If you’re an avid gardener or simply want to keep your furry friends safe, rabbit proofing is a must! Rabbits are infamous for their voracious appetites and can wreak havoc on your garden, often destroying months of hard work in a single night. In addition to devouring your plants, rabbits can also cause a variety of other problems, including gnawing on wires and cords, digging up your lawn, and even spreading diseases like tularemia. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to keep your home and garden rabbit-free, while still allowing them to enjoy their natural habitat.
Understanding Rabbit Behavior
Before proceeding with rabbit proofing, it’s important to understand some basic rabbit behaviors. Rabbits are social animals that live in groups and love to dig and chew. They are also active during the day and night and are attracted to areas with plenty of vegetation, such as gardens and lawns. However, rabbits can also be deterred by unpleasant smells, loud noises, and bright lights. With these behaviors in mind, let’s take a look at how to rabbit proof your home and garden.
Garden Rabbit Proofing Tips
Here are some tips to rabbit proof your garden and keep your plants safe from harm:
Install Fencing
One of the most effective ways to keep rabbits out of your garden is by installing a fence. The fence should be at least 2 feet tall and made of chicken wire or another type of mesh material that is small enough to prevent rabbits from squeezing through. Make sure the fence is buried at least 6 inches deep in the ground to prevent rabbits from digging underneath it.
Use Repellents
There are a variety of natural repellents that rabbits find unpleasant and can deter them from entering your garden. Some examples include dried blood, bone meal, and hot pepper flakes. Place these repellents around your garden to create an unpleasant environment that rabbits will want to avoid.
Choose Plants Rabbits Don’t Like
Certain plants are less appealing to rabbits than others. For example, rabbits tend to avoid plants with a strong odor or fuzzy texture. Consider planting herbs like lavender, rosemary, and thyme, which have fragrant leaves that rabbits don’t like. You can also plant flowers like marigolds, which have a strong scent and can help repel rabbits.
Home Rabbit Proofing Tips
In addition to your garden, rabbits can also cause damage inside your home. Here are some tips to rabbit proof your home and keep your furry friends safe:
Secure Wires and Cords
Rabbits love to chew on wires and cords, which can be extremely dangerous if they chew through the insulation. To prevent this, cover any exposed wires and cords with plastic tubing or a cord concealer. You can also use wire mesh to create a barrier between the wires and your rabbits.
Provide Safe Toys and Chewing Materials
Rabbits need to chew to keep their teeth healthy, so make sure to provide them with safe toys and materials to chew on. You can purchase special chew toys made for rabbits or give them things like untreated wood blocks and cardboard boxes.
Keep Your Home Tidy
Finally, keeping your home clean and tidy is important to rabbit proofing. Rabbits love to dig and can make a mess of your carpets and furniture. Make sure to pick up any loose items like papers and magazines and keep your floors clean and vacuumed.
Rabbit proofing your home and garden may seem like a daunting task, but with these tips in mind, you can create a safe environment for both you and your furry friends. Whether you’re installing fencing around your garden or securing wires and cords in your home, a little effort can go a long way in keeping rabbits at bay. Happy planting and happy rabbit proofing!