this playlist, I found it very useful!

[@GardenSanity]

Wow - rabbits eating slug pellets - that’s a new one for me! But then again - the rabbits I deal with always nibble on my Daffodil leaves at the beginning of Spring…and then I don’t see any rabbits for awhile, and those can be toxic too. The hot pepper wax sounds great. Do you remember the brand name? I’d love to know…just in case what I’m currently using stops being effective. 🌶🐰

[@tmy1065]

@@GardenSanity It’s Bonide Hot Pepper Wax animal repellent. They sell it at hardware stores as well as Amazon. It sticks well and I’ve never had a problem with leaf burn.

[@GardenSanity]

@@tmy1065 This is great -- thank you so much! I've added it to my Amazon cart so I'll not forget about it. 👍

[@gardensal3112]

Hello again, I suggested to used cat litter, well it did help at the beginning but the rain just washed the scent away. My kitten is now fully grown and old enough to go outdoors. Since he's been out I haven't seen a rabbit I'm sure they have left the warren under our mature conifer tree. Problem solved for me :). Love the suggestion about using grit, I'm going to give that a try over my bulbs to stop mice helping themselves. Keep up the good work.

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Garden Sal -- thanks again for that suggestion, and for the update! Give your kitty some head rubs from me -- sounds like he's doing a fantastic job overseeing your gardens! 😻 Let me know if the grit works for you! Here's hoping it does! (Mice are the worst...although I say that about the rabbits too! LOL)

[@TheGuy030770]

Very well-made video. Thanks for employing slides to give us a chance to record information.

[@GardenSanity]

You’re welcome Vernon, and I’m happy to hear the slides are helpful! I include them in videos where there’s lots of information to share! 👍

[@marniesgouros1491]

Thank you for such a thorough, well made video! This gardener appreciates your tips!!!

[@ghostwalkerairsofttech1947]

I dont mind sharing space with critters until they become destructive to my food. Who knew rabbits eat tomatoes?? These little bastards nearly killed my entire bean crop...I fenced it up..then they moved on to my tomatoes!

[@nancyg5122]

The rabbit even got into my chicken wire surrounded window box that is on the ground. I think it gets in underneath but not sure

[@TG-mx5wb]

You should never put used litter near plants you’re going to consume.

[@juliegogola4647]

I have a rabbit AND deer problem. I am now using raised beds, and I have heard about Cayene pepper too. In winter, I don't have any plants that have green growth to attract deer or bunnies. My Hostas are what the deer or maybe bunnies TOO have been munching down to nubs. And, of course Hosta's are NOT actively growing anything to eat for deer or buns in winter. I am just this spring growing strawberries, a much loved fruit for bunnies. So, I will maybe have to sprinkle some hot pepper powder around them.

[@GardenSanity]

Wow Julie - sounds like you have a double whammy of both deer and rabbits to contend with! Hosta is jokingly called “deer candy” because deer will just eat it up no problem, even in Winter! Some Winters, when there is lack of food sources, they will chew Hosta down to the ground. That’s great you’re using raised beds. Maybe consider using chicken wire cloches - even smaller sized ones you can find on Amazon - for your strawberries while they’re young. Another idea is to plant something else around the strawberries that rabbits don’t like, such as basil or catmint or even an annual like Dusty Miller, which could also help protect the strawberries. 🍓👍

[@juliegogola4647]

@@GardenSanity In MY winters, hostas die down to the ground. If they are planted close to my house, my hostas are safe from deer, and bunnies are not so much a problem either as long as they are near the house. My mom's cats keep them away, and the dogs keep deer away with the barking, unless it is away from the house, those is my problem areas. So far so good with my blooming strawberry plants in a raised bed, but those berries haven't come out yet.........I do have basil seeds sown, but no plants yet to plant with them. I've heard that planting basil with tomatoes helps them from getting some pests (maybe nematodes), so I have sown seeds. The plants are almost $5 each at most stores, so, I am willing to wait for my seeds to produce plants. I hope the deer don't ignore the dogs and just go for it.

[@GardenSanity]

@@juliegogola4647 You're fortunate to have cats and dogs to help keep the deer and rabbits away! You're right that vegetable plants can be expensive and add up quickly. Once the warm weather kicks in, I bet you will see basil seedlings popping up! I hope so! 😀 🌱

[@juliegogola4647]

@@GardenSanity I'm seeing some already! Once they get big enough I'll transplant them near my tomatoes.

[@GardenSanity]

Glad the basil seedlings popped up Julie! 😀 And rabbits don’t like basil - at least that’s been most gardeners’ experience - so hopefully they won’t touch it! 👍

[@andrea.rivers]

I have rabbits. I have successfully blocked the fencing to my back yard. But since my dog died last month- they have moved into the front and they are BOLD!!! I can't even chase them off. One literally hopped back and stared right at me as he nibbled on a dandylion. The rabbits are destroying the grass because I know they are pooping everywhere- and their urine is burning my grass. I've used the Repels All granules and it does nothing. I think the only way to get rid of them is to get another dog. But we aren't ready for that. I've literally tried chasing one off- they just turn around and face me down, mocking me. lol I've noticed they are running rampant all over the neighborhood because I think the coyotes have moved further out unfortunately. I currently have one of those Owls I had years ago to keep the Swallows from nesting over our door. But birds are very different than rabbits. lol Poor Mr. Owl has cataracts because he's so old. lol They've just appeared to move to another part of the lawn. I feel like I'm turning into that crazy lady from "Over the Hedge". lol

[@echognomecal6742]

If anyone reads this lady's post & doubts it, a friend visited me & I only wish I could show what his face looked like when he walked in, telling me that he actually had to get out of his car to shoo the rabbit out of the driveway & it STILL wouldn't move. He had to literally run at it to get it to move. Rabbits: "Giant metal monster coming straight for me? eh. Who cares."

[@billhull6842]

I am looking into dealing with rabbits. I am thinking a 50cal sniper riffle would be a good way to deal with rabbits.

[@KarenLeonard-fg8ru]

I’ve been thinking about an air soft gun

[@amandacannady9892]

Thank you for your video with instructions and repellants that have worked for you. The rabbits in my back yard are eating my grass. They killed my front yard and re-landscaped to to xeriscape (live in NM). I don't want to lose my grass in the back yard. Do you recommend these products; the Repels All Deer & Rabbit in granules to be spread like fertilizer through-out the whole lawn? Thank you for your help.

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Amanda, I'm sorry the rabbits are eating your grass, however Xeriscape gardens are so beautiful, so I hope you enjoy yours! 😀🧡 I actually don't have any green grass -- as we went grass-free many years ago. So I'm unsure what might work best for you, as lawns aren't my expertise at all. My guess is a spray will be more economical than sprinkling granules all over your lawn. I'd suggest your local garden nursery experts can best advise what will work for your back yard. We have a fenced-in back yard, and over time have "sealed" up the cracks (or openings at the bottom of the fencing) with larger decorative rocks. 🪨🐰🌲

[@skeeterradar]

2 raw eggs, 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper,few drops tabasco sauce, large handful of human hair, half cup dog or human male urine, few drops of dishsoap; put it in a bucket with 1 gallon water, let it steep 3 days. strain and put it into spray bottles. take the solid matter left after straining and bury it just under mulch.

[@GardenSanity]

Wow Rick - that is quite a recipe! But if it works - that’s what is important. 👍

[@Jpatmeadowbrook]

I got this recipe from the Impatient Gardener on KZbin! Rutgers University says The only rabbit repellent registered for actively growing food crops is ammonium hydroxide (Hinder*). This material can be applied to all vegetation within the garden and to vegetation in a border strip around the garden. Hinder must be reapplied after a rain and at 1- to 2-week intervals when plants are growing to remain effective. Fences are forever.

[@GardenSanity]

@@Jpatmeadowbrook Thanks for this suggestion JPat, especially for those growing their own food! 👍🍅🫑🥒😃

[@jixxxxer17]

I use a red lazer pointer it freaks them out and they run for the hills never to return

[@FamilystoreRoss]

I using a screen mesh which protects against insectects and rabbits

[@adrianb1655]

Does it work?

[@GardenSanity]

Do you put the screen mesh flat on the ground around the plants? I've seen that work using landscape pins to keep the mesh in place... 👍

[@susancrawford2343]

The only thing that's worked for me re: rabbits, is chicken wire. Now my garden looks like a prison camp for echanacia plants! It's depressing and I'm thinking of borrowing my son's BB gun!

[@chacha79070]

Haha. This made me laugh because it’s beginning to look like a prison compound in my backyard Chicken wire even around the plants they aren’t suppose to eat!

[@BManStan1991]

I went the air rifle route after one ate one of my favorite plants. Completely destroyed a new shoot on and I’d been patiently tending to every day to help it get established. Woke up one morning to it chewed right in half and it was war from there on. I was peaceful with them until that point but they took something from me I cared bout :/

[@stevecarlson6462]

@@BManStan1991 You can't shoot your way out of a large invasion, but you can enjoy getting revenge. I hate rabbits because they killed one of my juniper bushes. They eat the bark off of shrubbery and it dies.

[@BManStan1991]

@Steve Carlson I'm learning that. I got one and then 2 more showed up the next day. I've decided to take the peaceful approach and try something else as a result. I am trying bobbex repellant as well as tomcat repellant. I also put chicken wire around my plants and then used yard staples to try and keep the wire in place so they don't burrow under it (hopefully). They killed my young bamboo shoot and another one of my sapling trees so I understand your frustration.

[@warrenpeas]

did u have issues with them diggin under the chiken wire?

[@sharigordon6312]

I have tried Cayenne Pepper, but they will go where it didn't get applied. These rabbits are ruining my lawn, both front and back. It's made for a very depressing summer. I have blocked them from being able to get under my porch where they have been living for awhile now. But they still come in my yard and feast on anything they want. :(

[@evanbrister1460]

Will my dog's nose be effected by repellent scent?

[@Miriam-um1nh]

Thank you for your video. This winter rabbits decided to come eat my shrubs and left a lot of poop 😒. Are those sprays safe for dogs? My dog likes to go around the yard. I want him to be safe. Thanks

[@GardenSanity]

Some of them do state that they are safe for pets, but I believe each product has its own specific directions and warnings. If you go onto a product's website, usually you can click on their product specifications and read exactly what the warnings are and whether it's pet-safe or not -- saving you a trip to the garden center or home improvement store. 👍 I'd also do some general Google searches as there's bound to be several dog-themed articles about safe repellents and pesticides, etc to keep your dog safe outdoors. I hope this helps you! 🙂

[@countryhero01]

But does any of this spray or granules kill grass or vegetable plants?

[@willaerley7140]

Last year, was the first time I saw any rabbit damage. Of course, my “rabbit resistant” Jack Frost Brunerra got nibbled as well as my huechera (just the purple one and not the others). Everything is going to get my mixture of neem oil and hot pepper spray. I saw two separate litters on my small lot. 🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰

[@GardenSanity]

Oh boy Will - already two litters? Sounds like a good mixture to try. I thought Brunerra is rabbit resistant too! 🧐 Maybe that bobcat will show up and scare them away!

[@favoritehobbygardenerOKLAHOMA]

Hi Will! I’ve been using your chili oil recipe & it’s been working. But, it sounds like I did it wrong. 😂 I didn’t use the neem oil. It’s working w/o it 🤷‍♀️😂

[@willaerley7140]

@@favoritehobbygardenerOKLAHOMA Good to hear! The neem oil stinks and I’ve noticed they sniff my plants before eating. One year, I used a bit too much oil and it actually fried my plants a little. Easy does it!

[@favoritehobbygardenerOKLAHOMA]

@@willaerley7140 that makes sense because my plants are shiny. I was wondering if the sun would be too hot. 😳

[@GardenSanity]

Sounds like Will’s recipe is a hit - even with the variation! If you spray your plants - and around your plants - in the early morning or in the early evening, then you won’t need to worry about the plants burning. I had that problem when I used Liquid Fence, even if I sprayed during those times, however. Now I try to spray around the plants or just lightly on the plants, which seems to not burn the plants. Fingers crossed!

[@albertj65]

A rabbit went into the engine compartment of our car and ate a lot of the wiring harnesses. Causing $10,000 dollars worth of damage. What would be good to put on the drive-way?

[@brockreynolds870]

Rabbits will not chew on wiring. That is a squirrel

[@echognomecal6742]

@@brockreynolds870 Lots of animals chew wire. Could be a groundhog for instance, depending on where this person is.

[@Maryjane-f3p]

@@brockreynolds870rats and mice will chew on wiring.

[@aliekatsmom]

Probably a rat. Auto deal told me I had rats under my hood. Moth balls under your hood. I had to do that.

[@albertj65]

@@brockreynolds870 No, the dealership video taped it, and it was a live rabbit.

[@spicycopper2436]

I use good pure fox urine and it keeps the rabbits away as well as squirrels.

[@GardenSanity]

That’s a great idea - and fox urine usually deters deer as well. 👍 Is there a special brand you use?

[@DanSaleem]

What worked for me is a Havahart traps, Timothy hay and start to hunt them and ship them far away.

[@GardenSanity]

Wow Dan - that’s great the Havahart traps work for you! How far do you go to release them back into the wild after you trap them?

[@ts3063]

Certain size trap? What foods did you use in it?

[@LittleIowa]

I have been using repel all the spray version to keep the deer and groundhog away,but doesn't seem to work on the rabbits so I might try the granular.

[@GardenSanity]

It can be so frustrating Cathy, when a repellent doesn't work for all the critters we're trying to keep away from our gardens. 😬🐰 I agree that trying a granular option may help, as well as trying different products. As I mentioned in the video, sometimes rabbits get used to a scent, and in my case that's what happened when I used Liquid Fence. It's a great product, but stopped working for me as the rabbits seemed to get used to it. (The cost can be frustrating too, as we try and find individual solutions that work for our own gardens.) Hang in there!

[@janehellmann8479]

I used Repels All but did not k now it had to be watered in. Therefore, do you need to reapply after rain or when? I did not think that it worked as the rabbits kept eating my expensive irises. I will try again! Please post an update if you used some of the other ones you were trying and the effectiveness.

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Jane, Repels All granules and the I Must Garden Rabbit Repellent Spray still work great for me personally so I haven’t had to try the other excellent options I mentioned in my video - but I know they work from other gardeners who use them. In the Winter I prefer the Repels All granules since I can sprinkle them around without worrying what the temperature is, versus sprays which aren’t as effective in cold weather. 👍 I use the Repels-All before we’re expecting rain, and it usually lasts beyond the rain. The garlic scent it has is a good deterrent whether it’s been wet or not, so even if I sprinkle it and no rain occurs right away, it still will help somewhat. I still find that using more than one repellent is the way to go, alternating them so I keep the rabbits on their bunny toes.🐰 As long as Winter temps are above 40 degrees, I’ll use a spray. As for your irises, I’ve read that rabbits love them, and in other places I’ve read that rabbits hate them. (I’ve seen this with other plants as well.) Another idea might be to use “cat-away” plastic spike mats found on Amazon and place those around the base of the Irises. Small critters don’t like to step on them so they can’t get near enough to eat. I hope this helps! 🙂🤞

[@davidsauls9542]

I tried used cat litter and it brought in Cayotes.

[@Scott-Terry]

Thank you for the tip

[@GardenSanity]

You're welcome Scott!

[@pamhiers6087]

What plants deter rabbits

[@GardenSanity]

You've come to the right channel, Pam! I have an entire video on Plants Rabbits Hate! Scroll back up to the top, click on Playlists, and find the playlist about rabbits and rabbit repellents. That's where you'll find the video to watch! (And I hope you find some suggestions to add to your garden too!) 😀

[@wyominghome4857]

I've noticed in my garden that the rabbits and prairie dogs avoid the garlic chives and mint, including catmint.

[@WildBearFoot]

The grasshoppers ate my garlic.

[@justthatoneperson6156]

How has the chicken grit worked for you so far?

[@GardenSanity]

Well, I haven’t seen any rabbits around lately, which means they are probably busy plotting their next moves in my garden. 😀 So I think with the combination of the rabbit repellents I’m using, the chicken grit helps too. But time will tell, and I’ll keep watching so I can give an update if it doesn’t work. But so far, so good. 🐰👍 Thanks for asking!

[@abc123xyz-q2p]

Pet in the yard, does not work! We have three dogs, and rabbits still make their nests, dens, or whatever. It heart breaking when a dog gets a bunny.

[@KarenLeonard-fg8ru]

We have 3 dogs that we put on leads (long leashes) because we have a fence less neighborhood that we love. The bunnies have figured out the length the dogs can go and sit/hop along which makes the dogs crazy and bark a lot.

[@williamtaylor2412]

thank you

[@vickymcpherson7985]

I read that there's a product that has Fox urine in it and it is supposed to repel and also blood meal. I do not know yet if this works. Also it said human hair that you could go to your beauty shop or barber shop and ask for after it's cut they would be happy to give you all the hair they got. They will think a human is around.

[@GardenSanity]

Thanks for the tips, Vicky! Yes, I mentioned human hair in the video - and that's great to know if people are interested they can ask their local hair salon for hair. The fox urine product I believe is Liquid Fence, although they don't seem to advertise it as such anymore. It works great for some gardeners. Blood meal is iffy, because although it repels some animals, other animals are actually drawn to the scent, including dogs which can be a problem if the home owner has dogs that are curious. But I think any of these is worth a try to repel those pesky rabbits! Thanks again! 🐰 😀

[@petermschenk]

I tried to get my dog to chase them but my dog is too incompetent to complete the task

[@adrabruzzese7610]

😅

[@Donna-cc1kt]

Lol. Oh me too.

[@GardenSanity]

You made me laugh out loud, Peter! I once had a cat who made friends with a mouse that got inside our house. I'm yelling "Kill it! Kill it!" and instead she just let it crawl onto her belly as she purred. I was SO freaked out! Ahhhh....memories! 🤣

[@milo-qh7cv]

just like politicians, incompetent but at least the dog is not corrupt

[@wilmaparker7929]

same

[@evelynrogers7145]

My bigger problem is squirrels

[@MargaretFinnell]

I got squirrels cutting apples off of my trees and chewing a hole in them getting the seed then throwing the apple on the ground. They do the same with the pears. Traps are not working too much food around. So this winter it is war.

[@evelynrogers7145]

@@MargaretFinnell Well, they haven’t touched my tomatoes yet. I’ve been sprinkling cayenne all around the outside every day. Darn things are a pain in the neck

[@skittles.2331]

Rat traps. Hot glue a handful of mixed seeds to the tray or trigger. Great for rat, chipmunks and squirrels. Keep under somewhere the birds dont see it though, or you will kill the birds.

[@GardenSanity]

Squirrels can be SO destructive Evelyn! ☹ Squirrels are very attracted to any parts of our gardens that we've recently dug around in. So for me, it's especially important that I "put back" the mulch and make it look as natural as possible. Otherwise they seem to head straight for those areas -- like if I add a new plant or if I've just planted bulbs in the Fall. Chicken grit does seem to help, sprinkled around the perimeter of plants or in containers on top the mulched soil. But when those squirrels want to dig, geez they just keep digging. Repels-All also seems to help. And I've tried cayenne pepper too, but make sure not to sprinkle it "on" your plants -- just sprinkle around the perimeter on the ground. Some gardeners also swear by homemade or store-bought liquid pepper spray animal repellents.

[@richardmclaughlin2764]

I just release my two dogs they will never catch one but the rabbit leaves immediately

[@pigpug_214]

Funny, the rabbits in my area usually eat the thyme FIRST :(

[@anitahendrix7573]

My rabbits are chewing the wires under my car has cost me hundreds so far. Also heard this is a common problem so don't feel alone here. As of right now use peppermint spray and a trap will see if that works.

[@adelaferreira4575]

I am not sure but I think the ones getting under you car maybe squirrels ,rabbits go for the green plants not the plastic,but we never know ,rats eat everything as well, they will chew on wood , plastic and food of course .

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Anita -- That sounds horrible! ☹😮 The two methods you suggest seem to be what most car mechanics also suggest -- as I see from doing a quick Google search of what to do. I sure hope something ends up working. Another option -- if you don't have pets around -- is to try one of those ultrasonic devices that runs on solar power. You stick it in the ground, and it emits a very high pitch -- though we humans can't hear it -- that deters pests from coming around. Maybe placing one by your car might help? I've never tried one for this exact purpose, but thought I'd mention it. Good luck.

[@GardenSanity]

@@adelaferreira4575 You're right that many rodents have been known to chew on car wiring. Unfortunately, rabbits do too. Not a fun situation to deal with, no matter which rodent it is. 🙂

[@midwestgardenlover]

I used all of these tricks, even the moth balls as I didn't know how bad that was, except for the cat liter, and nothing worked at all!!

[@gibb123456789]

How about a fence of hardware cloth. The rest is just Hocus Pocus.

[@thisbushnell2012]

Blood meal?

[@liligibson8457]

I only have problems with rabbits and chipmunks. I would like to buy something that can protect my camellia plants and the tulip bulbs. What is the best repellent do you suggest? Thank you in advance.

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Lili, I swear by two of the products I mentioned in my video, above. Bonide Repels-All is a great granular repellent that you sprinkle around your plants and shrubs. And the I Must Garden Rabbit Repellent spray is super effective too. I use those in combination, first one...then the next time I'll use the other one. This way, the critters don't get used to just one scent. We need to keep them on their toes, so to speak. 🙂After planting tulip bulbs, even as much as we try to return the garden to looking like it wasn't disturbed, it's amazing how rabbits, chipmunks and squirrels can immediately zero in on the soil or mulch being disturbed even slightly, then the digging begins. So that's where I'd use the granules over the ground where you planted the bulbs. And even so, I end up checking daily the first several days, because some of the rabbits I call "Pandemic Rabbits" seem to fear nothing and will happily dig away no matter what. There's links above in the Description area (below the video) where you can get more info on these products. I hope this helps! 🐰🐿🌷🌷😀

[@liligibson8457]

@@GardenSanity Than you so much for taking your time and explaining everything in details. I will follow the rules and see how things go. Thanks again,

[@GardenSanity]

You’re quite welcome Lili! I hope the furry critters leave your bulbs and plants alone! 🤞🙂

[@liligibson8457]

@@GardenSanity I will let you know next year. Thank you!

[@GardenSanity]

Sounds good! 👍🙂

[@dorisw2507]

The rabbits are only eating my yellow flowers.... What's that about???

[@nancyg5122]

You’re lucky that’s all they are eating

[@jessicakosak4138]

That rabbit saying "I hope you forget!" 🤣😂🤣

[@jessicakosak4138]

I'm using chicken wire now. Kind of unsightly, but my dappled willows are so young I don't want to take any chances!

[@GardenSanity]

Thanks Jessica - glad you liked the “Hope you forget!” 🤣 I had fun thinking up what a rabbit would say about all of this! You’re smart to protect your Dappled Willows, once the pretty leaves show up you won’t notice the chicken wire as much. 🙂🌿

[@plainsimple442]

Fox urine and 22cal lead ball.

[@LaLaLoopsyCutie]

weird as fuck

[@tyitr]

You bet! A little meat with those vegetables. (not veggies, I'm grown)

[@t.d.harris1311]

The 22cal lead ball works every time.

[@deshgouri]

I wish I had watched this video earlier 😭 I'm not a first-year gardener, but it's my first year gardening on a yard in the USA. We don't really have bunnies and deer in India and the soil doesn't even need a fertilizer 🤯 why did I have to come all the way here to realize how difficult it is to garden here

[@bryanjones14]

Used cat litter will atract coyotes

[@GardenSanity]

Excellent tip, Bryan! Thank you so much for sharing! 👍 (So glad I never tried it -- regardless of coyotes!)

[@SUNSHINERAINBOW81]

I saw shake away fox urine granules

[@GardenSanity]

Definitely try those! Although make sure to read the package first if you have outdoor pets so the product won't accidentally harm them. I like the ease-of-use with products that you can just shake and sprinkle around.

[@chrisd6567]

I just shoot em... 22 ammo is cheap

[@LaurieSudbrink]

Hope you eat them too ;-)

[@texasrex2557]

Only can eat them in months that end in "ber" Oct , Nov, Dec, etc. All others are disease ridden. Wives tale yes but if you cook it long enough and dont eat raw wabbit guts , there is no danger.

[@natetruth6828]

Good eating!

[@mesafamily5830]

My HOA looks down on me for that. Any other ideas? lol

[@christinebuckingham8369]

😢

[@terminatortsw8006]

My landlord made me take the chicken wire down and rabbits are pulling OUT my plants from the ground 🤬 I’m angry.

[@GardenSanity]

Oh wow, very sorry to read this. What does your landlord suggest you do instead, if he/she isn't willing to help with the rabbit problem? Your garden will only add something pretty to the outside of the property. See if he/she is willing to pay for the cost of using rabbit repellents regularly. Fingers crossed for you! 🤞

[@marvamartin4262]

Repel All is not working.

[@GardenSanity]

Most rabbits get used to scents fairly quickly. So that's why I alternate between two different products, as I mentioned in the video. This process will be "trial and error" until you find what works best for keep the rabbits away.

[@sharongauss9298]

Rabbit Stopper spray

[@GardenSanity]

Thanks for the suggestion Sharon! Do you mean Animal Stopper spray? I'm trying to find "Rabbit Stopper" . . . Let me know!

[@MrRiffyriff]

Just use chicken wire. It's a one time thing that will last years.

[@GardenSanity]

True, and a good solution! I use chicken wire cloches that protect nicely. But I can’t put chicken wire all over my front yard… well… I guess I could but it wouldn’t be pretty. 🙃🙂🙃

[@GardenSanity]

@@SunrayStar I bet there are indeed creative and pretty ways to incorporate chicken wire into gardens -- perhaps with plants weaving through them, although that would mean the rabbits can eat the plants that poke through. My luck, I'd also constantly snag my tee-shirts on the chicken wire. I can see it now! 🤣

[@GardenSanity]

🤣 And I know me - I wouldn’t build something pretty either - it would look so bad! 🤣😂 I know you were laughing at my comment and not the original poster, but appreciate you clarifying! ❤️

[@sheisdivinenectar97]

So far lavender oil those rabbits and chipmunks ran away

[@abc123xyz-q2p]

We have 3 dogs, who chase the rabbits, but the rabbits are still around often. So pets don’t work.

[@GardenSanity]

Wow -- 3 dogs and the rabbits still stick around? Sounds like the mutant rabbit gang that was in our neighborhood a few years ago! It didn't matter how many homes had dogs, they still stuck around an entire season. It was nuts! (And I'm thankful it hasn't been that bad this year.)

[@woodystephens7736]

Blood meal.

[@sharigordon6312]

I read that Blood meal helps, but it didn't for me.

[@MAMABEARONMYOWN]

Rabbits are so frustrating! I live in a mobile home park at the edge of town and the rabbits absolutely love my perennial plants, Lilies, Coral Bells, anything that is immerging this spring. The owners of the park bought it 3 years ago and since have had all of the "wandering" cats that used to chase down the rabbits and kept the population down. Natural population control! Now that the cats are gone the rabbit population has exploded and the buggers will lay around the yard like they own the place and destroy not only plants/gardens but also dig under the skirting on houses, under sheds, destroy lattice on decks and anything else they can do. It's so frustrating.

[@baneverything5580]

My friendly yard bunny learned to avoid my garden this week after I gave my plants a dusting of red pepper. I planted some red ripper peas for her to eat along the edge of a blackberry patch. If she`ll leave them alone until they begin vining everywhere there will be plenty for her in August/September when she needs it. But she`s not a very smart garden manager from what I`ve seen.

[@soilmanted]

Rabbits seem rather remarkably clever and persistent to me. Apparently they make plans, keep them in mind for hours, or days, and when opportunity arises - they execute their plans. They don't give up. If one thing doesn't work they'll try another. I used to live in a duplex with a garden area with the family in the other apartment did not garden, and so they were not sensitive to what was going on with the rabbits. The backyard of this house was fenced in and there was a gate on one side ot he house that they had to open in order to get into the back yard and then into their apartment. One day I was working outside, at the front of the house and this family arrived. A woman, a man, and a child of about 3 years. They walked to the gate and opened it. Instantly a rabbit dashed through the gate. A who had been staking out the gate, possibly for hours, suddenly sprinted through the gate at breakneck speed. "Hey, did you see that?" I called out. Amazed at what I had just seen. "See what?" "Did you see the rabbit?" I continued. "No!. Didn't see!" None of the 3 had seen it. Now I had to chase out that rabbit before it wreaked havoc in my garden. Where was it hiding? Yes, it was hiding behind the large, broad, cantaloupe leaves. I pointed to it. At this time the 3-year old saw it. "Bun" he shouted, delighted, overjoyed - his voice filled with glee - "Bun! Bun!" That was short for "bunny" I think.

[@SUNSHINERAINBOW81]

This isn't right this rabbit is in love with our cat and all the cats 😳 and it hops around in the mint ect

[@GardenSanity]

And I bet your cat likes the rabbit as a friend? 😀 I'm sure that's how my own cats would be if they were outdoor cats. They'd make friends with all the critters instead of chasing them away! 😻 🙃🙂

[@SUNSHINERAINBOW81]

@@GardenSanity 😆 Garfield is tolerant but this rabbit goes to all cats but he's the one it's obsessed with 😆 🤣

[@GardenSanity]

@@SUNSHINERAINBOW81 😂 It figures, doesn't it? 🤣 Tell Garfield to hang in there! 😻

[@pamneeley1253]

It’s the thyme that they’re eating! 🙁

[@lucev7497]

I am absolutely delighted to have rabbits in my backyard and I gladly share my edibles from my vege patch with them

[@bobbysmith3196]

I to Don’t mind sharing with the little critters… Yet i do put up a fence to keep them out of my garden area as they will eat the leaves off of an entire row of freshly planted beans etc!!! Effectively killing my garden… So the fence goes up early on and comes down when the plants are BIG Enough to survive the rabbits nibbling 🤷‍♂️ During rabbit hunting season i don’t need rabbit hunting dogs to chase them outta their hiding spot… Quite tasty with the Garden veggies and Better Than… Anything You Can Buy off the Grocery Store Shelf!!! Common Sense says they are there for that Reason 🤷‍♂️😊👍

[@Karina_F_7878]

Or just enjoy the company of wildlife 🤷‍♀️

[@GardenSanity]

Very true Karina! It is a fine balance, and I do have a love-hate relationship with the rabbits, as I think they're adorable. But if you want to have a garden -- ornamental or vegetable -- and you have rabbits eating the plants and food you're growing -- it becomes harder to enjoy their company. 🙃 🙂

[@stevecarlson6462]

Isn't there any sort of rabbit poisen out there?

[@GardenSanity]

I actually hope not Steve! 😯 Using poison in a garden may not just kill rabbits -- the poison can be eaten by birds and other wildlife. And birds, for example, help keep insect populations in check as well as eat grubs and other beneficial things. Using poisons also can accidentally harm neighborhood cats and dogs. It's just not a good idea.