Rabbit problem!

[ddrumman2004]

Any of you have any idea of how I can stop wild rabbits from using my driveway as a place to do their "business"?

I have a gravel driveway with an approx 25x25 sq. ft. covered parking area that is covered in pea gravel. The rabbit population around here has tripled, or more it seems, over the past few years and now they have started to use my parking area to drop their pellets.

I don't want to harm them in any way as our 5 year old, brain damaged, miniature poodle loves to chase them. But the piles of droppings are getting to be a bit too much as you have to watch your step getting into a vehicle. Why they do it by my truck door, I'll never know!

Any idea as to what to do to make them find another place to do their job?

 

[Honda_Fan]

A pellet gun was the first thing that came to mind.

Seriously, below is a link that might be of help.
here

 

[CivicFan]

Wolves.

 

[benjamming]

Your problem sounds like a might fine supper to me. Seriously. That is the best way, IMHO, to control an out of control animal population that is mighty tasty.

 

[sciphi]

If you want to scare them, get an AirSoft airgun and take aim. It's non-lethal to humans (except if being extremely daft, as it is a gun). Plus it'll leave a nice welt on bunny, so they remember not to go near.

 

[ddrumman2004]

Originally Posted By: Honda_Fan
A pellet gun was the first thing that came to mind.

Seriously, below is a link that might be of help.
here



Is this true?......"One of the easiest methods is to gather different types of animal hair. You can use cat, dog and even your own hair. Put these in sealed plastic near plants and flowers. Once rabbits smell it, they’ll go elsewhere."

Can rabbits smell through sealed plastic??

Anyway, killing them is out of the question, with a gun anyway, as there are other "dwellings" close by. I was hoping there would be some kind of spray I could use to combat this. Maybe a call to our local co-op would help.

Thanks anyway.

 

[JHZR2]

If you have a poodle that likes to chase them, let it.

I've kept plastic "heavy duty" owls around our garden, and they work well.

I bet urine in strategic spots would work.

 

[scurvy]

If a gun is out of the question, get some live capture cages and ready the stewpot.

 

[opus1]

Unfortunately, the foolproof method would be coyotes. I'm on the edge of suburbia and when I moved into the house, the rabbit population was in check thanks to coyotes. They got relocated and the rabbit population exploded. They're eating flowers I planted that are supposed to be repulsive to rabbits, and last spring, I came home from work one day and thought that Watership Down was being remade and my front lawn was the set.

There are sprays that contain things like canine urine and rotten eggs and so forth, but you have to reapply them whenever it rains.

 

[tmorris1]

Live trap if you don't want to kill them.

 

[sciphi]

If traditional guns are out, look into the AirSoft ones. They work well for scaring pigeons when used consistently. Plus they're available in clear plastic so there's no way anybody could mistake an unmodified one for a real gun.

Relocating problem animals with a live trap works for a few days, then the animals return. I've seen problem animals travel back over several miles before.

Deterrent sprays or other deterrents may be your best option.

 

[CivicFan]

Originally Posted By: sciphi
Deterrent sprays or other deterrents may be your best option.


that.

 

[needsducktape]

Tomahawk missile.

Its the only way to be sure.

-Just kidding.

In addition to the above ^^^
A good barn cat does marvels at keeping mice and rabbits away.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

Wolf or Coyote urine sprinkled about and kept somewhat fresh.

And since you're going to ask, you can get bottles of each from Amazon.com.

 

[kkreit01]

I used to shoot (and often) hit them with a slingshot. I then bought a real powerful air rifle -- which I cannot shoot now because of my fence (expensive vinyl). I don't shoot the slingshot anymore either

Our Sheltie keeps them out if he's outside, and their within our fence. He came very close to catching one once (I sealed all the holes, and bunny couldn't escape).

 

[dailydriver]

Take up falconry.

(But then the pup might not be around too much longer.

)

 

[dave munson]

Yes. A good dog will take care of your problem in a day or two.

 

[tmorris1]

Originally Posted By: sciphi

Relocating problem animals with a live trap works for a few days, then the animals return. I've seen problem animals travel back over several miles before.

I didn't mean relocate. Live trap, take out of town and shoot.

 

[9296D21B14]

Predator urine may temporarily repel target species but at times only attracts more predators who want to mark their territory. Pets beware! Noxious sprays (pepper, rotten eggs, etc) in my experience eventually act as attractants. Hunger trumps bad smell. Putting Fido to work at vermin control is less than optimal. I have several Rat Terriers but they are never that hungry. My fault. Maybe, a rabbit or two a year. Reducing total population of nuisance species usually results in increased fecundity. The more you kill the more they reproduce. See rabbits, nutrias, feral hogs, even coyotes. The Swamp People approach, "Choot 'em!" may provide some limited short term excitement but little long term effectiveness. Plus there is a legal hunting season. My problem is with my veggie garden. Can no longer plant or harvest peas or beans because of rabbit infestations in part due to habitat changes after Katrina. Fences work for limited areas like a garden but if rabbit droppings are your main concern, just watch where you step!

 

[morris]

moth balls, lemon juice its just a guess. i dont know that it will work. just a guess