Michigan State University Extension
Wildlife Database - 11209808
11/20/98
Protecting- Vegetable Gardens and Flowers
1. In rural and rural-suburban areas where rabbits are abundant, the most cost efficient damage control is fencing using chicken wire, electric wire, or heavy duty plastic netting. Surround the garden with 36 inch widths of chicken wire attached to stakes. Bend the bottom 6 inches outward along the ground to prevent digging under the fence. By bending the top 6 inches outward, you can also prevent other animals from climbing the fence.
2. Plastic netting can be used in the same way as chicken wire. Use 2 layers if the netting is light gauge because rabbits will chew through netting.
3. Encircle the garden with an electric fence by suspending 2 wires from insulators attached to stakes or rods. String the bottom wire 2 inches above the ground on the outside and the top wire 4 inches above the ground on the inside. Keep the wires weed and grass free. Charge with a garden electric fence charger.
4. Hinder is the most effective commercial rabbit repellent and will repel rabbits from all plants. Mix and apply according to the label. Make the first application to all plants in the garden and to all vegetation immediately surrounding the garden within 10 feet. Thereafter, apply only to vulnerable plants with as little material as possible. Re-treat every 10-14 days or after every rain. Thiram is another excellent repellent but can be used only on ornamental plants. Apply at 10-20% concentration. Re-treat new growth.
5. Other rabbit repellents are less effective or more costly. However, used kitty litter from a cat that hunts and kills wildlife in and around the garden will repel rabbits. Scatter fresh kitty litter from such a cat in and around the garden once a week.
Protecting Ornamental Trees and Shrubs in Winter
The most efficient and effective way to prevent rabbits from gnawing the bark off trees and shrubs is to encircle the base with a 12 inch - 24 inch width of 1 inch mesh chicken wire or welded wire. (If snow depth exceeds 18 inches, wider widths are necessary.) No supporting stakes are needed. The wire will remain effective for 5-10 years if left in place.
If wire is undesirable, spray the bark of the trees and shrubs with 10-20% thiram mixed with a good sticker (adhesive), sticker-spreader, or antidesiccant that acts as a sticker. Apply in late fall when temperatures are above freezing, to all surfaces that rabbits might gnaw. Re-apply in late winter if necessary.
Prepared by Glenn R. Dudderar, Extension Wildlife Specialist Michigan State University