Rabbits
Garden pest
Description
Rabbits are plant-eating mammals that browse gardens, especially where tender growth is easy to reach. “Rabbits” describes several species rather than one species with a single scientific name. They eat young leaves, shoots, flowers, and sometimes low-growing fruit, and may clip seedlings down to the ground. In winter, when green food is scarce, they can gnaw bark from young trees and shrubs. Damage is often concentrated near cover, such as hedges, brush piles, or dense plantings, where rabbits can retreat quickly. They feed most actively around dawn and dusk, so gardeners may see the damage without seeing the animal. A rabbit can remove enough growth to slow a young plant or kill a newly planted seedling. Bark damage is particularly serious if chewing extends all the way around a stem or trunk, cutting off the plant’s flow of nutrients. Established plants often recover from light browsing, but repeated feeding can prevent them from growing normally.
Symptoms
- Holes in leaves
- Stems chewed or cut through
- Stunted growth
How to Identify
Look for neatly clipped shoots and stems, often cut at an angle, and damage mostly within about 2 feet (60 cm) of the ground. Seedlings may disappear overnight; nearby, you may find small, round droppings or rabbit tracks. On woody plants, check for gnawed bark close to the ground or up to the height of the winter snowpack. Deer usually browse higher and leave ragged, torn stem ends because they lack upper front teeth. Slugs leave irregular holes and often slime trails, while insects may leave smaller holes or visible pests. A camera can help confirm which animal is visiting.
Prevention
Exclude rabbits before damage begins. Enclose beds with wire mesh whose openings are no larger than 1 inch (2.5 cm); make the fence at least 2 feet (60 cm) tall, or taller where snow accumulates. Bury the bottom 6–12 inches (15–30 cm), or bend and secure it outward along the ground to discourage digging. Close gates tightly. Protect individual seedlings with firmly anchored wire cages or cloches. Fit young trees and shrubs with mesh guards tall enough to remain above expected snow, leaving room for trunk growth. Check guards and fences regularly for gaps. Reduce nearby hiding places such as dense weeds and brush piles where practical, while recognizing that rabbits may still visit from surrounding areas.
Treatment
Start by protecting plants that are still intact: cover seedlings with anchored cages or repair gaps in an existing fence. If browsing is ongoing, install a properly secured mesh barrier around the affected bed; exclusion is usually more reliable than repellents. Remove badly damaged stems with clean pruning cuts, but leave healthy growth so the plant can recover. Keep surviving plants watered as needed without overwatering, and allow time for new shoots to develop. For young trees, inspect gnawed trunks: bark removed all the way around can be fatal, so ask a local arborist or extension service whether the tree can be saved. Wildlife repellents may offer temporary protection if labeled for the plant and site; follow label directions and reapply as instructed, especially after rain. Do not apply a repellent to edible portions unless its label explicitly permits it. Avoid poisons. If exclusion fails, consult local wildlife authorities about lawful control options rather than relocating rabbits yourself.
Plants Affected
Not sure this is your problem? Try the problem diagnoser.