How To Get Rid of Rabbits

As every gardener knows, there are two kinds of rabbits: the rabbits that you see in the pet store (cute, cuddly and as sweet as can be), and then the other rabbits who ravenously devour every single thing in your garden if given the chance. If your goal is to never see another rabbit-munched leaf in your garden -- well, good luck! You can get rid of most of them, though. There are a variety of ways to rid your flowers and veggies of these little pests. Here are some of the most effective.

1. Dried blood meal. It sounds a little gruesome, but it's quite effective in deterring rabbits. Dried blood meal is a by-product of the meat-packing industry and can be found in any gardening center. Sprinkle some around each of the plants in your garden -- or sprinkle it around the entire border of your garden, if you like. Rabbits don't like the smell, and will usually stay away. The dried blood meal will have to be reapplied after you water your garden or after every rain shower.
2. Traps. You can place humane traps (also called catch-and-release traps) around the edges of your garden. Bait them with a bit of the produce that the rabbits find so irresistible. When you release the rabbits, do so at least five miles away from your garden. Otherwise, all you've done is given the rabbits a bit of exercise, which will undoubtedly make them even hungrier when they find their way back to your garden! These traps can be harmful, so don't use them if there will be children near your yard.
3. Chicken-wire fencing. You can encircle your garden with a fence made of chicken-wire, at least two feet high. This option is fairly inexpensive, permanent (at least for the growing season) and safe. To be really effective, though, you'll need to bury the wire several inches in the ground. You don't want those rascally rabbits burrowing underneath!
4. Electric fencing. This is an entirely permanent solution. Electric fencing doesn't have to be dug into the ground, but it does have to be low enough that the rabbits can't go underneath. If you make your fence tall enough, it can even deter other critters, such as raccoons and deer. However, it is expensive and, even though the voltage used is very low, it can give a shock to children and pets.
5. Scare them away with bigger animals. If you have a cat or dog, let them chase the rabbits away. After a few times of this, the rabbits won't be so eager to come back.

If none of these tactics appeal to you, there are a variety of commercial rabbit repellents on the market. Keep in mind, though, that none of them are one-hundred-percent effective. You may have to try several to find one that is effective in your area.