Rabbits may be adorable, but if you’ve ever had one in your garden, you know what a pain they can be. These furry foragers have an insatiable appetite for flowers, vegetables, and shrubs, leaving frustrated homeowners with chewed plants and barren garden beds. While they might look harmless, rabbits can cause extensive damage in a short amount of time. If you’re tired of finding half-eaten plants and chewed-up shrubs, here’s what you need to know about these furry troublemakers, the problems they cause, and what you can do to keep them out of your yard.
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
The Eastern Cottontail Rabbit is the most common rabbit species in Wisconsin and a familiar sight in backyards, fields, and wooded areas. Recognizable by its brownish-gray fur, white underbelly, and signature fluffy white tail, this small mammal is highly adaptable and thrives in both rural and suburban environments. Eastern cottontails are most active at dawn and dusk, foraging for grasses, flowers, and garden vegetables. Unlike burrowing rabbit species, they create shallow nests called "forms" in tall grass or under shrubs, making them difficult to spot. Their rapid reproduction rate—up to three to four litters per year—allows populations to grow quickly, which is why homeowners often find themselves dealing with an increasing number of these garden visitors as the warmer months progress.
Common Rabbit Damage:
Chewed Plants – Rabbits eat a variety of garden plants, including lettuce, carrots, beans, and flowers like tulips and pansies.
Damaged Shrubs & Trees – In winter, rabbits chew on bark, which can weaken or kill young trees and shrubs.
Dug-Up Lawns – Rabbits dig shallow burrows or scrape away vegetation to create nesting spots.
Droppings & Tracks – Their presence is often marked by small, round droppings and well-worn trails through the grass.
How to Keep Rabbits Out of Your Garden
Rabbits are persistent and resourceful, so keeping them out of your garden can require a combination of strategies. One of the most effective methods is installing a fence. A barrier made of chicken wire or hardware cloth with openings no larger than an inch can prevent rabbits from squeezing through. The fence should be at least two feet high to discourage jumping and buried at least six inches deep to stop them from digging underneath.
Natural repellents can also help keep rabbits at bay. Since they rely heavily on their sense of smell, strong odors like cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or predator urine (available at garden centers) can make your garden less appealing. Planting rabbit-resistant vegetation, such as marigolds, lavender, daffodils, and onions, can further deter them, as they tend to avoid bitter or strong-smelling plants.
Removing hiding spots is another important step. Rabbits seek shelter in tall grass, brush piles, and dense shrubs, so keeping your yard well-maintained can make it less inviting. Additionally, clearing away fallen fruits and vegetables helps eliminate an easy food source.
For added protection, motion-activated deterrents can startle rabbits and encourage them to stay away. Devices like sprinklers, ultrasonic repellents, or even garden decorations that move in the wind can make them think twice before settling in. By combining these strategies, you can protect your plants and enjoy a thriving garden without unwanted furry visitors.
By combining the above strategies, you can protect your plants and enjoy a thriving garden. But if rabbits have already taken over your property and DIY methods aren’t enough, it’s time to call in the experts. Contact Critter Control of Southern Wisconsin today! We offer humane rabbit removal and exclusion services to protect your garden without harming local wildlife.