Rabbit & Squirrel Defense: Fencing, Trapping, and Repellents That Work

Protecting Annuals from 24/7 Wildlife Feeding

Rabbits (nocturnal) and squirrels (diurnal) together create constant pressure. No single solution is perfect—layer your defenses.

Rabbit Barriers

• Fence: 2–3 ft chicken wire + 2–6 in buried. Most reliable.
• Less-preferred plants: Barberry, cinquefoil, cotoneaster, lilac, sage, viburnum.

Squirrel Management

• Live-trap in winter (avoid separating mothers from young). Peanut butter bait. Check local laws.
• Relocate ≥several miles. Release in suitable habitat.

Repellents (Variable Success)

• Garlic spray/bulb dusting
• Ammonia sprays at dawn/dusk
• Cayenne pepper (reapply after rain)
• Used cat litter/dog hair at entry points

What Doesn't Work

• Ultrasonic devices—no evidence of effectiveness.

Acceptance

Some damage is inevitable. Combine fencing + trapping + rotation of repellents for best results.