Rabbit Control
Control and Prevention – Rabbits
Even though rabbits can be cute as pets or even when seen hopping through the grass across an empty field, undomesticated or wild rabbits can cause a lot of damage to gardens and landscaping. Rabbits will feed on a large range of plants including young trees, broccoli, nuts, berries, herbs and of course – cabbages and carrots. But you can control and get rid of rabbits with the right tools, we’ll outline some of the main ways that people have controlled and prevented the flow of rabbits in an area.
Rabbit Control
How can rabbits be controlled in the most humane way?
- Fencing – By erecting a 4 foot tall wire-mesh fence and burying the bottom at least 6 inches below ground you can easily stop almost all rabbits from entering an area where you might be growing crops or vegetables in the garden. Bend a few inches of the fence bottom out, this will deter rabbits from digging under it. Mesh size should be no larger than one inch to exclude young rabbits. Also it is a good idea to install tight-fitting gates with sills underneath them to keep rabbits from digging and keep the gates closed as much as possible during the day and night.
- Tree Wrap – If individual plants are easier to protect than a wide area, you can consider just using some smaller pieces of chicken wire formed into cylinders to wrap around the trunks of young trees, shrubs or vines with the bottoms buried deep enough so that it will stop any rabbits from digging down and nibbling through the mesh to get to the plants.
- Cleanup – By removing brambles, piles of brush, stones, or other debris along fence rows and ditches you can minimize hiding places for certain species of cottontail and brush rabbits. However, removing cover will have little effect on other species as they can often use the cover that tends to be greater distances from their feeding sites.
- Repellant – Rabbit repellents work best during the early years before woody plants bear fruit or during the winter season where it is unlikely to contaminate anything growing on the trees or plants. However, with a few exceptions, most repellents cannot be used on plants or plant parts that will be eaten by humans as the risk of cross-contamination and danger to human life is too great.
- Rabbit Disco – Noisemakers, flashing lights, and ultrasonic repellers can sometimes be effective, although rabbits may start of warey they will soon learn that there is no threat behind the noise and lights and carry on entering the land to eat everything in side. But a feisty pet dog left loose within the area to be protected may be worth his weight in dog treats when it comes to rabbit chasing!
- Trapping – Live trapping of rabbits is not recommended because rabbits can carry diseases which may be transmittable to the trapper. There is also the small chance of the trap not working as intended, or the rabbit biting the trap owner when it comes to being released.
Some alternative ways to catch and dispose of rabbits are to shoot them when you notice them on your land, this requires a special license and consent from the council. For more details on shooting rabbits you should be able to find the information required on your local council or government website.
Your local rabbit and hare pest control experts
rabbits & hares faqs
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What areas do you cover for rabbit and hare pest control?
Tracker Pest Control operate across Epping and the Epping Forest area including Abridge, Barkingside, Bobbingworth, Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Chingford, Chipping Ongar, Coopersale, Debden, Epping Green, Fyfield, Hainault, High Beech, High Ongar, Highams Park, Loughton, Moreton, Nazeing, North Weald Bassett, Roydon Hamlet, Sewardstone, Snaresbrook, South Woodford, Stapleford Abbotts, Theydon Bois, Thornwood, Upshire, Woodford Green, Wanstead and Waltham Abbey.
If you are located outside these areas then please still get in touch as we still maybe able to help you. -
Why is rabbit and hare control necessary?
Rabbits and hares can cause significant damage to gardens, agricultural land, and properties. They can strip vegetation, damage crops, and create burrows that can lead to soil erosion or even structural damage. Controlling their population helps protect your property and prevents costly repairs.
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What methods do you use for rabbit and hare control?
We use a range of humane and effective methods, including trapping, shooting, and the installation of deterrents such as fencing. The method used will depend on the severity of the infestation and the specific conditions of your property.
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How long does rabbit and hare pest control take?
The duration of our pest control efforts can vary depending on the extent of the infestation. Some situations may be resolved in a single visit, while more severe infestations may require ongoing management over several weeks or months. We will assess your specific situation and provide a tailored plan.
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Will your pest control services impact other wildlife?
Our methods are designed to target rabbits and hares specifically. We take care to minimise any impact on other wildlife in the area. If you have concerns about other species on your property, please let us know, and we will discuss appropriate measures with you.
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How much do your rabbit and hare control services cost?
The cost of our services depends on the size of the area that needs treatment, the severity of the infestation, and the methods used. We offer competitive pricing and will provide you with a detailed quote after an initial assessment of your property.
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Can you prevent rabbits and hares from returning after treatment?
While it is difficult to completely eliminate the risk of rabbits and hares returning, we can implement measures such as fencing and ongoing monitoring to significantly reduce the likelihood of re-infestation. Regular maintenance and vigilance are key to keeping your property pest-free.
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Is your service available for both residential and commercial properties?
Yes, we provide rabbit and hare pest control services for both residential and commercial clients. Whether you have a small garden or large agricultural land, we can tailor our services to meet your specific needs.
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How can I schedule a consultation or service?
You can contact us via the form below, phone on 07562 108883 or email to schedule a consultation.
During the consultation, we will assess your situation, discuss your concerns, and recommend the best course of action. We aim to respond promptly and arrange visits at a time convenient for you.
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Are your services guaranteed?
We strive to provide the most effective pest control solutions, and while we can't guarantee that you will never see a rabbit or hare again, we stand by the quality of our work. If you experience any issues after our service, please get in touch, and we'll do our best to address them.
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What should I do if I spot rabbits or hares after treatment?
If you notice any rabbits or hares after we've completed our treatment, contact us immediately. Depending on the situation, we may recommend additional measures or a follow-up visit to ensure that the problem is fully resolved.
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areas we cover
Looking for a rabbit or hare control and removal expert near me? Tracker Pest Control operates across Coopersale and Epping and its surrounding areas, including Abridge, Barkingside, Bobbingworth, Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Chingford, Chipping Ongar, Coopersale, Debden, Epping Green, Fyfield, Hainault, High Beech, High Ongar, Highams Park, Loughton, Moreton, Nazeing, North Weald Bassett, Roydon Hamlet, Sewardstone, Snaresbrook, South Woodford, Stapleford Abbotts, Theydon Bois, Thornwood, Upshire, Woodford Green, Waltham Abbey, Wanstead.