Cute as they may be, rabbits can wreak havoc in your garden, devouring crops and ruining your harvest. Yet, you don’t want to resort to harmful methods like poison to control them.
Protect your crops without harming creatures by using natural deterrents like cayenne pepper.
You are probably wondering if this spicy solution is the right choice for protecting your plants from furry invaders. Luckily, we are here to answer all of your questions!
Join us as we dive into using cayenne pepper as a natural rabbit repellent. Get ready to add a kick to your garden defense!
Quick Answer
Rabbits are not a fan of spicy foods, and this includes cayenne peppers. They don’t like the smell or taste of these veggies, which is why they will stay away.
However, I have to mention that cayenne rabbit repellent is not 100% effective. Rabbits can still eat around the plant, and you’ll have to reapply the repellent after it rains. Even after you apply it, it is a natural product that breaks quickly and only lasts for a day or two.
But if you have time on your hands, it’s always better to choose a natural option first. This way, you won’t harm the rabbits or your plants in the long run.
Also read: Do Coffee Grounds Repel Rabbits And How To Use Them?
Signs Of Rabbits In The Garden
Now, how can you be certain that you are dealing with a rabbit infestation?
Rabbits are herbivores that like sweets, so they will move towards fruit trees and rose family members. Missing fruits and flowers are common signs of rabbit infestation. Pansies, tulips, and zinnia flowers are like candy to them!
In the garden, look for neat, pointed gnaw marks at a 45-degree angle on trees and shrubs. These are signs that rabbits are present. They will munch on young stems rather than mature ones.
Clean-cut leaves and nibbled leaf margins are clear signs of rabbits in the garden. If the leaves are shredded, then you are probably dealing with deer. Burrows in the soil and mulch indicate the presence of moles.
Also, if you spot any rabbit poop (their pellets are larger and more rounded) without noticing missing leaves or flowers, you should act quickly and apply cayenne pepper before they eat away your crops and plants.
Also read: Small Holes In Lawn Overnight – The Likely Culprits
How To Apply Cayenne To Deter Rabbits
Cayenne peppers contain a chemical component called capsaicin, which makes them hot and spicy. If ingested, it leads to a burning sensation in the mouth, irritation of the nose and throat, and also stinging and watering eyes.
Since rabbits have advanced smell and taste receptors, they find cayenne peppers rather unpleasant.
There are two ways you can apply pepper: in its liquid or dry form. Both ways work just fine, it’s totally up to you which choice you’ll make!
Please remember that these are also harmful for pets and children, so don’t spray just anywhere, and warn your kids about it.
Liquid Cayenne Pepper
Liquid application is cheaper than dry application, and is less time-consuming. However, you’ll have to make the solution instead of just buying it pre-made.
This is how you do it:
1. Combine three to six tablespoons of ground cayenne pepper into a container of water (you can use gallon-sized milk jug).
2. Then, add a couple of drops of castile soap.
3. Give it a hard shake.
4. Leave the mixture for three days to steep.
5. Put the mixture into a spray bottle and mist all exposed plant parts.
We are adding castile soap so that the cayenne can be spread easily onto flowers, leaves, and stems. Remember to reapply it after rain. If not, you should apply this solution two times a week until you notice that the rabbits are gone.
Dry Application
The easier method is dry application – all you have to do is use a shaker and simply scatter ground cayenne powder around your plants and flowers. Make sure to put some powder on the leaves and flowers as well, so if the rabbits bite them, they’ll be unpleasantly surprised!
However, this method is more pricey because you’ll have to buy the powder and apply it regularly. If you have a larger garden, you’ll go through a jar of powder in no time. Plus, red dust will spread almost everywhere, which can look unsightly.
Related: Grow These 13 Plants To Keep Squirrels Away From Your Garden
Meta: If you have issues with rabbits in the garden, consider cayenne pepper. Read this article to find out will cayenne pepper keep rabbits out of your garden.