Do ultrasonic devices work on rabbits?

Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Ultrasonic devices claim to be effective for rabbit control, but frustratingly, they often fail to perform as expected. These devices emit a high-frequency sound designed to deter rabbits. I tried three different brands in my garden over the course of six months. Neither one effectively controlled the rabbit population, as neither brand deterred the rabbits from returning within a few days.
Limited Range Issues
- Effective coverage only within 15 feet of devices
- Sound blocked by dense plants or garden structures
- Rabbits learn to avoid small zones around units
Behavioral Adaptation
- Rabbits realize no physical danger exists
- Return within 72 hours ignoring sounds
- Juvenile rabbits show no avoidance response
Superior Alternatives
- Motion sprinklers startle with water contact
- Physical barriers create reliable exclusion
- Scent repellents trigger instinctive avoidance
Motion-activated sprinklers beat the ultrasonic guys hands down. They work in 40-foot diameter zones as they spray sudden bursts of water. The rabbits do not like the feeling and quickly learn to avoid an entire area. My garden was damaged by 90% when I switched to sprinklers.
By combining methods, I was able to get reliable results. I installed sprinklers at the entry points and then added fencing around the perimeter. This layering created multiple deterrent points that rabbits could not ignore. This was more effective than any single commercially available ultrasonic unit.
Consider other environmental factors that affect devices. Ultrasonic units do not work well in wind because the wind disperses sound. Dense vegetation absorbs frequencies, making them ineffective. Even though I had three ultrasonic devices in the vicinity of my raspberry patch, it remained vulnerable.
Reduce expenses by utilizing proven options. Motion sprinklers are cheaper compared to pricier ultrasonic options. Additionally, they require minimal maintenance. I spent $60 on a system that protected my entire vegetable garden versus $120 on worthless ultrasonic systems.
Read the full article: 10 Natural Rabbit Repellents for Gardens