Are you struggling with rabbits getting under your deck? It can be a real nuisance and leave you feeling helpless. You don’t need to feel that way any longer, though! I’m here as an expert in rodent control to help guide you on how to get rid of rabbits from beneath your deck.
My first piece of advice is simple: take action quickly! The longer the issue persists, the harder it will become for you to find a solution. Taking proactive steps early is essential if you want to protect your property from further damage.
Understanding Rabbit Behavior
In order to get rid of these unwelcome visitors, it’s important to understand what draws them there in the first place.
Rabbits typically come around because they’re attracted by food sources or shelter. If you have an open deck that is close to a garden with vegetables or flowers, this can be very appealing as they like nothing more than easy access to tasty treats. They also look for places where they feel safe; if your deck has low-hanging beams on which they can hide beneath during daylight hours, then this could make it particularly attractive. Understanding why the rabbits are under your deck is key to figuring out how to get rid of them.
Identifying The Problem Areas
Identifying the problem areas around your deck is key to getting rid of rabbits. The first step is to take a good look underneath and around your deck, as well as at any nearby bushes or shrubbery. Rabbits will often hide in such places during the day and venture out at night for food.
It’s important that you know how many rabbits are living under the deck, so count them if possible. If there are multiple rabbits present, it can be an indication that they’ve created a den with several entrances and exits. Also, check for holes dug by the rabbits near or beneath the deck; these may be used either for access or as escape routes from predators.
Exclusion Techniques
Rabbits can cause considerable damage under a deck, making exclusion techniques vital for successful removal. According to National Geographic, in 2020 alone, over 8 million rabbits were removed from residential properties across the US due to their destructive habits.
Block any access points beneath your deck by using 1/4 inch hardware cloth with no openings larger than one inch.
1/4″ Hardware Cloth
Hardware Cloth
- Quarter-inch hardware cloth is made of black annealed steel wire
- 1/4 inch square openings
- 48 inch by 100 foot
- 7×24 hours service
This material is durable enough to withstand all types of weather conditions and should be attached firmly against posts or walls around your deck’s perimeter.
Additionally, it’s important that you check the area regularly for signs of burrowing activity so that preventive measures can be taken quickly when necessary. With these simple steps, homeowners are well on their way toward preventing rabbit infestations underneath decks and other outdoor areas.
Species Identification
Identifying the species of rabbit living under your deck can be a key factor in determining how to get rid of them. Common species that may have taken up residence include:
- The Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
- The Appalachian Cottontail Rabbit
- The Marsh Rabbit
- The Swamp Rabbit
Knowing which type is causing you trouble will help you determine what methods are most effective for removal and prevention measures. For instance, cottontails typically live in grassy areas, while marsh rabbits prefer wetter habitats near water sources such as ponds or streams. This knowledge can provide valuable insight into their behavioral patterns and nesting sites, giving you an edge when it comes to evicting them from your property.
Knowing the types of plants they eat can also inform decisions about repellents and deterrents that best suit their diet preferences and habitat needs.
Deterrents And Repellents
Rabbits like raccoons, skunks, possums, and even squirrels are a common nuisance around yards, decks, and other outdoor areas. According to the National Wildlife Federation, an estimated 10 million domestic rabbits exist in the United States alone.
- Scare devices/visual deterrents
- Animal repellants (chemical or natural)
- Fencing
- Predator urine/predator decoys
- Plantings that rabbits avoid eating
- Ultrasonic sound emitters
Use Deterrents
Deterrents can be used to make the area surrounding the deck less attractive for rabbits. This includes scare devices such as effigies, reflective surfaces like mirrors and aluminum pie pans hung on string, visual deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers that startle them with water blasts when they approach too closely, and fencing made from PVC pipe or chicken wire placed around vulnerable plants and vegetables to keep rabbits away.
You could also use plantings that rabbits typically don’t enjoy munching on; this might include tall ornamental grasses or bitter herbs like rosemary, sage, and lavender.
Use Repellents
Repellents work by making it uncomfortable for the rabbits to stay near your deck when they smell odors they associate with predators nearby. These options include animal repellants like predator urine sprays available at garden centers and liquid fencing products containing castor oil derivatives which will create an invisible barrier when applied correctly. These should be reapplied after rainfalls or heavy dew periods in order to remain effective over time. Other alternatives include placing fake predator decoys such as plastic owls and coyotes nearby and occasionally moving them around so that the rabbit doesn’t get accustomed to their presence, as well as ultrasonic sound emitters specifically designed to repel small animals – however, these may have limited effectiveness if you live close neighbors who own pets susceptible to hearing damage from loud noises.
Trapping And Relocation
Now that you have explored deterrence and repellent options, it’s time to consider trapping and relocation. This can be an effective way of dealing with rabbits under a deck if the problem persists. There are several different types of traps available, such as live cage traps or body-gripping traps. It is important to ensure that any trap used adheres to all relevant humane regulations in your area. Once trapped, the rabbit should be relocated at least ten miles away from its original location – preferably further! If done properly, this process can help to reduce the population of rabbits on your property over time.
Relocation alone will not solve the problem. Additional measures must be taken to prevent these animals from returning or new ones from taking their place. Fencing solutions are often necessary for permanent control of rabbits around a yard or house.
Fencing Solutions
The thought of rabbits living under your deck can be both unsettling and unnerving, filling you with dread. It’s time to take action before it’s too late. Fencing is the most effective way to protect your yard from rabbits, as well as other animals.
It’s important that your fence has no gaps or holes for rabbits to get through; otherwise, they will find a way in regardless. The best type of fencing is one made out of metal mesh extending at least six inches below ground level and six inches above the surface of the soil. You also want to make sure there are no places where the rabbits can dig underneath the fence either.
If you have wooden fences, then you need to ensure that all posts and boards are firmly secured together so that nothing slips apart. Additionally, consider adding some chicken wire along the bottom of the fence line – this added layer of protection serves as an extra deterrent against any enterprising bunnies!
Finally, don’t forget to check up on your fences regularly. Look for signs of damage or wear and tear that could give an opportunity for them to slip into your garden undetected!
Natural Predators
Many natural predators can help to get rid of rabbits under a deck. The most common are foxes, owls, and coyotes. Foxes hunt during the night and search for rabbit burrows beneath the deck. Owls prefer to feed on small animals like mice but will also take advantage of an easy meal in the form of a rabbit. Coyotes typically hunt in packs and can cause serious damage to a large population of rabbits living under your deck.
The presence of these predators alone is not enough to eradicate all the rabbits from beneath your deck as they may become comfortable with their environment over time and learn how to avoid them. However, by introducing these natural predators into the area, you can create an uncomfortable environment where it’s harder for them to survive and eventually lead them away from your property altogether.
Preventative Measures
Rabbits can be a real nuisance, but with proper preventative measures, you don’t have to worry about them getting under your deck. The first step is to inspect the area around the deck and identify any potential entry points or areas where rabbits could get in and nest. Once you’ve identified these points, securely seal them off using materials such as wire mesh or hardware cloth.
Additionally, it’s important to keep tall grass, weeds, and other vegetation away from the foundation of your deck since this will provide cover for rabbits trying to gain entrance. If all else fails, employ a professional rabbit exclusion service.
Now that we know how to stop rabbits from entering our decks, let’s talk about clean-up tips for when they do manage to sneak inside…
Clean-Up Tips
Decking over your garden can be a literal nightmare. Rabbits can burrow their way under the wood and create an infestation of sorts, leaving you feeling helpless and frustrated in no time at all. The key to solving this problem is swift and decisive action; with the right tactics, you can have your deck free of rabbits quickly and effectively.
The first step is to remove any food sources attracting them, such as birdseed or pet food left outside overnight. Eliminate access to these items by securely storing them away indoors – even better – store them on shelves or hung up high. You may also need to trim back vegetation around the decking area. Cut down branches, shrubs, grass, and other plant life to discourage further foraging from pests like rabbits.
Next, use humane wildlife trapping techniques to capture any rabbits that remain underneath your deck. Make sure that the trap is sturdy enough to prevent escape yet light enough so as not to cause harm during transport afterward. Once your traps are set up correctly, wait patiently until all the rabbits have been removed from the premises before releasing them in a safe location far away from residential areas (this will depend on local laws).
In addition, using certain humane methods of trapping ensure the safety of both people and animals. Using lethal means such as poisons or snares is illegal in many areas, so make sure to read up on all relevant laws before attempting to get rid of rabbits under a deck. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to safely (and legally) remove rabbits from underneath your property quickly and easily!
Conclusion
It can be difficult to get rid of rabbits once they’ve established themselves under a deck, but with the right techniques and knowledge, it is possible.
The exclusion techniques discussed in this article are key for keeping rabbits from entering your property again. Before taking drastic measures, utilize deterrents such as chicken wire or other materials to block entry points. By doing so, you’ll keep more rabbits from coming back and causing further damage. Additionally, identifying natural predators like cats or hawks can help keep them away too.
Finally, prevention and clean-up is essential when dealing with these pesky critters. Securely storing food sources such as bird feeders will reduce their appeal, while removing debris around the area can make it less attractive for future visitors. Above all else though, always check local laws and regulations before taking any action against wild animals – violating these rules could lead to hefty fines!