Rabbits are adorable creatures for raising as pets. Nonetheless, if they are allowed to roam freely in and around the house, these cute bunnies are nothing less than the most destructive pests known to us. Seedlings and young vegetables hardly survive after being attacked by rabbits, while they eat tender parts of established plants making them weak and ugly. Under such cases, there is no other option left to the homeowner, rather than controlling rabbits to avoid further damage to garden plants, especially vegetables. Different Ways to Control Rabbits A long term effectual way to deter rabbits is erecting a strong fence (about 48 inch tall) with chicken wire around the garden, burying a bit at the base. This method is not only costly, but it is not a practical solution for a backyard garden or very large area. Moreover, a fence reduces the aesthetic value of the vegetable and/or flower garden. Other popular options for controlling these hairy creatures are using repellents, making rabbit traps and habitat management. Focusing on the best rabbit repellent, it refers to an agent that is unpleasant in taste or odor for rabbits. In the market, you will find a plethora of rabbit repelling products that are claimed to be effective in preventing damage caused by rabbits. However, most of these pesticides are based on toxic chemicals, and using them contributes a lot to environmental pollution. Also, spraying pesticides in the vegetable garden is a major health concern. Considering all these aspects, the best repellent for rabbits can be prepared at home with readily available kitchen supplies. Following info is all about eco-friendly rabbit repellents. Dried Blood Meal When it comes to repelling deer, dried or powdered blood meal serves the best product. It also enriches garden soil with nitrogen. You can use the same for controlling rabbits. Apply this in garden areas that you want to protect from pests. Blood meal should be reapplied after rains to get satisfactory results. Essential Oil Repellent The best options are linseed oil and castor oil. Dilute them with water and apply with a spray bottle. Or else, mix any one of this oil with liquid soap and water, making sure that the oil contributes to about 85 percent of the mixture. Spray it over plants to dissuade rabbits. Use Cat's Litter Cats are enemies of rabbits, and the slightest sight of cats can frighten these bunnies. If available, you can sprinkle soiled litter of kitten or cat along the border of your garden. This is an inexpensive and effectual way to deter rabbits. Reapply it once in few weeks time or after rains. Hot Pepper Repellent This is probably the best rabbit repellent that you can prepare at home. Select the hottest dry peppers available in the market and blend them in a mixer. Combine this powder with water to make a liquid concoction and strain it. Mix this filtrate with 2 tablespoons castor oil, small amounts of dishwashing liquid and white glue. Fill this rabbit repellent in a spray bottle and apply it over crop plants. Sprinkle Limestone Powder Crushed limestone works in the same manner as hot pepper for controlling rabbits. These cuddly bunnies cannot tolerate the smell of limestone. So, consider applying crushed limestone over wet leaves of vegetable crops, or on soil around specific plants. Rabbits will go away if they smell this calcium compound. Use Animal Lard Lard is used for various purposes, of which some include baking goodies, cooking and soap making. This serves as an effective rabbit repellent too. Rubbing it in the large tree trunks helps in driving the pests away. Thus, you can use this fatty ingredient for protecting fruit trees from rabbits. Rabbit Repellent Plants Growing plant cultivars that rabbits do not like is also a simple way to repel these destructive pests naturally. The list includes onion, garlic, monkshood, catnip, lavender and foxglove amongst others. You can think of planting them sparingly in the borders of garden beds and along the garden boundary. In order to control rabbits effectively, you are expected to reapply these homemade rabbit repellents at regular intervals, or whenever necessary. Besides these, you will also find electronic rabbit repellents in the market. Last but not the least, consider placing decoys like plastic snakes and eagles to frighten rabbits, and stop them from visiting your vegetable garden.