What Smells Are Toxic To Rabbits? - Stellina Marfa Contents show. Allow it to dry a little and tear pieces off, placing them in various areas around the desired area. They're known for their distinctive mane, making them look like the lions of Thump, Thump! Essential Oil concentrates that are known to be Pet Poisons include: Generally, the following oils are considered safe for rabbits: lavender, lemon, orange, fennel, peppermint, eucalyptus. Valerian root has been studied, along with silvervine and honeysuckle, as a catnip alternative and does seem to appeal to cats who don't care for the more commonly-used . Can rabbits eat limes? - Cute Rabbit Pets Rabbits can quickly adapt to many olfactory offenses and youhave tokeep up. While this is a very effective solution, it is also time-consuming. Mint and peppermint essential oils are good choices , as are lemon balm and rosemary. Lets take a look at that next. Peppermint, Pine, Sweet Birch, Tea Tree, Wintergreen. While the urine of any predator will increase your chances of repelling rabbits, if they arent familiar with the scent in your area, it may not do you any good. Sometimes, it may only take an offensivesmell to do it; other times, you may have to resort to stronger methods. But garlic is toxic to rabbits and can make them very sick, so they wont often eat it. Color Varieties: Red, pink, and blue. 12 Ways To Get Crows To Shut Up And Stop Cawing, 3 Unique Ways That Raccoons Can Damage Your Trees, Why Bats Will Leave On Their Own (And What To Do If They Dont), 8 Signs Of A Skunk Den (And How to Find Them), How To Identify And Naturally Remove Mealybugs In Your Soil. Rabbit pee can have a strong smell, and unaltered rabbits (especially males) will . The information on our site represents the webs best answers combined with over 10 years of real-world rabbit ownership. But the following are rabbit favorites: Tender, young leaves are the most susceptible, although they will sample many plants in the vegetable garden: These plants often sustain the most damage, because they are tender and generally out in the open with no protection: Rabbits prefer tender woody plants with thin bark, so new plants and shoots are at the most risk. Its so accurate; they can smell food deep underground. Whether it smells, a fence, or even adding a new furry friend to your family, you are well on your way to having a wonderful, rabbit-free garden. The smell is atrocious to them, and they will avoid it. Rabbits from yards away can quickly scent the sharp odor emanating from chives, similar to the pungent smell of garlic. 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. What essential oil do rabbits hate? Yes. Since chives are such a strong-smelling plant, using this herb to repel rabbits is always a brilliant idea. So firstly, what are these common smells that rabbits hate? 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 . The powerful concentration of scents that essential oils deliver makes them a great deterrent to rabbits. First, you want to determine what species of rabbit you have in your garden. You should definitely use scents to deter rabbits, but there are other things that you can do to your property that will help deter rabbits and other pesky critters in the long run. Rabbits have large incisors, similar to squirrels and mice. . Actually, Rabbits do not like the smell of peppermint.To help keep rabbits out of garden areas, put 2-3 drops of Young Living . We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Smells Rabbits Hate (That You Probably Own!) - Bunny Advice Placing some wind chimes or loud noises that two cans can make when they hit each other when the wind blows are examples of sounds that rabbits hate. When using any of the recommended methods above, there are a few things to keep in mind: If youve tried everymethodyou can, and the rabbits are still invading your plants, consuming them without mercy, you are going to have to be more proactive. 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. Safer Brand Critter Ridder: Deer and Rabbit Repellent. Outside in the garden/yard, you may wish to combine it with chili powder or garlic. You could mix some garlic. Basically, this is how they scent out potential predators. If you live in a rural location, you may have also experienced problems with other mammals such as deer and coffee will work just as well for these larger creatures. Using an olfactory offense plan could be very effective against rabbits, but its not foolproof. Yes, red pepper flakes will keep rabbits away from your flowers and produce. Use of predator odors as repellents to reduce feeding damage by herbivores. People who have trouble with wild, nuisance rabbits use the following scents to keep them away. Nevertheless, their urine can have a sharp ammonia odor to it. Can Rabbits Eat Mint? (Leaves, Stems + Flowers) - Rabbit Care Tips Do rabbits hate the smell of peppermint? Makes you want a spicy bowl of chili right now, yes? Rabbits grazing in your flower beds will simply eat around the less enticing plants. Visit our Terms and Conditions for more information. They will devour tender shoots in spring and gnaw through bark in the winter. Again, the strong scent of sulfer here is the key. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Rabbits are cute little critters, but not when they eat and nip at the garden youve. Although, some ownersdo feed it to their pet rabbits without issue. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. What is the most common cause of death in rabbits? Journal of Chemical Ecology, 11(7), 903-919. Some bunnies will not care or even love the taste. The most common solution that gardeners use to fend off rabbits is to use unpleasant smells to make them want to stay away. . 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.. In Vegetables. It works well for insects, rodents and even dogs. If your chosen repellent is often removed or rinsed away, you may have to build or configure some sort of shelter to reduce the need to reapply the stinky deterrents. 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. Make sure the smell will be strong enough to repel rabbits. How Do Rabbits React to Smells They Hate? Therefore, unlike dogs, rabbits do not have a very distinct "Rabbit Smell". No, rabbits themselves don't smell unless they have a serious medical issue. No, citrus does not keep rabbits away. Yes. When it, Read More How To Identify And Naturally Remove Mealybugs In Your SoilContinue, Your email address will not be published. Rabbits, on the other hand, find the smell nauseating and will run in the opposite direction. These two proteins give that familiar rotten egg odor that some animals including rabbits find so repellant. Do rabbits like the smell of peppermint? 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.. Screw on the lid, shake well, and spray onto your plants. Citrus fruits such as oranges or lemons and grapefruits do not necessarily repel all rabbits. Infinitely more convenient are sulfur powders, an example of which can be found here (link to Amazon.com). 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. Lemongrass, a herb used in many recipes and essential oils, can be grown as a perennial plant with low maintenance. Strain, and then add enough water to make a gallon of the mixture. Some species or unique rabbits may hate them, but this is not a smell that makes the list of scents that all rabbits hate. If you soak a cotton ball with vinegar and place it in areas that you do not wish your rabbit to explore, they will stay away. 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. 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. First, you want to determine what species of rabbit you have in your garden. In fact, they can develop upper respiratory problems because of them. Sage is safe for a rabbit to eat, but many rabbits do not like the strong taste or smell given off by sage. Were going to cover some of the most effective repellants here. Yes. Eggs are very high in two proteins, globulin and keratin. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bunnyadvice_com-leader-1','ezslot_5',633,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bunnyadvice_com-leader-1-0'); Similarly, when keratin breaks down an amino acid known as cysteine is produced which is also packed full of sulfur atoms. Pee-ew! I have not tried it myself, but it has been recommended by members of the rabbit lover community in its essential oil form. Rabbits have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find accessible food sources. 10 Scents That Cats Hate (And How to Use Them) - Pest Pointers 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. 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. Here are some common plants and flowers that repel rabbits, almost guaranteeing youll have one less pest to deal with this year. She grew up with cats and rabbits, and knew from a young age that she wanted to help animals in whatever way she could. While it may not smell appealing to you either, these scents will undoubtedly make rabbits do a triple take before even thinking about venturing into your yard. While this may mean getting rid of some plants you like, the payoff for your garden may be worthwhile. A rabbit who is repelled by this type of odor cannot really display outward emotions or would choose not to. 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! We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. You can often find it at your local gardening center or store. 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. Rabbits sense of smell is much more developed than that of humans. This rabbit may refuse your affection and make stop eating altogether. Alternatively, you may like to try some of the ideas weve talked about here. Will A Mom Rabbit Come Back For Her Babies? Rabbits have an acute sense of smell, which aids in their avoidance of some plants. In other words, think like a rabbit. They may take a bite, but they will experience the heat and wont like it. No, rabbits shouldn't eat citronella. Generally, its best to go with pre-formulated products because youre getting an already tested product that others have used as well, rather than seeing if you got your mix or concentrations right. You can also use chili powder or cayenne pepper for similar effects. The powerful concentration of scents that essential oils deliver make them a great deterrent to rabbits. Some varieties smell like cat urine, gasoline, or a strong citrus smell, which may explain why they are called stink flowers. A rabbit can express many different ways to show you that they hate a certain smell. Rosemary is an aromatic herbal plant that has needle-like leaves. Do rabbits like the smell of onions? 7 Smells That Cats Hate: Complete Guide to Cat Repelling Odors Image By: Obodai26 from Pixabay. Strong scents if something smells overpowering to you, imagine how it must smell to your rabbit. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. So if you live in the Southeast or Southwest, coyote urine may be an excellent go-to for scaring rabbits away. But it is worth a try. Also, take the strained pepper flakes and sprinkle them around your plants. Heres a little bonus that you can and SHOULD try out not using a scent at all. Yes, some people use coffeegrounds throughout their gardens with great success. growing your own vegetables) or even keeping pet bunnies away from certain areas of the house. These elusive pests spell nothing but trouble. Up until then, I had no idea that they were such great pets! Strain out the oil, put it in a spray bottle, and top it off with warm water. Posts relating to medical issues and questions have all been approved by an experienced vet. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Zack DeAngelis, the creator of Pest Pointers. Bone meal makes a great fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 3.5-17-0. USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The plants that rabbits prefer to eat are grasses, roses, clovers, daisies, dandelions, kale, spinach, broccoli, beans, and lettuce. So, what smells do rabbits hate so much? 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. Hey there, fellow rabbit enthusiasts! Wax begonias tend to be a little more uncommon in gardens than geraniums or lavender. OK maybe not. Rabbits grazing in your flower beds will simply eat around the less enticing plants. You can sprinkle them on the roots and soil surrounding plants such as:tomatoes. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. This is not only an easy do-it-yourself solution, but its repeatable over and over again. Strong artificial scents and dust aggravate a rabbit's nose. 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. Luckily for me, Vito isnt the biggest pest in my life. If you go the sulfur route, just make sure that if you have a dog, you are keeping them away from where you spread the sulfur- they will want to sniff and potentially dig in those areas! 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). Consider adding plants with a strong scent a rabbit's sense of smell is much . The powerful concentration of scents that essential oils deliver makes them a great deterrent to rabbits. You're not alone! University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Evaluation of eight repellents in deterring eastern cottontail herbivory in Connecticut. They're affectionate and can simply be house-trained. Here is a link to an article that goes into greater detail about why a rabbit's ears might hot or cold to the touch. This site is owned and operated by Darren Hayward. Vanilla is enjoyed by rabbits, lavender is a toss up. So, use your best judgment and come up with a plan before attempting it. Also, youll have to reapply this every three to four weeks to keep the smell ripe and fresh. Have you ever caught your beloved rabbit suddenly thumping its feet, leaving you curious and bewildered? Considering one of the most popular candles and perfume scents is geranium, its clear humans do not feel the same way. We will always advocate the use of natural products to deter rabbits and any other type of wildlife. Use essential oils of any aromatic herbs mentioned, such as rosemary, mint, peppermint, lemon balm, etc. Dr. Elly Cameron is a veterinarian who has always loved animals. Hopefully, your flowers and plants will be rabbit proof after utilizing one or a few of the above suggestions. Most of the time, owners report their rabbits enjoying the plant. Many of these products contain natural ingredients and are perfectly safe to use, which is especially important if children also use the area. I get into the nitty-gritty on the most common types of pests youll see on your property including BOTH insects and wildlife, along with the specific signs to look for regarding any pest you have questions about. Rabbits noses are extremely sensitive, mainly why you frequently see rabbits constantly twitching their little sniffers in the air. That being said, we understand that rabbits can cause significant damage to property and crops. Its going to depend on how bad the infestation is. They like to eat almost any fruit. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Make a bad-tasting rabbit cocktail by grinding together three hot peppers, three large onions, and one whole bunch of garlic. BunnyAdvice.com is an independent rabbit advice site which aims to provide rabbit owners and enthusiasts with information regarding rabbit care. Williams, S. C., & Short, M. R. (2014). Wolf urine is also the hardest to find, so most people opt for using lynx or bobcat urine instead. You could get creative and resourceful with this. Grass. Other plants that rabbits hate include: Rabbits leave these plants alone in the wild. In Symposium ProceedingsCoyotes in the Southwest: A Compendium of Our Knowledge (1995) (p. 27). What Smells Do Rabbits Hate? {Liked vs. Disliked Smells} Rabbits: How to Get Rid of Rabbits in the Garden - Almanac.com Since rabbits are known not only for their noses but also their wild hopping skills, installing a fence may seem like a futile effort. using things like chicken wire or mesh around. This means it has some nitrogen and a whole lot of phosphorus, which is great depending on what youre growing. Many attest to its ability to stop rabbits from using your garden as a personal litter box or pantry. As their twitching noses indicate, rabbits sniff a lot. A Guide To Keep Your Rabbit (and House) From Smelling Bad - The Bunny Lady 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. Because of their especially sensitive respiratory tracts, birds are at particular risk when using essential oil diffusers. He has a passion for helping animals and sharing his experience and knowledge with others. Since rabbits have such a sensitive sense of smell, there are many offensive odors that may help to deter and keep them away. Yes, urine from natural predators to rabbits will keep them away. Decoding Rabbit Foot Thumping. Its pretty common to add mint to this concoction to make it even less appealing for rabbits. Rabbits have 100 million scent cells, making for a very keen sense of smell, which they use to identify other rabbits and animals. It is very hardy and grows up to 4 feet tall. You can use a simple pre-made garlic spray or easily make your own by mixing some with a few raw eggs and pouring the mixture around your plants and garden. Spray onto plants, repeating after rainfall. Sprinkling chili flakes around the base of your peonies and other garden flowers are quick, easy, and effective. Discover the Surprising Size of Lionhead Rabbits: How Big Do They Get? What smells do rabbits love, adore or enjoy? }, Do Rabbits Play Dead? What Herbs Do Rabbits Hate? - FAQS Clear Continue with Recommended Cookies. It may be better to use something else from the same family that has more pungency, like lavender. 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. Chili powder works similar to how hot sauce would by irritating and inflaming the membranes in a rabbits sensitive nose. 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. Yet other gardeners report that rabbits get used to the taste or smell and eat your plants anyway. Yuck! In Proceedings of the 2nd Vertebrate Pest Control Conference (1964) (p. 15). Even though rabbits have a strong sense of smell, lemon may not actually repel them. 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. If you walked into a restaurant looking for a buffet meal, but the entire establishment smelled strongly of rotting eggs, you most likely wouldnt want to eat there, correct? Make sure whatever scent you are applying is a strong odor, and if you are using a spray bottle, make sure you are spraying the soil around the plants, not the air! If youve ever taken a big whiff of raw quality grade chili powder, youll know what Im talking about here. Bee balm can also be used to repel deer. While rabbits may not enjoy the smell or taste, dogs love it! Rabbits are observed to sniffling almost all the time. 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. 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! However, many plants that are toxic to pets and humans are also toxic to rabbitsand they tend to avoid them. Even if you combine. Rabbits dine out all year. n the natural order of things. Besides repulsive smells, rabbits are also scared and deterred by sounds they find displeasing to their long ears. Do Rabbits Eat Peppermint? - Stellina Marfa The following sounds, sights and smells can make rabbits upset, stressed or scared: Its best to keep a rabbits enclosure further away from the kitchens and high traffic areas. And these oils are generally NOT safe for rabbits: anise, clove, oregano, tea tree, wintergreen. Why Does My Rabbit Lick Everything? 11 Things Your Bunny Loves to Taste! if its possible and you know from where they emerge, place some food scraps or their favorite food. Dried waste product from slaughterhouses is what makes up blood meal. Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits fit the bill, albeit a little acidic. Aside from aiding in indigestion, it can also reduce stress. Then, youhavetodecide how humane you want to be in your approach to deter them. You get to enjoy the look and aroma of the fresh lavender, and it will keep those pesky fur balls out! Never feed your rabbits essential oils Contrary to what other people say, I suggest that you never attempt to feed your rabbits any essential oil. BunnyAdvice.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. link to Thump, Thump! Most of them are used as repellents for wild, nuisance rabbits to prevent from ravaging gardens and farms. You havea number ofoptions for using garlic as a rabbit repellant. Of everything mentioned previously, this is one of the more promising rabbit repellents. What smells do rabbits hate? Install rabbit fencing: The most reliable and effective form of rabbit deterrent is by hiring pest controllers to install rabbit fencing. Make sure that you dont spray vinegar directly on your plants, as it can cause them to wilt. Spread dried or moist, yet used, coffee grounds around the plants you want the rabbits to avoid. Anything spicy will be abhorrentto a rabbits delicate nose. But,you want to ma. You can make spray oil by heating up 1/3 cup oil with cup chili flakes to around 300F. That's my buddy, Vito. 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. Common ingredients that rabbits hate the smell of include garlic, white vinegar, chili peppers, rotten eggs (sulfur), and certain strong perfumes. In fact, there has been some suggestion that coffee is such a welcoming and enticing aroma that it might swing potential home buyers into investing in a property, should they catch a whiff as they walk in. 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! Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and pocket pets are also at risk. Due to their heightened sense of smell, predator urine such as fox or coyote is also an effective rabbit repellant. You can take advantage of this trait by using scents they dislike, such as garlic, vinegar, chili powder, predator urine, sulfur, blood meal, chives, lavender, geraniums, and wax begonias. Not all rabbits do it . The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 7, no. While her keen nose keeps your pet safe, its also extremely sensitive. Try interplanting planting highly fragrant herbs and flowers, plants with prickly, hairy leaves, and toxic plants with your vegetables and ornamentals to help confuse and repel rabbits. If you dont like the thought of having to mix this yourself, take a peek at the Safer Brand Critter Ridder: Deer and Rabbit Repellent. However, they mainly appear in the Southern part of the United States. When a rabbit drinks apple cider vinegar, it will make them smell unappealing to. Lavender is among the plants that are completely safe for rabbits to eat. No matter what, you deserve a rabbit-free, thriving garden. 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. You havea number ofoptions for using garlic as a rabbit repellant. The moment you notice its become ineffectual, try something else. Do rabbits like the smell of lemongrass? Strain out the oil, put it in a spray bottle, and top it off with warm water. Effects of coyote control on their prey: a review. The plant that tops the list for rabbits who would like to go nowhere near has got to be wax begonias. Naturally, one of the solutions to getting rid of rabbits is to get rid of the places they like to hide and making them not want to venture into your yard in the first place. If your rabbit likes lemon balm for example, then keep using it.
