The 6 Best Rabbit Repellents + The 6 Non-Chemical Alternatives for 2024

You’ve really got to feel sorry for Elmer Fudd.

The poor guy has spent his entire life hunting Bugs Bunny, and he’s never come close.

And in real life, rabbits can be just as slippery. A persistent thorn in the gardener’s side.

They feel at liberty to come and go into our yards as they please, devouring all crops, plants, and flowers in their path, ruining all our hard work and hope for the next harvest.

They need to be stopped.

But while old Elmer chased his nemesis around with a double-barreled shotgun, perhaps that’s a bit of overkill in residential areas.

So, I’ve put together this review of the best rabbit repellents on the market – to ensure the critters keep away from your prized carrots – with no shots fired.

Do it for Elmer. Let’s get rid of those pesky wabbits once and for all.

Top 6 Best Rabbit Repellents 2024

I Must Garden Rabbit Repellent

Let’s start with 32 ounces of ready-to-spray rabbit repellent from I Must Garden. It has been specifically formulated for one purpose – to keep rabbits away from your plants. This is done by making usually delicious leaves taste disgusting to our furry foes, with a mix of concentrated bio-oils made from an organic material they usually avoid eating.

The mint fragrance is pleasant for us humans but highly irritating to rabbits, and the all-natural ingredients ensure that it’s safe for your pets, containing no harmful chemicals that can damage wildlife and the surrounding environment.

Pros

Cons

Liquid Fence Deer & Rabbit Repellent

Next up we have this deer and rabbit repellent from Liquid Fence – a prominent name in animal deterrents. Safe to spray on your flowers, shrubs, trees, and vines, the unwanted pests are repulsed by the scent, but it won’t harm the animals or the vegetation it comes into contact with.

The ready-to-use liquid formula starts working immediately, and it’s rain-resistant 5-6 hours after application – so don’t apply before the heavens open. Available in a trigger-spray gun, as a concentrate, or granular form, you can choose the product that best suits your situation and garden.

Pros

Cons

Nature’s Mace Granular Deer & Rabbit Repellent

Here we have another granular formula that Nature’s Mace claims to be the best rabbit and deer repellent on the market as proven by university studies. While that bold statement might be subjective, it certainly does have some quality plus points.

Safe to use around humans and pets, it’s also harmless to aquatic life should you have a pond in your yard or garden. The product is odorless (which is a big advantage when compared to the stench of some other repellents) and rain resistant just as soon as it’s applied.

Utilizing a “scent and fear” technology, which is apparently proven to be more effective than a “taste” deterrent, it could well be the best granular rabbit repellent out there.

Pros

Cons

Plantskydd PS-VRD-3 Organic Granular Animal Repellent

This granular animal repellent uses 100% dried blood from porcine and/or bovine sources. This is proven to be an effective deterrent to plant-loving pests, and no animal parts were used in the manufacturing process.

Designed for year-round control of an eclectic array of critters – not just rabbits – the 100% organic formula is perfectly safe to use around your plants and flowers and is particularly suitable for bulb protection.

Able to provide garden security over 1750 square feet, it’s best for ground vegetation under two feet high. While it’s not known to attract pets, it’s recommended that you consider using the spray formula if you have dogs or cats around.

Pros

Cons

Wetsel Rabbit Scram Granular Repellent

Staying with the granular products now with this Rabbit Scram tub of eco-friendly repellent. Easy to use in any conditions, it’s effective all year round and not harmful to humans or animals. Made from 100% natural ingredients, it opts to use a lower percentage of dried blood, fused with a meat meal mix with white pepper, garlic, and cloves.

Simply use the included scoop to apply a strip of granules at the base of the plants, flowers, or vegetables you want to protect – and give it a light watering for best results. This is where a good cart hose reel would come in handy.

Pros

Cons

Bonide (BND2405) Animal Repellent Concentrate

Bonide is known for their effective weed killers, including for controlling Bermuda grass, and this is their take on rabbit repellent. This particular formula causes mild irritation to the animal’s nasal passages, so when it comes into contact with the liquid either by touch, taste, or smell, it’s instinct is to run away.

It will deter multiple animals, including deer, rabbits, skunks, raccoons, and squirrels, while not harming them or your lawn, flowerbeds and desirable plants. After it has dried on application, it will last for up to two months, and it’s easy to use with a trigger spray or tank bottle.

Quite possibly the best deer and rabbit repellent on the market, this is a potent mix of ingredients the critters won’t find enticing.

Pros

Cons

Top 6 Alternative Rabbit Repellents

Granular and liquid rabbit repellents all contain similar ingredients – regardless of the brand – and it might take a bit of trial and error to find one that works for you in your region.

As such, I’ve also decided to include several alternative options that you might prefer to try before resorting to a funky formula or compound.

But for the best possible results, it’s recommended you use a combination of tactics anyway – to really maximize your chances of keeping Bugs and his cronies from tearing up your garden.

Dalen OW6 Gardeneer by Natural Enemy Scarecrow Horned Owl

Scarecrows have been a tried and trusted animal and bird repellent for centuries, and you can continue the tradition with this scare-owl. Designed to help keep all kinds of pests away, this is a model of a great horned owl, standing at 16-inches tall and hand-painted for improved realism.

Mount it anywhere in your garden, either on a pole overlooking your vegetables, or weigh it down to add stability on a prominent ledge or wall. Chemical-free pest control with added charm, just make sure it’s highly visible everywhere in your yard – and position it somewhere an owl is likely to sit (seriously – putting it at ground level isn’t a wise choice).

It’s also a good idea to switch up its location from time to time and keep those pests on their little paws.

Pros

Cons

Homarden Garden Scare Cats – Humane Pest Control

If owls aren’t your thing – why don’t you try cats? This is a set of three humane pest control statues in the shape of black felines, each striking a different pose. Place sitting cat, stalking cat, and frightened cat around your yard or garden for an effective and decorative deterrent that will keep rabbits away.

Made out of powder-coated, galvanized steel, these moggy silhouettes are weather and rust resistant, and will last for years in situ among the flowerbeds. They even have reflective eyes made from marble for extra intimidation.

Mount them in the ground with stakes, or hang them from a tree with the hardware included. At the very least, you’ll have a fun Halloween decoration the kids will love.

Pros

Cons

Bird Netting Protect Plants and Fruit Trees

Let’s try a different tactic altogether now with this heavy-duty bird-netting that will protect your flowers and crops from all kinds of unwanted wildlife.

The durable plastic construction is resistant to all weather conditions, including a UV treatment for long life, and it can be cut to shape without the need to unravel. It won’t tear or break, and yet it’s super lightweight and easy to install.

Use it time and again every year to keep pests away from whatever you’re growing in your garden, as it’s designed to be tangle-free and roll-up-ready for the next season.

Stop animals from chowing down on your desirable plants and crops once and for all and sleep peacefully at night knowing they can’t even get near them.

Pros

Cons

Luster Leaf Products Fend Off DR-50 Repellent Plant Clips

Here we have an altogether different approach to keeping rabbits away from your garden – repellent plant clips. Containing garlic and soybean oil, they’re 100% natural, non-toxic, and safe for all animals and humans.

The concentrated formula contained within is proven to keep deer, rabbits, and other nuisance animals away, and you simply clip the peg to your existing plants or vines to form a protective barrier without the need to use granules or sprays.

The slow-release applicator will work throughout the season, ensuring your garden remains deer and rabbit-free for another year.

25, 50, and 100 piece packs are available, in a color choice of blue or green.

Pros

Cons

Yardgard Mesh Galvanized Welded Wire

When in doubt – use a fence. This is a 16-gauge, 24-inch by 25 foot galvanized steel wire that’s welded with cross wires for added strength and durability. Trimmed flush for smooth edges, installation is easy and you’ll soon have a yard that’s the botanical equivalent of Fort Knox.

The material is finished with a zinc coating that is rust-resistant, while the roll weighs just 3.97 lbs. Aside from preventing rabbits from entering fenced-off areas, this versatile product has multiple uses around the home, including animal pens, general-purpose fences, and property dividers.

Just remember to dig down and place your fence deep – otherwise, a bunny will happily pull off the plot of the Great Escape – only the other way around and with vegetables.

Pros

Cons

Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler

Finally, we come to another motion-activated device, the aptly named Yard Enforcer from Orbit. The mode of attack here is a sprinkler system, and when triggered it will eject a harmless spray of water to scatter any creatures that might have come looking for a quick snack.

Offering 24-hour protection, it will work day and night to safeguard your plants and can spray up to 70 feet in diameter, covering 3,840 square feet when set to a full circle.

Powered by four AA batteries, you’ll get 7,500 activation cycles before they need replacing, and it uses less than two cups of water per spray. Able to detect animals up to 40 feet away, it can also tell the difference between critters and trees – so it won’t ever activate on blustery days or nights. Clever, eh?

Pros

Cons

Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Best Rabbit Repellent

There’s a lot to consider when buying a rabbit repellent, and I’ll address any fears or concerns you have in this buyer’s guide. Here’s what you should be looking out for before making a purchase.

Active Ingredients

What is actually in rabbit repellent and how safe is it?

When it comes to liquid and granular rabbit repellents, they can be made from a variety of ingredients that the animals will find repulsive, and will use a combination of smell and taste to do their job.

Active ingredients can include dried blood, garlic extracts, fish oils, hot pepper, and other natural, chemical compounds.

All the rabbit repellents I’ve included in this review are humane and safe – providing they’re used as directed, of course.

But that doesn’t mean to say that some of them don’t stink to high heaven.

Spray or Granules?

When it comes to rabbit repellent compounds and formulas – you can choose between liquid sprays or granules for how you dispense it around your garden.

It’s up to you to decide which you would prefer, but they each have a specialized application.

Use granules for larger areas – such as on lawns. They’re also best used when creating a “barrier” around your yard perimeter, or the area you wish to protect.

This method is probably the best rabbit repellent for flowers and bulbs, or anything that is growing close to the ground.

Use sprays to target specific areas. You’ll have much more control over where the repellent can be directed and then use this to your advantage.

Sprays can be used to cover vertical areas, anything higher up, or anywhere that granules can’t be spread.

And with the right dispenser, you can cover a very wide area using a concentrated formula you dilute with water.

Having said all that – you can always double team the critters with both types – and significantly increase your chances of repelling multiple pests.

Amount

The amount of rabbit repellent you need is something you should take into consideration and will depend on a number of factors.

How much area do you have to cover? How often do you feel you need to “top up” your defenses?

Repellents come in a variety of quantities, from small trigger-spray bottles to large tubs of granules, as well as a concentrate that can make several hundred gallons of liquid if required.

Check to see how long a product will last – it will give you an idea when you need to buy more and replace it.

Alternative Options

As you can see I included a selection of alternative rabbit repellents – aside from chemical compounds.

You can also use scarecrows, mesh protection, fencing, ultrasonic motion sensors, and sprinkler systems to keep animals out of your yard.

Households with family pets might also see a decline in unwanted visitors – especially if your furry friend is allowed to wander freely in your yard. Dogs and cats can be very territorial – and the bunnies ain’t gonna mess with that.

FAQs

Does rabbit repellent really work?

This is a broad question that deserves a broad answer.

Yes and no.

There are so many factors involved that it’s almost impossible to say with any surety if a particular repellent will work or not.

It’s all about finding out what works for you and your situation.

Trial and error.

That, and I would encourage you to use a variety of methods and techniques to improve your chances of banning rabbits and other pests from your yard.

How often should I apply rabbit repellent?

This depends on the type of product you’re using. Some can be applied once a season, others might need to be refreshed or added to – especially after it rains.

Refer carefully to the manufacturer’s instructions for the particular product you buy.

What plants or smells attract rabbits?

Just like us humans, rabbits have food and smells they find enticing.

When it comes to attracting them, they prefer young, leafy greens with tender shoots. They love to gorge on lettuce, beans, spinach, strawberries, and broccoli.

And carrots, of course.

For flowers, they will happily chow down on a huge variety, including the common daisy, sunflowers, pansies, snapdragons, pot marigold, and tulips.

And they will go to town on a great many shrub and herb species, too. They’re particularly fond of the smell of fennel.

In short – it was probably better to ask what they DON’T like!

What smells do rabbits hate?

Garlic.

Much like vampires, rabbits can’t stand the stuff. A great many rabbit repellents will use some kind of garlic extract in their formula – along with a mix of other ingredients.

Eggs will also seriously put them off.

And since rabbits have a very strong sense of smell, it’s possible to try to dissuade them from visiting the garden by cultivating strong smelling plants like mint and lavender – as they tend to avoid eating them.

They’re none too fond of onions, potatoes, and leeks, too.

Which rabbit repellent is safe for pets?

All the repellents I have included in this article are safe for pets – however, that doesn’t mean to say they won’t be affected by them – or your pet might inhibit a repellent’s performance in some way.

It’s a good idea to keep pets indoors – at least until you’re done spraying or spreading rabbit repellent. Dogs especially will lick and eat anything.

And the motion-sensitive animal repellents can still be triggered by family pets, so be advised they might get a bit of a fright if that happens, as for ultrasound effect on pets, read here.

How do I keep rabbits out of my garden without a fence?

There are a number of tactics you can employ to keep rabbits out of your yard without the need to fence it in.

In this article, I’ve highlighted some of the best and most effective solutions. Here they are in a nutshell.

And it’s a very good idea to employ one or more rabbit-repelling tricks so you’re not just relying on one technique.

What is a natural rabbit repellent?

Again, all the compound rabbit repellents I’ve included in this review are natural. I’ve not included any toxic products or formulas made from harsh chemicals.

100% natural repellents can include garlic, egg, dried blood, and various organic oils.

You can have a go at making your own, homemade repellent using household items – you’ll discover there are a number of recipes available online.

However, bear in mind the results are mixed and you might be better off purchasing a specially formulated compound to save time and money in the long run.

Will a rabbit repellent harm my plants?

No.

Granular and liquid rabbit repellents are made from organic and natural materials. They are non-toxic and contain no harsh chemicals.

As a disclaimer, you should always check the label to make sure that this is confirmed – and use as directed at all times.

Will X keep rabbits away?

There are millions of possible combinations of household items that people claim to keep rabbits at bay.

Coffee grounds? Vinegar? Epsom salt? Irish Spring soap? Peppermint oil? Apple cider vinegar? Cinnamon? Lavender? Cayenne pepper? Human Hair? Dried Blood?

The list is seemingly endless.

Many are old wives’ tales, but is there a grain of truth in any of them?

After some research, I’ve concluded that they’re all hit-and-miss.

While certain gardeners swear by one method, others will tell you it never worked for them. Feel free to experiment for yourself.

If you do decide against a commercial rabbit repellent – let me know if any of these “solutions” are successful.

Summary

What’s up, Doc?

I’ll tell you what’s up! Rabbits have been at my cabbages again – that’s what’s up!

But with the help of the best rabbit repellents on the market, discovering a devoured garden the next time you inspect your plot will hopefully be a thing of the past.

Personally, I’m going to be trying a combination of the scare-cats and the ultrasonic deterrent.

I’d probably go with the Bonide repellent if I was using a liquid formula.

Let me know which repellent you would go for and why, and I wish you the very best of luck in expelling Bugs and Co. from your garden.