Are coffee grounds effective against rabbits?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Numerous gardeners have been using coffee grounds with the expectation of keeping away rabbits. This traditional technique does not work continuously. An outdoor coffee grounds odor dissipates rapidly, usually within 48 hours. A rabbit will inspect and eventually reject the scent during its regular cycle. I used this for weeks, and I barely saw any benefit.
Blood Meal Granules
- Apply 1 cup per 10 sq ft around plant bases
- Reapply every 14 days for consistent nitrogen scent
- Avoid edible plants harvested within 7 days
Garlic-Pepper Sprays
- Mix 2 tbsp garlic powder with 2 tbsp cayenne
- Combine with 5 cups water and 1 tsp soap
- Spray plant surfaces every 3-5 days
Citrus Peel Barriers
- Spread 2-inch layers of dried orange peels
- Refresh weekly or after rainfall
- Boil peels for longer-lasting oil concentrates
Coffee grounds are unsuccessful as rabbits rapidly become habituated to the smell. After the initial investigation, they return to eating immediately. The grounds lack volatile materials that activate avoidance trigger mechanisms. My garden camera caught rabbits hopping right over coffee barriers to reach the lettuce within three days.
Blood meal granules are far superior to coffee grounds. With a nitrogen-based smell that resembles predation, rabbits naturally stay away. Just apply every 2 weeks around plant bases for consistent effectiveness. I use these with chicken wire fencing for almost total protection.
Proper use is important for alternatives. For garlic sprays, cover all plant surfaces until it drips off the plant. Reapply after 0.25 inch of rain. Citrus peels require a thick, 2-inch application that is refreshed weekly. Those alternatives protected me from the rainy spring weather.
Stop spending unnecessary time on solutions that don't work. It is better to use solutions that interact with rabbit instincts. Blood meal and predator scents naturally trigger avoidance instincts. My garden was 90% less damaged when I switched from coffee grounds to tried-and-true solutions.
Read the full article: 10 Natural Rabbit Repellents for Gardens
