We admit it. Bunnies are cute. They are cuddly, amusing to watch, and hop around entertainingly. They look odd with those round bodies, large back feet, and floppy ears. Cartoon rabbits are sarcastic, caustic, and highly intelligent. So much so, this is why you never find a cartoon rabbit in your garden. There’s something about rabbits that gets our attention.
Possibly it has to do when your flower or vegetable garden attracts one. Sure, it may look cute and harmless sitting in the middle of your raised beds, but turn your back on that sweet little bunny and you are in for a surprise. Rabbits will destroy a flower garden and dig up a vegetable garden with ease.
But how do you keep them from making snacks out of your hard work in your yard?
One word - repellent.
Don’t be shy. There are repellents on the market that will not leave your yard looking as if a bomb exploded in the middle of it. Repellents these days are tough on pests but gentle on everything else, including house pets like your dog or cat. Not sure which repellent is the best for your situation? Not to worry as in this article, we will review the most effective rabbit repellent options currently on the market.
Enviro Pro Rabbit Scram Repellent
First things, first. A product named “Rabbit Scram” has got to get your attention. If you are trying to figure out how to keep rabbits out of your yard, safe for dogs, Rabbit Scram may be your best bet. It is a granular product that has an extremely unpleasant scent, which is what forces rabbits to keep on hopping through your yard to somewhere else. Rabbit Scram is available in a 6-pound container which should be plenty for a few applications when needed.
PROS:
- Inexpensive for the volume of repellent.
- The scent quickly dissipates for humans but lingers for bunnies.
- You may have to reapply, but not for about a month.
- Can be applied in any weather condition and is water-resistant.
- No mixing is required, can be applied directly from the container.
- Safe for use as it won’t harm humans or pets.
CONS:
- As it is in granular form, this product cannot be applied directly to plants
Liquid Fence Deer & Rabbit Repellent
As if rabbits aren’t a big enough problem, depending on where you live, deer can cause as much, or more damage to flower and vegetable gardens as rabbits. Fortunately, this repellent is designed to take care of ridding your yard of both pests. This is also the best rabbit repellent for flowers, in case you were wondering.
PROS:
- Affordable with a potent formula.
- Can be applied in any weather condition, long-lasting.
- Safe for humans, pets, and wildlife (except deer and rabbits, of course).
CONS:
- Although this is effective for flower gardens, it may not be the right choice for fruit or veggie gardens.
Nature’s Mace Deer and Rabbit Repellent
This is the answer to how to keep rabbits out of your yard safe for dogs repellent. Don’t let the name fool you, the 40-ounce package of concentrate will cover an area of 28,000 square feet. The manufacturers admit that although this formula is primarily meant as a deer repellent, it is as effective in scaring off even the most stubborn of bunnies. It can also be used anytime during the year so you don’t have to wait for spring or summer.
PROS:
- Inexpensive product.
- There is enough concentrate to make 5 gallons.
- Eco-friendly which means plants, wildlife, and people won’t be harmed by this product.
- There is a strong scent but it dissipates as soon as the product dries.
- This product repels pests with both taste and smell.
CONS:
- If you enjoy having deer in your yard, you may wish to try a different product to repel rabbits.
Plantskydd Granular Animal Repellent
Okay, there has to be one entry on this list that repels a lengthy selection of garden pests. In no particular order, this product will rid your yard and garden of elk, moose, voles, squirrels, chipmunks, hares, and other herbivores. Oh, and it works equally well on deer and rabbits. It is probably the best rabbit repellent for lawns as it will cover an area of just about 1,800 square feet. It comes in granular form and must be reapplied according to season.
PROS:
- Inexpensive for the volume you get.
- Available in two sizes - 3.5 or 8-pounds.
- Made from 100% all-natural, organic material.
- Will not harm people, pets, plants.
- A single application lasts up to two months.
- Repels a lot more than just rabbits.
CONS:
- If you are fond of chipmunks or squirrels in your yard, pass on this product.
I Must Garden Rabbit Repellent
Again, the name of the product tells the story. If you must garden, you must keep those silly rabbits at bay. This is probably the best rabbit repellent for grass and plants. You just spray it on and let it do its magic. The formula was devised to target those pesky bunnies and has a pleasant mint scent that humans like but rabbits don’t. This 32-ounce size is ready to use as soon as you get it in your hands.
PROS:
- Affordable
- All-natural ingredients
- Tested and supported by gardeners around the globe
- The minty scent is pleasant to people
- No need to mix or measure
CONS:
- This repellent may not be quite as potent as the others listed above
More Tips On How To Keep Rabbits Out Of Your Yard (Safe For Dogs)
Not so sure you want to rely on just repellents? Or, maybe you would prefer to just skip the repellents altogether? There are other ways of keeping rabbits out of your yard and garden. Only they take a lot more work than just sprinkling some granules or spraying plants. However, the following idea will still get the job done.
Plant Plants Rabbits Dislike
Rabbits like to munch on food and flowers that have a neutral taste. That is why they tend to nail your carrots, lettuce, broccoli, petunias, and pansies. What they don’t like is edibles with strong scents. Think onions, garlic, and basil as ideas. Plus, rabbits just don’t like marigolds, sunflowers, geraniums, lantanas, and similar flowers.
Use Various Barriers
Well, it sort of makes sense that if you put a wall up around your garden that a rabbit can’t hop over or burrow under, your garden should be safe. The key here is to keep in mind that you do not need to construct a solid, fortified wall. Chicken wire will do just nicely. However, you do have to ensure that the barrier you build is no less than 2-feet tall and at least 6-inches deep into the ground.
A Tidy Yard Is A Scary Yard
Bunnies are skittish. This is why a messy, cluttered yard is where rabbits like to be as they have many things to shield them from various dangers. However, if you keep your yard tidy with no piles of leaves or anything to create a hiding place, rabbits may not want to hang out in your yard. Devices that activate with motion and make noise or spray water will also help keep rabbits away.
How Do Rabbit Repellents Work?
In answering the question, How to keep rabbits out of your yard (safe for dogs)? We have to gain an understanding of what it is that makes a rabbit repellent work. As noted above, bunnies like to snack on food (flowers or veggies) that are relatively neutral in taste.
Carrots, lettuce, pansies all fit that description. Not that we’ve eaten any pansies lately, but trust us on this one. So, what makes a rabbit repellent work is that it contains ingredients that are quite the opposite of those neutral flavors. Made with natural products, a rabbit repellent gives off an odor that can only be described as distasteful and distinct.
Some rabbit repellents also have a taste that is well, nasty, to rabbits. This is why it is suggested to plant onions, garlic, and powerful-smelling herbs in a garden as they should be strong enough to keep those bunnies away from the other tasty things you have planted.
In Conclusion
Rabbits are cute. But that gets tired quickly when those little, soft bunnies attack your carefully manicured garden. They don't care how much work you put into it. All they care about is whether or not there is enough tasty food for them to devour.
Lucky for us humans, there are things called repellents that are designed to rid flower and veggie gardens of these pests. But what one do you use? We conducted a basic review of five of the most effective rabbit repellent products on the market to save you some time.
We still suggest you read the labels and become familiar with what a rabbit repellent can and cannot do. Worst case scenario, you surround your garden with a fence, plant veggies, and flowers that rabbits dislike, and keep your yard neat.
