Which Rabbit Repellents Work Best? Researchers at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station conducted a study by examining 22 earlier studies of deer and rabbit repellent products. In addition, they conducted their own controlled study at two different isolated locations. The study concluded that commercially manufactured egg-based repellents worked better and more effective than predator urines and blood-based repellent products.
The strong pungent sulfurous odor given off by the putrefied solid egg mimics the smell of dead rotting meat emulating a fresh kill and that predators may be in the immediate area. This strong pungent sulfurous odor also mimics the scent of urine most likely form a predator. Combined, this method has proven time and time again to be an effective method of repelling rabbits. Which deer and rabbit repellents work best?
In the study, 10 commercial repellents were tested by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. The overall outcome was that 93 percent protection was achieved. This is compared with the 100 percent protection by the use of installing and maintaining a fence.
In second place were soap-based deer and rabbit repellent products with 83 percent protection rate. Both products were applied every 14 days in accordance with label directions. Soap based products were less effective and less expensive.
When deciding on what method of animal deterrent or repellent to use, considering the amount of browsing damage and how much you are willing to invest in a project. Fencing and other type of barriers can be costly and the cost of maintaining such a system is also a factor that should be considered.
Once deer have begun destroying your garden, it is more difficult to rid them of the habit. Whatever method of animal repellent you decide, treating the area before animals get a foothold is essential. Maintaining the application on a regular basis is the key to your success.
Below we have listed deer and rabbit repellents that we feel are effective products and may be considered when researching effective repellents.
Product Name | Putrescent whole Egg Solids | Peppermint | Garlic Powder | Sodium Lauryl Sulfate | Vegetable Oil as a Sticking Agent | Dried Blood porcine and/or bovine |
Nature’s MACE, Deer & Rabbit Repellent | 2.500 % | 1.000% | 0.500% | 0.200% | 0.030% | N/A |
Deer Stopper Deer & Rabbit Repellent | 1.520% | 0.136% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Liquid Fence, Deer & Rabbit Repellent | 1.070% | 0.000% | 0.370% | 0.140% | N/A | N/A |
Bonide Shot-Gun Animal Repellent | 0.016% | N/A | 0.003% | N/A | N/A | 0.016% |
Plantskydd Deer & Rabbit Repellent | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0.050% | 16.700% |
Deer B Gon Deer & Rabbit Repellent | 0.760% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
As a home owner you may want to consider alternative homemade rabbit repellent formulas. These products are not commercially manufactured and may not be as effective as store purchased brands.
So, the question is which rabbit repellents work best. When choosing an effective rabbit repellent, consider the ingredients and you may want to insure the product contains an effective sticking agent. A product with a good sticking agent will last longer by binding the active ingredient to the plant, protecting your garden longer and stretching your dollar. So the answer to the age old question of which deer and rabbit repellents work best? The answer is those that contain putrescent egg solid.