What is the best homemade rabbit repellent?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.An effective homemade rabbit repellent is a spicy garlic spray. Its strong scent and taste effectively deter rabbits without causing harm to plants. This solution consists of common kitchen ingredients, is inexpensive, and eliminates concerns for eco-aware gardeners.
Mixing Ingredients
- Combine 2 tbsp cayenne pepper with 1 quart water
- Add 4 crushed garlic cloves to intensify the scent
- Mix in 1 tsp dish soap to help the spray stick to plants
Application Tips
- Spray around garden edges and plant bases
- Reapply every 7-10 days for consistent protection
- Avoid spraying directly on edible crops before harvest
Safety & Storage
- Wear gloves to prevent skin irritation from cayenne
- Label and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
- Keep pets away until the spray dries completely
The effectiveness of the spray stems from the fact that rabbits dislike capsaicin found in cayenne, and allicin in garlic, which pets and other animals find irritating to their senses. One gardener from Vermont reported no rabbit damage after having sprayed the mixture three times. The mixture also works to deter deer and groundhogs.
Adapt the recipe according to the area you live in. In humid areas where it rains heavily, you would want to reapply after the heavy rain. In dry climates, you should increase the intervals between applications to 14 days. To help protect a garden with a persistent rabbit presence, you can use the spray along with hardware cloth fencing at the same time. Make sure to refresh your garlic cloves weekly for maximum effectiveness.
Post your outcomes on the internet. A family in Texas protected their sunflowers via this approach. Another family in Oregon saved their herb garden. Your success may empower others with similar issues. Play around with ratios, to see what works best locally.
Read the full article: 10 Effective Ways to Deter Rabbits in Your Garden
