Garden Column for the Salisbury Post

Darrell Blackwelder

July 27, 2006

     Extension Master Gardener Volunteers have an edible soybean plot at the West End Horticultural Trial garden that has become the local fast food restaurant for a group of city rabbits. These West End rabbits have enjoyed these beans for weeks. These furry rodents can destroy both vegetable and ornamental gardens in a matter of days if left unchecked.

Fencing out rabbits is the most effective method protecting crops.  It’s best to use wire fence that is 30 to 36 inches tall with mesh no larger than 1 inch.  Be sure the wire is buried at least 6 inches into the ground.  Poultry netting can also be used as a temporary solution with light stakes or make cylinders from the netting to protect individual trees and shrubs.

Damage by rabbits is fairly easy to diagnose; damage is very close to the ground and rabbits use their teeth to make a characteristic 45 degree diagonal cut that appears as clean as if cut by a knife. 

Trapping is another method of controlling rabbits.  Trapping with a live trap is effective for small rabbit populations. Have a Heart traps are available from local hardware and farm supply stores. Bait the traps with whatever the rabbits are feeding on or add carrots, cabbage, cantaloupes, green vegetables or apples.

Habitat management is another, less obtrusive way to control rabbit problems. Remove hiding cover such as brambles, piles of brush, stones or other debris. Also, control vegetation along fence rows, ditch banks or brushy areas where rabbits like to hide. 

Chemical repellants may be used as a last resort and is often the best method to protect trees and shrubs, but aren't as effective on other plants. Taste repellants are the only type you can use on plants you intend to eat. A couple of examples, which can be found at area stores, are rabbit and dog repellent mixes containing various concoctions including thiram.  It’s best to apply repellents before damage occurs and reapply frequently, especially after a rain or when new growth occurs.

Other methods of rabbit control are shooting (check both local and game regulations for license requirements and restrictions), spreading human hair, or using frightening devises.  Gardeners with rabbit problems usually don’t have a dog. 

Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. For archived garden columns or other information, visit the Rowan County Master Gardener web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com , e-mail Darrell_Blackwelder@ncsu.edu