Rabbits: Least-Toxic Control

Physical control

q       Put up permanent fencing with mesh size not more than 31mm and at least 19 gauge wire, not less than 1m high.  15 cms of the mesh needs to be turned out at right angles at the bottom and should be sunk into the ground to prevent rabbits burrowing underneath.  The fence should have enough posts to keep the wire tight and prevent sagging.

q       Use of live traps (trapped rabbit can be relocated)

available from

-         Killgerm

q       Ferreting and shooting

q       Rabbits avoid the following plants which can be used as hedges: box, rhododendron, clematis, laurel and flowers: yellow flag, cyclamen, foxglove, snowdrops, daffodils and scarlet pimpernel.

q       Surround area to be protected with 50 cm wide band of dried gorse, rue (Ruta graveolens) or holly leaves

Least toxic chemical control

q       Renardine liquid repellant – can be mixed in with sand and spread around area to be protected, or bundles of sticks or rags dipped in renardine can be used as a barrier

available from

- Roebuck Eyot Ltd

- sortoutyourgarden.com

- GoneGardening