We usually don’t mind seeing a bunny or two outside our homes, but if it’s a dozen or so then you have a reason to be concerned. The question is, are rabbits good or bad to have on your lawn or garden? If they’re bad, should I kill rabbits in my yard?
Is It Good to Have Rabbits in Your Yard?
Rabbits are beneficial in a garden or yard to a degree. They are similar to backyard chickens in terms of being excellent composters, which means they turn waste into fertilizer that can help your plants.
Rabbit poop is a highly prized fertilizer as it combines all the benefits of horse, chicken, and cow manure. Plus, rabbit manure doesn’t ‘burn’ your plants because it has a lower concentration of nitrogen. You can apply rabbit poop directly to the soil without needing to compost it beforehand, which gives it the edge over other animal fertilizers.
Are Rabbits Bad to Have in Your Yard?
Rabbits become a problem when they start eating through your lawn and plants. These animals are known to have a voracious appetite, and they tend to munch on everything, including vegetables, berries, woody plants, and the flowering varieties as well.
One or two rabbits coming by for a short visit is usually good to have, but half a dozen or more will prove to be a headache, especially if they decide to stick around. These animals reproduce quickly- in the south, wild rabbits tend to produce six litters yearly, while in the north they tend to produce three litters.
The eastern cottontail is probably the most common rabbit to appear in backyards and outdoor landscapes. It’s characterized as having brown or gray fur, with big ears and a short, round tail. You’ll know a cottontail by its white ‘cotton’ behind and long, tapered ears.
Bunny rabbits are nocturnal creatures and prefer to eat in the evening or early morning. It’s easy to spot rabbit damage by the clean cuts they make on stems and leaves. If you’d take a closer look you’ll see telltale signs that rabbits have been through your garden or yard, particularly low-growing flowers and vegetables such as beans, lettuce, clover, and even seedlings. The extent of the damage depends on how many there were and how hungry they’ve been.
Ways to Keep Rabbits Out of the Yard
When dealing with rabbits in your yard the general approach should be as gentle as possible. The purpose is to keep the small animals out of the plants you don’t want to be eaten in ways that won’t harm them.
The two best practices in keeping rabbits out are to build a fence or barrier made out of chicken wire and put rabbit deterrents around your yard. The third is to maintain a clean yard or garden by removing debris and materials rabbits could stay in.
Killing, trapping, or calling in a professional to get rid of rabbits should only be considered as a last resort.
Build a Chicken Wire Fence
Building a fence made out of chicken wire is the best physical prevention method for rabbits. This applies not just to eastern cottontails but also small rodents such as mice and squirrels, among others.
Construct and install your fence in a way that it’s at least 4 feet high and 6 inches deep into the soil. This makes it difficult for the rabbits to pass through either by climbing or digging. Additionally, you can bend the top slightly outward so the animals can’t jump over your fence.
You can try the same method for seedlings and bulbs, but instead, fashion a dome or cage and put it on top.
Try Rabbit Repellents
Rabbits have a sensitive sense of smell, which is something you can use to your advantage.
You can try spreading things they don’t like around the garden or yard perimeter, including human hair, dried blood meal, onions, and garlic. Reapply every few weeks or so or when heavy rain has passed.
Alternatively, you can sprinkle plain talcum powder or chili peppers on the plants you don’t want rabbits to eat. Hopefully, this will discourage the rabbits from re-entering your yard or making your outdoor space their home.
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