In Symposium ProceedingsCoyotes in the Southwest: A Compendium of Our Knowledge (1995) (p. 27). They could eat lavender plants, but some are repealed by the odor while others receive the calming aroma well when the oil mixed with water is gently rubbed on their fur. In an article published on Michigan State University Extension, its stated that while dried blood can infact be used to repel rabbits (along with deer), the blood will lose its effectiveness after a rainfall and will need to be reapplied. You can tell when rabbits, not deer, have been chewing on your plants because rabbits make clean, 45-degree cuts in young stems and can reach only approximately 3 feet high. Decoding Rabbit Foot Thumping. Rabbits are observed to sniffling almost all the time. While rabbits may not enjoy the smell or taste, dogs love it! If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Reapply this every evening, right before rabbits eat, usually at dusk. It should be no surprise that plants with a strong fragrance or fuzzy leaves like lavender and black-eyed Susan are less popular with rabbits. Sometimes smells and sounds can be enough to trigger fear in a rabbit. Generally, the following oils are considered safe for rabbits: lavender, lemon, orange, fennel, peppermint, eucalyptus. Is green grass good for rabbits? Rabbits have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find accessible food sources. So, use your best judgment and come up with a plan before attempting it. Rabbits have an acute sense of smell, which aids in their avoidance of some plants. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. and other similar details will be the first step in deterring them from your plants. Many farmers also swear by soaking corncobs in vinegar and placing them near the targeted areas, as the corncobs will make the scent last a bit longer. My only concern would be how strong incense can be as it not only releases an intense smell but also smoke into the air. What smells do rabbits love, adore or enjoy? The problem with predator urine is that it may attract more of that animal. Read on to learn more about what smells rabbits hate and how you can use them, as well as other tips and tricks to get those pesky furballs to stop eating your plants! In other words, think like a rabbit. Homemade Rabbit Repellents That are Stunningly Effective gardenerdy.com, How to Keep Rabbits Away From Your Yard varmentguard.com, How to Identify and Get Rid of Rabbits almanac.com. I'm sure you're as curious as I am about the adorable and fluffy Lionhead rabbits. In Vegetables. What Does It Mean When A Rabbit Raises Its Tail? Find your favorite variety of bee balm and plant it in container gardens as well as a background color in your beds that edge the yard. So, unless youve turned your yard into a wildlife sanctuary, theres a good chance that youll want to keep rabbits far away from all the plants, flowers, and shrubs youve spent so much time and effort on. Check for any areas that are particularly damp or any areas with waste in them that haven't been cleaned recently. Some species or unique rabbits may hate them, but this is not a smell that makes the list of scents that all rabbits hate. Their strategic placement can be surprisingly effective atdeterting, https://www.rabbitcaretips.com/rabbits-sense-of-smell/, https://gardenerdy.com/homemade-rabbit-repellent/, https://petspruce.com/vinegar-keep-rabbits-away/, http://www.planitdiy.com/inspiration/in-lawn-garden/use-red-pepper-flakes-to-ward-off-unwanted-pests/, http://livedan330.com/2015/02/11/keep-rabbits-out-of-garden-using-essential-oils/, https://www.gardenguides.com/blood-meal-rabbit-repellent-7608.html, https://homeguides.sfgate.com/stop-turtle-eating-tomatoes-garden-46078.html, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/using-predator-urine-in-gardens.htm, https://www.farmersalmanac.com/tips-for-keeping-rabbits-out-of-garden-21167, Protecting Your Garden From Wildlife - Modern Homesteading Podcast, How To Protect Growing Pumpkins From Animals (11 Ways), HowToKeep Deer OutOfYour GardenWithFishing Line, Do Bird Feeders Attract Mice (& How To Stop Them), 16 Foods That Attract Mice (And How To Use Them), Peanut Butter Mouse Trap Not Working (9 Solutions). This is because of the phenol carbolic acid contained in vinegar; rabbits cant stand the smell of it. If you are interested in how to deter rabbits, there are ways to control them from overrunning your garden. To get you started, we have put together all the details you will need to know to gently yet effectively repel rabbits.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bunnyadvice_com-box-4','ezslot_1',630,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bunnyadvice_com-box-4-0'); As prey animals, rabbits have a powerful sense of smell they rely on to keep them alive. If youve ever taken a big whiff of raw quality grade chili powder, youll know what Im talking about here. Rabbits the feeling of fear. While it may make your garden smell like a bag of salt and vinegar chips, itll keep the rabbits away! Then, youhavetodecide how humane you want to be in your approach to deter them. several methods, its still not guaranteed to work 100%. The most common solution that gardeners use to fend off rabbits is to use unpleasant smells to make them want to stay away. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year in the U.S. If you kill an adult, you may be leaving behind a whole litter of bunnies that will be without a mother. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Do Rabbits Eat Lantana? (Read This First!) - OneHappyLemon Make sure that when you get fencing, you get a quality, galvanized mesh fence and install it at least 2 feet to keep rabbits out. It will be important to keep the smell ripe and fresh to the rabbits. By submitting your email, you agree to our, These Plants Will Keep Rabbits Out Of Your Garden, 5 Easy Ways to Remove Scratches from a Glass Window, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Posts relating to medical issues and questions have all been approved by an experienced vet. Smell. While her keen nose keeps your pet safe, its also extremely sensitive. Yes. . Due to their heightened sense of smell, predator urine such as fox or coyote is also an effective rabbit repellant. But it is worth a try. You can create a lemon-scented spray by using lemon juice diluted in water, equal parts of each, and then spray it on the areas you want to keep cats out. In many cases of wild rabbits damaging outdoor crops, gardeners and farmers alike use coffee grounds scattered on the soil. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. We want to provide you with all the information for your furry little pals! In this article, we will look at smells rabbits like, are repelled by, and which ones cause them stress, but lets first address the question, What smells do rabbits hate?: First of all, rabbits have a sensitive sense of smell where certain aromas that we find tolerable or appealing causes them to be repelled, repulsed or even stressed. Rabbits, on the other hand, find the smell nauseating and will run in the opposite direction. I was surprised to learn that Irish Spring bar soap is an inexpensive rabbit repellent. Back to repelling rabbits from your garden! As their twitching noses indicate, rabbits sniff a lot. But,inform yourself before doing this because it might not be the best idea. So if your dog pees anywhere in your yard, rabbits will smell it! If youre in need of an exterminator or wildlife professional, you can learn more about our nationwide network of pest control professionals. Hopefully, your flowers and plants will be rabbit proof after utilizing one or a few of the above suggestions. Its formulated with a base mix of putrescent whole egg solids, capsaicin, and garlic, which are actually three of the individual scents we talk about on this list! This is why we cannot be certain that a rabbit is either stressed, uncomfortable or completely repulsed by some of the odors that we have in our home. and other creatures will eventually avoid it. This can then be used along the borders. Make sure the smell will be strong enough to repel rabbits. 1. Good ol fashioned chili powder. Terms and Conditions for Pocket pet central. Using these scents to your advantage can help to deter wild rabbits or to keep your . Marie's garden writing has been featured in newspapers and magazines nationwide and she has been interviewed for Martha Stewart Radio, National Public Radio, and numerous articles. Johnson, W. V. (1964, March). Oranges, lemons, limes, Dust the soil around the plants you wish to deter rabbits from and, over that, layer some black pepper for added effect. The reason why is because rabbits are sensitive to noises. So, what smells do rabbits hate so much? Pocketpetcentral.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The noise a dog makes will be the other significant indicator to a rabbit that another animal now lives in your yard. Its truly a subjective opinion, but I would say that rabbits hate predator urine the most because of the alarming, alerting and intense fear a perceived threat brings upon these cute creatures who are very vulnerable. That's my buddy, Vito. We havent tried it ourselves but we have heard of numerous reports of rabbit owners using it to stop rabbits chewing where its not wanted such as table or chair legs. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Fabric and air fresheners. Outside in the garden/yard, you may wish to combine it with chili powder or garlic. Dried waste product from slaughterhouses is what makes up blood meal. Yuck! Not just for vampires, garlic also has a strong smell that rabbits find unpleasant. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. But, after theyre gone, repeat this regimen about once a month to prevent any new rabbits from invading your garden. Well, the same applies to rabbits. Do Rabbits Smell? (Simple Tips to Keep Them Odorless) Of everything mentioned previously, this is one of the more promising rabbit repellents. Aside from barking, dogs will sniff, grumble, and make noise as they tromp through your yard. Lynxes are also native to North America but are typically found in the northern parts of the continent. It may affect the esthetic look of your garden. If you want to try peppermint to rid rabbits from your garden, douse a few cotton balls with peppermint essential oil. Lemon Balm. Take a look at my guide on Pest Proofing Your Home In Under a Day! . It should be no surprise that plants with a strong fragrance or fuzzy leaves like lavender and black-eyed Susan are less popular with rabbits. You could get creative and resourceful with this. A rabbit's poop doesn't have any strong odor, unlike dog poop. While predator scents will scare them away (well go over that in a moment), most other odors will annoy them away more than scare them. 10 Scents That Cats Hate (And How to Use Them) - Pest Pointers This thermoregulation capacity of rabbits does not produce any scent. Reapply this eve. Rabbits have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find accessible food sources. . Your email address will not be published. Garden plants that will repel deer and rabbits - The Denver Post Sulfur mimicks the scent of rotten eggs (mentioned in the garlic section) which rabbits despise due to their sensitive noses. You can also use lemon essential oil by adding 10 drops to a spray bottle of water and using it in the same way. Rosemary is one of the safest herbs that we can feed rabbits. Rabbits sense of smell is much more developed than that of humans. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Rabbits are great pets to have, especially when you have children. They're affectionate and can simply be house-trained. Even if you are having significant problems with wild rabbits, as rabbit lovers the last thing that we want you to do would be to injure or poison a defenseless bunny. Used in conjunction with some of the scents we mentioned above, you can essentially rabbit proof your yard for the long haul with ease. It comes with scent tags, so you can spray the tag itself and place it nearby your plants, where the smell itself will last a bit longer being infused with the tag. One of the more reputable coyote urines on the market is PredatorPee Original Coyote Urine. Actually, Rabbits do not like the smell of peppermint.To help keep rabbits out of garden areas, put 2-3 drops of Young Living . Ive even seen that raw eggs, garlic liquid and water mixed together and sprayed on the soil to absolutely repels rabbits. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. On the contrary, rabbits find coffee to be an overpowering smell that quickly makes them turn and run in the opposite direction. Youll want to spray this around the perimeter of your plants, squarely away from their roots. Rabbits like the smell of many flowers, sweet foods, and other rabbits. Is vanilla essential oil safe for rabbits? Continue with Recommended Cookies. One way that we can achieve this is by using the rabbits strong sense of smell against it.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'bunnyadvice_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_10',628,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bunnyadvice_com-medrectangle-4-0'); If like us the thought of causing harm to a rabbit makes you feel uneasy, using certain natural aromas to keep them away from specific areas is an excellent tactic. Often those noises will help scare any potential rabbit invaders away. There are numerous rabbit repellent products on the market and in our opinion (which is perhaps a little biased) it is far better to use something that will gently turn them away. Bee balm can also be used to repel deer. Image By: Obodai26 from Pixabay. Most people know, Read More 3 Unique Ways That Raccoons Can Damage Your TreesContinue, Bats are fascinating, often misunderstood creatures that are essential characters in our shared environment. The plants that rabbits prefer to eat are grasses, roses, clovers, daisies, dandelions, kale, spinach, broccoli, beans, and lettuce. Unfortunately, these plants will not deter them completely. Wax begonias tend to be a little more uncommon in gardens than geraniums or lavender. Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun. Answer: The rodenticide baits are only labeled for rats and mice and meant to attractant these types of rodents. Many of these products contain natural ingredients and are perfectly safe to use, which is especially important if children also use the area. Place these around the garden, and the vinegar scent will help to keep the rabbits at bay. growing your own vegetables) or even keeping pet bunnies away from certain areas of the house. Any way you want to do it will be suff. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Why does this work? Citrus fruits such as oranges or lemons and grapefruits do not necessarily repel all rabbits. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Rabbits, if hungry enough, will disregard any offenses to their sense of smell and eat your plants, flowers, veggies and fruits anyway. ke sure you dont drive neighbors or housepetscrazy. What smells do rabbits hate? - Thank Chickens Harvesting your garden is the bountiful payoff for all of that hard work. Do Rabbits Eat Lavender? - Sweetish Hill 1, 2020. doi:10.1136/vetreco-2020-000402. The powerful concentration of scents that essential oils deliver makes them a great deterrent to rabbits. However, they will be able to smell that another animal is living in the yard, and that alone may help scare them away. They shift their noses up and down to identify a scent, aided by the splitin their top lip. Vanilla is used sometimes as a soothing scent to rub on rabbits who are spooked or uncomfortable. 7 Smells That Cats Hate: Complete Guide to Cat Repelling Odors These tend to be either aromatic, thorny, or members of the nightshade family: Rabbits. Citronella is the name for both an essential oil, and a group of trees/shrubs (mostly growing in tropical climates).Citronella oil - Rabbits shouldn't eat or . Rabbits have 100 million scent cells, making for a very keen sense of smell, which they use to identify other rabbits and animals. Chili Powder is commonly used as a repellent due to its active ingredient, Capsaicin. If you notice evidence of rabbits decimating your flowerbed, garden, or small farming operation, there are several non-lethal means you can try. This is not only an easy do-it-yourself solution, but its repeatable over and over again. Make sure that you dont spray vinegar directly on your plants, as it can cause them to wilt. What Smells Do Rabbits Hate? {Liked vs. Disliked Smells} We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Spray onto plants, repeating after rainfall. Can Rabbits Eat Onions? - Health Risks and Poisoning Symtoms So when you plant rosemary, lavender, thyme, bee balm, and mint to discourage deer, you are also planting rabbit-resistant herbs. Deer can damage plants 6 feet high, and they tear plants when eating so that the stems and leaves are ragged, not cleanly cut like rabbit damage. They do have their favorite foods and those they tend to avoid, but when food is scarce, they will eat just about anything. My name is Anna and I work full time in my local pet shop where we sell many animals that I write about on this site. ry evening, right before rabbits eat, usually at dusk. It might be in the middle of your morning coffee, or it might be in the middle of the night, but you have had this, Read More 12 Ways To Get Crows To Shut Up And Stop CawingContinue, Raccoons are amazing and fascinating creatures, but that does not mean that most people want them in their yard, garden, or home. There is a reason why smelling them away remains the most popular solution amongst gardeners, it can be a quick an effecitve strategy to keeping rabbits away from your plants and making your harvest (or just your flowers) all the more fruitful. Essential Oil Repellents for Rabbits. They may take a bite, but they will experience the heat and wont like it. Better yet, once the gardening season is over, you can harvest the chives and use them in your cooking, so once again, its a win-win for you. your garden or each plant is very reliable. What is the most common cause of death in rabbits? Decoding Rabbit Foot Thumping. Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Using an olfactory offense plan could be very effective against rabbits, but its not foolproof. If using corn cobs, periodically re-soak them in vinegar because the smell will fade over time. Sometimes bats will occupy places where they arent welcome though, and, Read More Why Bats Will Leave On Their Own (And What To Do If They Dont)Continue. If they pick up a scent that is unpleasant or irritating to them, theyll hardly want to stay and sample the buffet you call your garden. Secondly, I would have to say that rabbits hate the smell of sulfur. Dust. But,it is toxic to rabbits, and it can hurt them. Make a bad-tasting rabbit cocktail by grinding together three hot peppers, three large onions, and one whole bunch of garlic. The powerful concentration of scents that essential oils deliver makes them a great deterrent to rabbits. Basically, this is how they scent out potential predators. Required fields are marked *. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. It may be better to use something else from the same family that has more pungency, like lavender. Yes, blood meal and bone meal can keep rabbits away from your flowers and food plants. The most important factor in encouraging your rabbit to recognize and respond to you is spending time with your bunny. Injured during improper handling by children. Common ingredients that rabbits hate the smell of include garlic, white vinegar, chili peppers, rotten eggs (sulfur), and certain strong perfumes. Of course, a hungry rabbit will eat just about anything, but making your garden less tempting will hopefully have them scurrying to look for a tastier meal elsewhere. A rabbit can express many different ways to show you that they hate a certain smell. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home, How to Keep Rabbits Out of Garden With or Without Fences, Controlling and Deterring Rabbits in the Garden, Designing a Dreamy Wildflower Garden You Can Maintain, Onion Companion Planting: 18 Onion Companion Plants to Grow, 31 Best-Deer Resistant Flowers and Plants to Grow, How to Get Rid of Chipmunks Using Traps or Repellants, control them from overrunning your garden, How does one identify rabbit damage and what do they eat, F. Plants and mushrooms associated with animal poisoning incidents in South Africa. Manage Settings Make sure the smell will be strong enough to repel rabbits. No, citrus does not keep rabbits away. Its healthy for the plants, but repels wild rabbits. Deer and rabbits often ignore strongly scented herbs such as basil, rosemary, and oregano. It has an NPK ratio of 12-0-0, meaning there are large amounts of nitrogen without phosphorus or potassium. Most cats are bothered by citrus smells, such as lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit. No, rabbits themselves don't smell unless they have a serious medical issue. This makes it not only effective as a rabbit repellent but also a plant fertilizer. Rabbits are so sensitive to respiratory changes and problems that I wouldnt take the risk, even if your rabbits seem okay with candles and other scents. How Good is a Rabbit's Sense of Smell? Rabbit Care Tips Some varieties smell like cat urine, gasoline, or a strong citrus smell, which may explain why they are called stink flowers. Rabbit control. While rabbits are our passion and we are confident in our research any rabbit with a life-threatening issue or injury should be taken immediately to the nearest vet. Manage Settings Mint and peppermint essential oils are good choices, as are lemon balm and rosemary. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. If youre interested in taking a look at a quality blood meal product for your plants, take a look at Burpee Organic Blood Meal Fertilizer, which Is ideal for leafy garden vegetables! If your rabbit chews the carpet, some rabbits will dislike the taste of bitter sprays for pets, hot pepper sauce or flakes, vinegar, or rubbed-in Ivory soap, but they can be a hit and miss. Read on to learn more about what smells rabbits hate and how you can . 7. Rabbits dont like the smell of peppermint, but they will eat the plant, especially if the peppermint isnt very strong. Image by nautilus64 from Pixabay. Add water to cover, and place into a covered container overnight. Rabbits can quickly adapt to many olfactory offenses and youhave tokeep up. This is a great option if you have a variety of pests ravishing your garden. In Proceedings of the 2nd Vertebrate Pest Control Conference (1964) (p. 15). Ahh yes. What smell do rabbits love? many people report how a few real-looking fake snakes deter rabbits from gardens and landscapes. Just having the coffee grounds in your garden will repel rabbits. Simply spray a little on the areas you want to protect. If you have any type of wood materials inside, on,, Read More 8 Scents that Termites HateContinue, Mealybugs might just be the very last thing you want to find lurking in your soil! So, when you have finished with your coffee grounds, dont throw them on the compost heap; try sprinkling them around your garden for protection instead. August 7, 2022. Most often than not, the answer is NO. Wolves are typically found in similar places as lynxes: cold, mountainous, or in a more northern area, particularly the Northwest parts of the United States or Canada. How Do Rabbits React to Smells They Hate? In. Keep the area as peaceful as possible. The simplest way to make your garden less appetizing for these little critters is to avoid the varieties that they love the most. Screw on the lid, shake well, and spray onto your plants. A rabbits natural predators are mainly coyotes, bobcats, lynxes, and wolves in the wild. Yet other gardeners report that rabbits get used to the taste or smell and eat your plants anyway. He has a passion for helping animals and sharing his experience and knowledge with others. Garlic powder can be sprinkled, or fresh cloves can be crushed and scattered around areas where rabbits are being a pest. Keeping your rabbit inside Rabbits can live quite happily indoors and they should be provided with secure accommodation where they can feel safe, sleep, use a particular area as a toilet, and be confined to when unsupervised. Rabbits have an excellent sense of smell thats 20 timesbetter than humans. Strain out the oil, put it in a spray bottle, and top it off with warm water. Deer can damage plants 6 feet high, and they tear plants when eating so that the stems and leaves are ragged, not cleanly cut like rabbit damage. The scent and aroma of coffee grounds are some of the nicest in the world. Simply put, were going to smell them away! Do rabbits like the smell of peppermint? Some of them are dietary fiber, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, B9 calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, manganese . However, there are a few occasions where a little extra work might be necessary. Replace soiled hay each morning. However, if you find that using scents to repel rabbits isnt for you, for whatever reason, be sure to utilize one of our other options! Yes. You're not alone! While humans may enjoy the calming scent of lavender, rabbits despise lavender due to the strong scent and bitter irritation it provides to them. You can give lavender to your rabbit fresh or even dried, allowing your rabbit to forage for the yummy pieces of lavender. I have not tried it myself, but it has been recommended by members of the rabbit lover community in its essential oil form. Actually, Rabbits do not like the smell of peppermint.To help keep rabbits out of garden areas, put 2-3 drops of Young Living Peppermint Oil on a cotton ball or piece of fabric. Use common sense on if a certain smell needs to be reapplied often (usually 1-2 times a week depending on how strong the scent naturally is or what product you have.). Bone meal comprises processed bones made into a fine powder. USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9. If you are looking at using this home remedy, simply dilute some white rice vinegar in a spray bottle of water, and spray it liberally in the area surrounding your plants. Color Varieties: Red, pink, and blue. link to Thump, Thump! So, it would be best to use this scent if you live above the Mason-Dixon line, in the mountains, or in a place that routinely gets cold. But if you still want to include these plants, there are also a few other tricks for making rabbits disappear from your garden. Chili powder works similar to how hot sauce would by irritating and inflaming the membranes in a rabbits sensitive nose. Rabbit olfactory deterrents are not always reliable. Certain textures like velvet or a woven knit can really stimulate your rabbit! You can tell when rabbits, not deer, have been chewing on your plants because rabbits make clean, 45-degree cuts in young stems and can reach only approximately 3 feet high. Still, they are another beautiful plant that rabbits simply turn their noses up at! Rabbit-Resistant Plants. Some the these hates smells include: Many property owners who wish to keep rabbits away without hurting them, employ these odors that rabbits consider foul or alarming and they work well to keep them out.