The European Rabbit

• Small, grey haired, mammal
• 34 - 45cm long, 1.3 - 2.2kg in weight
• Has long ears, large hind legs and short, fluffy tails

In years gone by, the rabbit was an excellent food source, however, as our appetite for rabbits dwindles, fewer are being controlled in this way and natural predators do not keep the numbers to an acceptable level. Rabbits can cause major damage to gardens and crops - hence the need for rabbit control and rabbit trapping.

Rabbit Breeding

The phrase "breeding like rabbits!" is not an empty one :

• A rabbit pregnancy lasts just 31 days
• Each litter contains 2 to 12 rabbits
• They can produce 4 to 7 litters per year
• Resulting in 30 to 40 young produced per year
• They are of reproductive age at just 3 to 4 months old
• Young are born into a nesting burrow, where the mothers return to suckle

Rabbits as Pests

Controling rabbits is a particular problem for gardeners and farmers, as rabbits eat any kind of vegetation, including flower gardens, tree sapplings and food crops. They are estimated to cause £100 million of damage every year. Their constant burrowing can strip young plants and crops and undermine roads, banks and gardens.

Rabbit Population Management and Pest Control

There are a number of rabbit pest control methods available. Rabbit populations can be brought under control by shooting and trapping using spring, cage and drop traps (both by day and night), as well as ferreting, snaring (by approved snares) and fumigating with Aluminium Phosphide (by authorised operatives). Garden fencing for rabbit control is another option as a rabbit proof fence (3ft high) can also ensure rabbits don't freely wonder onto your land.

As a rule, prior to implementing any rabbit pest control measures, rabbit infestations will require a detailed assessment - this may require several combined rabbit pest control methods being used in an overall rabbit pest control strategy.

For gardeners, swapping to plants that are less attractive to rabbits might also be considered as an effective rabbit garden pest control method. For example, planting Arum Lilies, Cactus, Red Hot Pokers, Iris, Daffodils, Bottle Brush, Heather, Marigolds, Lupins, Agapanthus, Aloe, Lavender, Jasmine, Black Eyed Susans, Freesias, Foxgloves, Oleander, Rosemary and Sage may all assist with rabbit control in gardens.

Fill in our enquiry form for a free pest control for rabbits assessment or call now on 01732 373 017.