Controlling Rabbits
Rabbits are yet another rodent pest that have the potential to explode in terms of population numbers. Fortunately for many people, rabbits have never been able to adapt to cities in the way that some mammal pests such as mice, rats, raccoons, and possums have. You might find them in city parks and other large green space, but for the most part the concrete we rely on prevents them from making themselves truly comfortable homes.
Not so in more rural areas! In some parts of the country rabbits are a major pest, particularly for those who love to garden. Here are some ideas for the least toxic approach for dealing with rabbits.
* Get a dog! Rabbits are even more afraid of dogs than possums are, because they don’t have the ability to climb trees and escape. A rabbit will have to outrun or hide from a dog, and animals are just like people; they won’t take the hard way even though it may mean a great meal. A dog around the garden is sure to keep the rabbits away!
* Find the warren. If you can find the spot where the rabbits sleep, you have a good chance of getting rid of your problem. They will be much easier to trap by placing baits around their hiding spot; rabbits aren’t smart like raccoons and will take the easier food that appears closer to their home.
* Trapping. There are lots of different types of traps that can be used to catch rabbits either at their warrens or in your garden. The warren traps are far more effective as rabbits aren’t really that likely to go for bait in a garden trap, with so many other sources of food available. However, you could think about sacrificing a couple of plants in order to rig up a natural trap where the rabbits usually visit. You should be aware that trapped rabbits tend to panic, and they might die before you get to them. You should also be aware that rabbits to carry diseases, and handling them is risky. If you do decide to take the trapping method, maybe consider the services of an animal control specialist versed in integrated pest management.
* Scents. There are a numbers of scents that can be applied around your garden, particularly near to the rabbit’s favourite food, which will keep them away. Some scents claim to duplicate the smells of rabbit predators, but you can make these yourself simply by borrowing dog hair from a friend who has a dog. You’ll have to keep it fresh though, and maybe refresh the rabbits fear by playing a recorded dog bark every few nights. Black pepper and garlic as well as bone meal can deter the rabbits from feeding as well.
* Fences. Fences will keep rabbits out of your garden, but you have to make sure that they are at least two feet high and two feet deep into the ground in order to prevent the rabbits from jumping over or burrowing under. Chicken wire is best.
As with many other mammal pests, the best way to ensure you don’t encounter an infestation of rabbits is to prevent them from becoming a problem in the first place. Still, rabbits are predictable and confined to the ground, and therefore easier to deal with than other mammal pests once their population gets out of hand.