The Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources estimates that there are about
5 million cottontail rabbits in Wisconsin. Some of us may
think that all 5 million are living in our own backyards.
Rabbits and other rodents feed on and damage the bark and
twigs of landscape plants. Their chewing can permanently
disfigure a tree or if they chew completely around and the
tree is girdled, they can kill it. Young and thin-barked trees
are most susceptible to animal damage. Some of the favorites
of rabbits include fruit trees, burning bush (Euonymus
alatus) and arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis). A
cylindrical enclosure that extends from 2 to 3 inches below
the soil line to 18 to 24 inches above the snow line will
protect against most rodents. Use ¼ inch hardware cloth to
make the cylinder. The hardware cloth can stay on year-round
but it should be large enough to allow for growth of the tree.
Another alternative is the use of repellents. Repellents
are not poisonous to the pest. They simply make the plant
taste or smell bad. For rodents, the most effective repellents
contain thiram. These products are either painted or sprayed
on the tree trunk, but need to be reapplied after heavy snow
or rain. Black pepper and bone meal sprinkled around the
rabbit’s favorite foods will sometimes encourage them to
find their supper somewhere else. Repellents should be applied
at twilight since rabbits prefer to eat after dark. Whatever
method you choose, be sure it is safe around children and
pets.
A few deer in your yard are a nuisance, but during a hard
winter, a large herd can pick your landscape clean of
vegetation. If deer become a problem, plant ornamentals that
deer don’t like such as daffodils (Narcissus) and
flowering onion (Allium) or try one or more of the
following deterrents. Repellents containing thiram can keep
deer damage in check. Cloth bags containing human hair have
also proved an effective deer repellent. Hang the bags 3 feet
above the ground and 3 feet apart. Put the bags out early in
September and remove them in spring.
Small hotel sized bars of soap can also be effective
repellents. With the wrapper intact, poke a hole through the
soap. Hang the soap from the branches of trees about 4 feet
from the ground and 15 feet apart.
If all else fails, the area can be enclosed with a fence to
keep deer out. The fence must be about 8 feet high and built
with posts and heavy wire to be effective.
