How do I stop rabbits from digging?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Rabbits dig under barriers, causing very frustrating garden damage. Correcting dig issues usually requires a physical behavioral modification strategy. I have kept rabbits out of my garden beds by installing fenced barriers at an angle, and placing rocks in a defensive pattern, which creates a series of impassable barriers, that rabbits can't burrow underneath.
Angled Underground Fencing
- Bury wire mesh 6 inches deep around garden perimeters
- Bend bottom 6 inches outward at 45° angle before burial
- Use galvanized hardware cloth instead of chicken wire for durability
Rock Barrier Installation
- Place fist-sized rocks 6 inches apart around plant bases
- Create double layers near fence corners rabbits target
- Use local stones to blend with garden aesthetics
Perimeter Maintenance
- Clear vegetation 3 feet out from fence lines
- Remove brush piles and debris monthly
- Mow grass short to eliminate hiding spots
Proper installation of angled fencing will yield successful results. Dig an 8-inch trench around your garden. Install the fencing in an outward-facing bent shape, then pack with backfill. This eventually becomes a physical shelf that the rabbits cannot dig under. My carrot beds were unharmed using this style.
Keep cleared areas maintained. Rabbits prefer hiding in areas where predators are unlikely to see them. I keep 3-foot-wide bare soil margins around vegetable garden plots. This one technique resulted in a 75% reduction in digging attempts in my backyard.
Using multiple methods at once for maximum protection. Use angled fencing with rock clusters around areas near the most vulnerable plants. Add a monthly perimeter inspection for early detection of diggers. This style stopped all digging in my garden after many years of damage.
Check barriers monthly, especially after heavy rains. Soil erosion can wear a fence down enough that rabbits can dig and crawl under the bottom of the wall. A trowel is a good tool to tuck in compromised areas. Continuous maintenance will provide long-term protection from rabbits.
Read the full article: 10 Natural Rabbit Repellents for Gardens
